Joel Proksch
Flower Mound
Had the coronavirus pandemic not put a stop to their season, the Southlake Carroll baseball team would likely have won their third state championship in as many years. Though their dominance was put on pause, the season is nearly here, and the Dragons have the opportunity to defend their state championship title.
Season Preview
The Southlake Carroll baseball team will kick off their season in style — playing in the High School Baseball Showcase at Globe Life Field Feb. 25-27. Over the course of the three days, Dragon Baseball will take on IMG Academy, Flower Mound, Marcus, Heath and Prosper.
Following the HS Baseball Showcase, Southlake Carroll will work toward a three-peat. Currently ranked No. 7 in the 6A division according to TXHighSchoolBaseball.com, the team is set to take on Flower Mound and Highland Park in tournaments before games against teams like Byron Nelson, Keller and Rockwall get underway.
During their 2018 and 2019 seasons, the Dragons went 22-0 in the playoffs, showing off their baseball talent and athleticism. This season they’ll work to do it again.
Ones To Watch
Griffin Herring, LHP
Leading the Dragons this season is junior Griffin Herring, a left-handed pitcher committed to Louisiana State University. Herring is named a top returning player by PrepBaseballReport.com, is among the 50 6A players to watch according to TXHighSchoolBaseball.com and is on 'The Dallas Morning News’’ preseason all-area first team — which notes he had 26 strikeouts in just over 13 innings pitched.
Ryan Pehrson, RHP
Southlake Carroll has great depth when it comes to pitching and Ryan Pehrson, a senior right-handed pitcher, is among those to keep an eye on. A Wharton Junior College commit, Pehrson joins Herring on TXHighSchoolBaseball.com’s list of 50 6A players to watch.
Gunnar Krug, 3B/SS
A returning starter, senior Gunnar Krug has a .321 batting average with 16 runs batted in and 11 stolen bases, according to TXHighSchoolBaseball.com. His varsity experience coupled with his athleticism and talent will make him a key part of the Dragons’ 2021 season.