AMERICAN SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE BASEBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Games: February 2 - February 8, 2026
 
HITTER OF THE WEEK – Justin Blancaflor, OF, Jr., Hardin-Simmons
Hardin-Simmons OF Justin Blancaflor has been named the Week 1 American Southwest Conference Hitter of the Week after an impressive batting week. Blancaflor helped the Cowboys go 2-1 in their opening weekend of competition against St. Thomas. Over the three games, Blancaflor posted a .545 batting average, going 6-for-11 at the plate. The junior outfielder totaled six hits, scored six runs, and drove in five runs while drawing two walks. Blancaflor's production included two doubles, one triple, and one home run, posting a 1.182 slugging percentage and .643 on-base percentage. Blancaflor was a consistent threat for HSU over the weekend with significant defensive and offensive performances.
 
PITCHER OF THE WEEK – Jack Kimsey, P, So., Hardin-Simmons
Jack Kimsey of Hardin-Simmons has been selected as Pitcher of the Week following opening weekend for the Cowboys. Kimsey posted a perfect 0.00 ERA while earning the victory in his lone start of the week, pitching 6.2 innings and striking out six batters. Kimsey held opponents to a .231 batting average, allowing only six hits and two runs. In a 9-7 Hardin-Simmons victory, Kimsey fueled HSU and earned the win, tying his career high for strikeouts.
  OTHER OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES

HITTERS
 
Jace MacKenzie of Howard Payne, posted a .571 batting average, going 4-for-7 at the plate. Mackenzie recorded a .714 slugging percentage and .625 on-base percentage while contributing four hits, including one double, one run scored, and one RBI. He also drew one walk during the week.
 
Riley Bender, a 2025 First-Team All-ASC selection, had a solid showing for Mary Hardin-Baylor, posting a .444 batting average and going 4-for-9 with four hits and two runs scored. 

PITCHERS
 
Junior Luke Watkins of Howard Payne made one start during the week, pitching 3.2 innings. Watkins faced 16 batters and allowed five hits and three earned runs while recording one strikeout. Watkins posted a 7.36 earned run average for the week with opponents batting .313 against him.