Gonzales, Miller, Rhodes garner All-State honors

July 14, 2009

   

PEARLAND — Pearland had their greatest season in 25 years and there were three players who were recently honored for their outstanding season by the Texas Sports Writers Association.

Josh Gonzales was named to the TSWA second-team at second base. Kevin Miller was named third-team at shortstop and Matt Rhodes was named third-team as a pitcher.

Gonzales signed with Houston Baptist University and proved to be one of Pearland's power hitters -- especially at the end of the regular season and throughout the post-season. Gonzales was the team's leading hitter with a .438 batting average. He had 10 doubles, three triples, eight home runs, and 45 RBIs.

Miller was one of the more versatile players with a .431 batting average including 12 doubles, one triple, and five home runs. Miller signed to play football and baseball for Sam Houston State. He was also effective on the mound with 39.67 innings pitched and a 4-2 record and two saves. He posted a stingy 1.59 ERA while striking out 42.

Matt Rhodes will return for his senior season in 2010 after pitching 73 innings and a 10-3 mark including a salty 1.15 ERA with a team-high 51 strikeouts. Rhodes will also be on the 2009 PHS football squad.

Drew DeKerlegand was an All-State honorable mention after hitting .394 with a team-high 15 doubles, one triple, four home runs, and 43 RBIs.

The TSWA is one of the top All-State teams as these writers are the ones who actually cover high school baseball. The entire All-State list can be found at

www.txswa.org for all five classes.

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