Connor Phillips named Top Incoming JUCO Freshman; two other Highlanders named in top 100

McLennan baseball's Connor Phillips is the top-rated junior college freshman in the nation according to the Top 100 Incoming JUCO Freshmen list released by Perfect Game.

Phillips, a right-handed pitcher, was the district MVP and a second-team all-state selection at Magnolia West High School. He was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 35th round of the 2019 MLB Draft.

Patrick Norman and Alex Lopez were named 53rd and 89th, respectively. Norman, an infielder from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, recorded a .345 batting average with five home runs, 85 stolen bases and 97 RBIs at Central Magnet High School. He was a Perfect Game All-American, a Preseason Under Armour All-American and a four-time all-state selection. Lopez recorded a .422 batting average with five home runs, 43 RBIs and 16 stolen bases playing catcher and first base at Houston Lamar High School. He was a three-time first-team all-district selection and a first-team all-state selection.

The Highlanders will open the 2020 season with a three-game series against Midland at Bosque River Ballpark Jan. 31-Feb. 1.