OMARI ISSA
DISTRICT 19-4A

COACH OF THE YEAR 2007 (19-4A)

10-8 RECORD

DISTRICT RUNNER-UP

FIRST PLAYOFF BERTH IN OVER 20+ YEARS

FIRST WINNING SEASON IN OVER 10+ YEARS

BASEBALL PLAYOFF PREVIEW / Falcons fly to new heights / With playoff berth now in hand, Jones ready to take next step and win

By JEFF JENKINS, HOUSTON CHRONICLE CORRESPONDENT
JONES might be the most-improved baseball team in the Greater Houston area this season.
The Falcons, who were winless in coach Omari Issa's first season in 2004, now find themselves in the postseason for the first time since the mid-1980s.
Jones blanked Worthing 10-0 last week to run its record to 8-5 overall and 7-2 in District 19-4A. The Falcons are currently in second place in the league standings.
"We've really come together as a team," said Issa, now in his fourth year at Jones. "We've made strides in every phase of the game."
No player is a better example than junior pitcher/shortstop Sedrick Mercer, who has put up all-district numbers. Mercer is hitting .385 and has driven in more than 20 runs to power the offensive attack. He also is 2-2 on the mound with a deceptive 4.50 earned run average.
"Sedrick is our best all-around player and top hitter," Issa said. "His pitching statistics are misleading. He's faced tough competition, but he's thrown the ball well."
Senior first baseman Fred Roberson has solid numbers, sporting a .333 average.
"Fred's been on the team the last three years," Issa said. "He's grown tremendously as a player, especially defensively. He's made major strides."
Senior catcher Rico Wilson, who transferred from New Orleans two years ago, has come into his own. Wilson (.313) has developed into a productive hitter and has been consistent behind the plate.
"Rico has given us an emotional lift," Issa said.
Junior Josh Butler, another move-in from New Orleans, also has been effective. Butler has been a starting pitcher (2-1, 3.50 ERA). He also has split time with Mercer at shortstop and played catcher and first base for the Falcons.
"Josh is our most versatile player," Issa said. "He's taken his game to the next level."
Junior left fielder Gary Marshall and junior second baseman C.J. Vital have had their moments. Youngsters like freshman pitcher/right fielder Daniel Jimenez (3-0 on the mound, .345 average) and sophomore third baseman Joseph Bloom have emerged as everyday starters.
Sophomore left fielder Oscar Webb, a talented runner on the track and field team, is a speedster in the outfield. He's joined by freshman Keldrick Wesley and sophomore Manuel Salinas in right field.
Issa said Jones' team extends beyond the Falcons' players. He credited statistician Maria Hinojosa and equipment manager Gerian Brown for their contributions Just as importantly, Issa noted former players like Israel Chandler, Derrick Ford, Albert Harmason and Wayne Tillman, who stuck it out when times were tough.
"Those guys laid the foundation for the program," Issa said. "We almost didn't have enough players to field a team a few years ago. But they didn't quit. They kept the program going."
That's made this season's success so gratifying.
"Nobody expected much from us," Issa said. "It feels great to be in the playoffs and prove everybody wrong."
JONES REPORT
Season to remember: With last week's 10-0 win over Worthing, Jones improved to 8-5 overall and 7-2 in District 19-4A. The Falcons have already clinched their first playoff appearance since the mid-1980s.
Player to watch: Junior pitcher/shortstop Sedrick Mercer leads a much-improved Jones attack. Mercer is hitting .385 and has won several games on the mound.

Jones Falcons baseball Roster

Jones Falcons baseball - Batting

Jones Falcons baseball - Home runs

Jones Falcons baseball - Runs Batted In

Jones Falcons baseball - Stolen Bases

Jones Falcons baseball - Pitching

Jones Falcons baseball - Win - Loss

Jones Falcons baseball - Strike Outs

         Sharon Robinson visits Jones'  Baseball Team