Lake Creek 5-3 win solidifies District 21-5A lead

**Lake Creek Roars Past Magnolia West, Tightens Grip on District 21-5A Title**

**MONTGOMERY, TX – April 19, 2024** – Lake Creek High School asserted its dominance in District 21-5A baseball on Thursday, April 18, securing a pivotal 5-3 victory over Magnolia West at home. The win not only extended the Lions’ undefeated district streak but also significantly bolstered their position at the top of the standings, moving them closer to clinching the district championship.

The highly anticipated matchup pitted the district’s top two teams against each other in a series sweep opportunity for the Lions. Lake Creek, entering the game undefeated in district play, aimed to put a comfortable cushion between themselves and the second-place Mustangs. With the victory, Lake Creek improved to an impressive 6-0 in District 21-5A and 21-3 overall for the season. Magnolia West, meanwhile, dropped to 4-2 in district and 19-7 overall, now facing a two-game deficit with only four district games remaining.

The game lived up to its billing as a competitive showdown. Magnolia West drew first blood in the opening inning when Ethan Brimo delivered a crucial RBI single, giving the Mustangs an early lead. Lake Creek responded in the third inning, with Jace Arrieta launching a solo home run to tie the game 1-1, electrifying the home crowd. The Lions weren’t done, taking the lead later in the same inning on an RBI single by Lucas White. Arrieta continued his stellar performance, adding another RBI in the fourth inning to extend Lake Creek’s advantage.

Despite a late surge, Magnolia West couldn’t fully close the gap. The Mustangs managed to scratch across a run in the seventh inning with a sacrifice fly from Blake Brister, but it proved insufficient to overcome the Lions’ lead.

On the mound, Lake Creek utilized a strong pitching performance. Starter Marshall handled the early innings before giving way to reliever Caden Queck, who proved to be the difference-maker. Queck was stellar, earning the win by throwing four innings of zero-earned-run ball, punctuated by five strikeouts. Conner Fry then came in to close out the game, securing the save and sealing the crucial victory. For Magnolia West, Braden Hall, Caleb Wall, and Kade Janousek each saw action on the mound, battling against a potent Lake Creek lineup.

Lake Creek coach Jeremy Barfield lauded his team’s resilience, emphasizing the “grind” of district play. “Every district game is a fight, and our guys responded to the challenge tonight,” Barfield stated, highlighting the mental toughness required to maintain their unbeaten record.

Magnolia West coach James Dillard praised his team’s effort despite the loss. “Our guys fought hard until the very end, and that’s all you can ask for,” Dillard commented. He also acknowledged Lake Creek’s offensive prowess, noting, “They hit the ball well. We need to learn from this, move past it quickly, and refocus on our next game.”

The outcome leaves Lake Creek in a commanding position with a two-game cushion over Magnolia West. The Lions now control their destiny for the District 21-5A title. Both teams will now turn their attention to their upcoming matchups on Tuesday, April 23. Lake Creek is set to face New Caney, while Magnolia West will take on Porter as they continue their respective pushes through the remainder of the season, with playoff berths and district seeding still very much on the line.