Just in case there were any questions, though, Walker has gone out the last two Friday nights and pitched 13 hitless innings, earning back-to-back no-hit victories over Klein Forest and area-ranked Klein Collins. In those two games, Walker pitched 13 innings (victory over Forest was via run-rule after six innings), striking out 26, meaning of the 39 outs recorded in the two contests, two-thirds were by the K. For his efforts, Kyle Walker has earned The Courier's Athlete of the Week honor.

"I was just going out both games trying to get ground ball outs," said Walker via cell phone while attending Wednesday night's Texas-Rice baseball game before a sellout crowd at Reckling Park in Houston. "I wasn't focused on striking everyone out. I hit my spots and kept the hitters off-balance. When I came out with no hits, it was a nice thing."

First, against Collins, Walker and the No. 1 state-ranked and No. 4 nationally ranked Highlanders were facing a Tiger squad looking to unseat TWHS as district champions.

"It was a big game," said Walker. "It was hyped up. The seventh inning came real fast. I just went out there and got the final three outs. I was real excited. I never thought it would happen twice."

Last Friday it did, with Walker and the Highlanders dominating Forest.

"Klein Collins is one of the best teams in the area," said TWHS head coach Ron Eastman. "That's a pretty impressive performance by him. Klein Forest is a competitive team. Anytime you no-hit a 5A team in the Houston area, that's pretty impressive, no matter who it's against.

"It was really enjoyable to be a part of it. He deserves it. He's worked hard."

Walker tipped his cap to the Highlander defense.

"We're averaging less than an error a game," he said. "They play real good defense. It helps the pitcher when you know they'll make the plays behind you."

Walker will step on the hill again Saturday at Scotland Yard against the rival Conroe Tigers.

"Conroe is starting to hit the ball a lot better," said Walker. "I'll be going out with the same focus as the previous starts. I'll try to get ground ball outs and keep our team in it to give us a chance to win. I'm not going out there trying to throw another no-hitter."

Eastman said he's enjoyed watching the progression of Walker, who with Kyle Drabek give the Highlanders one of the best pitching punches in the country.

"He's worked real hard in the offseason to become the type of pitcher we needed him to become," said Eastman. "He's really rounded into form since district started. He has all his stuff working.

"And he's an outstanding young man. He's drawn a lot of attention being a preseason all-greater Houston selection. He hasn't let that go to his head."

Walker has high hopes for the Highlanders, who are 21-2 overall and 9-1 in district, this season.

"This year we had some inexperienced players," he said. "We had some holes to fill and we've improved each game. It's been great to watch the team grow.

"If we play our game and stay focused and work on the little things and don't get big heads, hopefully we can bring home the state championship this year," he said. "That's our goal and it's realistic."

Walker enjoyed watching his future team, No. 1 nationally ranked the University of Texas, beat No. 15 Rice on Wednesday night.

"Watching college baseball, it's a whole new level, especially at Division One," said Walker. "The fact that I'll get the opportunity to go there is a dream of mine. Texas has such a great tradition. It's going to be real fun."