Baseball: Lobos keeping focus at home

Longtime Langham Creek baseball coach Armando Sedeño doesn't like to discuss district favorites.

"That's always a tough question because we just don't talk about it," he said. "We try to focus on Langham Creek and what we can do for ourselves to make us better, and we feel like we can compete with anyone.

"Anytime you have 10 teams in one district and the talent has been scattered, it's not like a one-horse town, and with that many teams going for four playoff berths, you have to be lucky, too."

The Lobos didn't have a lot of luck a year ago going 11-17 overall and 4-13 in 13-5A, but they've turned it around with a 12-2 start this season that included a 2-1 beginning in district.

"Last year took its toll, but we've refocused, and sometimes a bump in the road is good for you," Sedeño said. "We were maybe overlooking some things after having some success, and sometimes, you just have to get down and coach.

"We're pleased with how things have gone this year, especially when we have only two everyday players back."

Senior shortstop and leadoff man Carter Magnum, and junior first baseman-pitcher Hayden Jones, who hits in the third hole, are Langham Creek's returning starters and leaders.

The two veterans were in a recent lineup with seniors Aaron Ballou (second base), Cameron Elliott (pitcher), John Hochner (right field), Will Arsola (left field) and Matt Richardson (catcher), and juniors Brandon Montalvo (designated hitter), Ryan Rand (center field) and Ben Taylor (third base).

Senior Logan Onda, Jones, Elliott, Montalvo, Taylor and junior Cameron McCartney also pitch for the Lobos, and a majority of starts have gone deep into games.

"Most of the starters go five, six or seven innings on a regular basis, and they've just gone out there and done the job all season," Sedeño said. "We have a pitching staff where everyone is contributing, and that's a reflection of the entire team."

Juniors Mitchell Orsak and John Erck are solid infielders, and when not pitching, Onda can be plugged in at third base, Elliott and Montalvo are used in the outfield, and Montalvo can catch.

After advancing to the playoffs in 2007 and 2008, the Lobos just missed in 2009 after falling in a 13-5A fourth-place playoff.

"You can only take care of your own business, and the first step is to get in the playoffs," Sedeño said. "We want to secure a playoff berth and not have to depend on anything or anyone else."

Langham Creek beat Cy Lakes 5-1 and Cy Creek 10-2 in its first district outings before falling to Cy-Fair 7-5 last week.

The Lobos host Cy Falls at 7 p.m. Friday, March 25, play at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at Cy Ranch, and entertain Cy Ridge at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 29 for three district games in five days.