Nothing was going to stop Cole Koeninger from playing in the state championship game.
The Tennessee pledge and MLB prospect had been the team’s go-to big-game pitcher, ace shortstop and best hitter.
But, even hurt, he could still pitch. He had one more start left in him in Keller’s blue uniform.
“I tried to take a couple swings pregame,” Koeninger said. “I just couldn’t get it to happen, so it was a little tough. But I’m glad these guys got it done.”
The Dallas Morning News all-area player of the year nearly went the distance in the team’s first state title win and his final high school game, with eight strikeouts before hitting his 110-pitch limit. He allowed just two hits in Keller’s 2-1 win over Lake Travis. His high school career ended the way he always was — dominant in the biggest moments.
“He’s a gamer,” head coach Rob Stramp said. “He’s confident, and he’s the guy you want on the mound in that situation. I thought he did great. He battled back from three-ball counts, he’s just a warrior, and he sets the tone. I’m really proud of him.”
Although he’s committed to Tennessee, the multi-tooled talent could hear his name called in the 2026 MLB Draft, which starts July 11.
ESPN has Koeninger listed as a top 90 prospect near other area high school players such as Flower Mound’s Cooper Harris and Prestonwood Christian’s Savion Sims. Koeninger will make his post-high school baseball decision based on what happens in the draft.
As a senior, Koeninger hit .432 with nine home runs. He finished with an ERA of 1.14 and 130 strikeouts to only 23 walks. And to top it off, at shortstop he only committed three errors all season long.
“He deserves it more than anyone,” Koeninger said. “He’s been here so long and just been so close to finally get it for him, it’s really, really special.
“We’ve had some amazing teams that have just not quite gotten over the edge, and to be the team that does it with this special group of guys, it’s nothing short of something that’s going to be very special.”