Lone Star High is rolling along in the Class 5A baseball playoffs with senior pitcher Ryan Bogusz in the driver’s seat.
Head coach Joey Franke was not hesitant to describe the 6-foot-2, 175-pound hurler as a “dream kid” on the diamond and in the classroom.
“He’s a straight A student, a quiet leader on the field,” Franke told the Texas Scorecard. “The kind of kid that – if you’re not doing what you’re supposed to be do – he can just look at you and give you the ‘angry grandma look,’ and you know you better get back in line.”
A four-year letterman who signed a letter of intent to take the mound for Oklahoma State University some 250 miles away, Bogusz helped the Rangers earn the distinction of having been one of only two Frisco Independent School District teams ranked in the state. His senior season was a huge improvement from a 17-win campaign his junior year that ended in an appearance in the bi-district round.
“He makes everyone around him a whole lot better,” said Franke.
Lone Star’s mastery of Woodrow Wilson High in area play last week was not without some eye-popping feats from Bogusz, who was scouted by the Toronto Blue Jays. Bogusz recorded a no-hitter and hit for the cycle in a resounding 8-0 victory over the Wildcats.
As of this writing, the Rangers are preparing to take on Lovejoy High in the regional quarterfinals.
The right-hander may be all business when facing opposing batters, but he exudes a relaxed, fun-loving air off the field.
“Very likable kid, he’s got tons of friends,” said Franke. “Very jovial and likes to have a good time.”
According to the eighth-year coach, Bogusz chose OSU because it “felt like home to him.”
“He’s going to do great at Oklahoma State,” he said. “I can’t wait to turn on the TV on a Saturday and see him competing at the D-1 level. I think it’s going to be awesome.”
