Courtland Maris named 52nd Highlands Little League Queen

Newly crowned Highlands Little League Queen Courtland Maris waves to the crowd during Saturday’s Opening Day Parade.

By BOBBY HORN JR.
HIGHLANDS—Play Ball Highlands. The Highlands Little League kicked off their 52nd season this past weekend.
This year the festivities began in Baytown as the Cedar Bayou Junior School was the site of the Highlands Little League Pageant. The pageant began with an opening number choreographed by Sterling Stars Lauren DeLuca and Bethany Roberts. Master of Ceremonies for the pageant was a man whom Highlands will become familiar with in the coming months, Goose Creek Memorial High School Principal Al Richard. He was assisted by Miss highlands Kayla Neathery.
The main portion of the pageant was an optional talent contest. This years winners were: Peewee Division, Cassandra Weber, 1st; Summer Miller, 2nd and Skyla Hernandez, 3rd. In the Junior Division, winners were: Schyler Stockwell, 1st; Jaclyn Holloway, 2nd and Lauren Hendricks, 3rd. In the Senior Division, Diana Singer, 1st; Savannah Pogue, 2nd and Claire Collins, 3rd.

Earlier this year the Little League held a Fun Day and Home Run Derby. Equipment manager Mickey Masterson announced the winners at the pageant. Winners were T-Ball 5 and 6 year olds: Landon Stockwell, John Henry Chapa, Brayden Murph and Blake Owens tied for first place.
In the 7 and 8 year olds, Ty Cook won first followed by Trey Anzaldua and Israel Martinez tying for second place. Juan Rubio won the 9 and 10 year olds, followed by Michael Sims and Lawrence Baggerly tied for second. In the 11 and 12 year olds Tyler Masterson won first, followed by Blake Sanders and Chase Ball.
Each year the teams also compete in fundraising with the top team winning the queen crown. The Major Indians were the top fundraiser with $12,236. However league rules state that a queen can not serve twice so Singer, who was queen in 2003 was given first runner-up. Courtland Maris’ Minor II Yankees raised $5,879, earning her the crown. The second runner-up was Holloway who team, the Major Cardinals, raised $4.063.
The festivities continued on Saturday with a parade which not only included Little league team floats but the Highlands Volunteer Fire Department and Highlands Sports Association softball teams.