The #8 Celina Bobcats baseball team is built on a foundation of Love, Humility and Excellence. Celina coaches and players shared that during an interview with Texas News Sports this week. Celina is preparing for the state 4A DI regional final series against the #2 Pleasant Grove Hawks.
Celina senior right handed pitcher Carson Hurley said that love means showing love to your teammates. Hurley said that Humility is being respectful and humble. He said the Excellence means driving to be your best and getting better each day.
Celina has gotten better each day
Celina (27-9-2) has surged late and are playing their best baseball right now. The Bobcats will need to get even better because they will be playing Pleasant Grove (34-4). Many believe that the Hawks are the favorite to win the state title in 4A DI this year, 5 years after their last state championship in 2021.
Celina head baseball coach Troy Mccartney is happy with all phases of his Bobcats game going into the regional final.
“Our bats have really come along and they’ve gotten hot the past couple of weeks at the right time,” Coach Mccartney said. “We’re hopping to keep those things rolling.”
The Bobcats have a lot of power in their bats. Celina batters have a total of 19 home runs so far this season.
Coach Mccartney said that his pitchers are doing a tremendous job.
“They (Celina pitchers) are not giving away a lot of stuff.”
Celina is also playing great defense right now.
“Our defense is doing a phenomenal job making routine plays,” Coach Mccartney said.
Celina Bobcat senior pitcher Carson Hurley is one of the leaders of the 2026 Bobcat team. Hurley who has committed to play college ball at Midland college said the key to his success is his ability to pitch.
“I can throw 3 different pitches for strikes in any given count,” Hurley said. “I know where to put each pitch. I have great command with all 3 pitches and it makes it tough for hitters.”
Game 1 of the Celina versus Pleasant Grove series will be Wednesday May 20th at 7 p.m. in Texarkana. Game 2 will be Thursday May 21st at 7 p.m. in Celina and game 3 if necessary will be played Saturday at 2 p.m. at Caddo Mills.
The winner of the series between Celina and PG will advance to the state semifinal versus the winner of Mineral Wells vs Canyon West Plains series.