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Tomball Sr. IF/RHP CJ Sampson (Texas A&M signee)
BETWEEN THE LINES: Tomball Phenom Sampson Owns His Legacy and Acclaim
When it comes to high school baseball in Texas, few players can command attention both on the mound and in the field like CJ Sampson. Making a lasting mark on a reputable brand such as Tomball is no small feat—but for the recent Texas A&M signee, it has become almost second nature.
Best known for his work from the rubber, Sampson went 12-2 with a microscopic 0.93 ERA last spring while also posting a disciplined .330 batting average—a rare combination that earned him first-team all-district and THSBCA All-State First-Team honors. Over the summer, he further showcased his elite pedigree by helping the USA U-18 National Team capture the WBSC World Cup in Okinawa, Japan, solidifying his status as one of the nation’s top prospects.
The Cougars themselves have become a force to be reckoned with. Tomball went 34-7-1 in 2025, peaking with a trip to Dell Diamond for the program’s second consecutive UIL State Final appearance. That said, the quest for successive championships ended in a narrow 5-4 loss to Kingwood—a heartbreak that only seemed to reinforce Sampson’s competitive edge.
“Obviously we didn’t achieve what we thought was the expectation – which is to win another championship,” Sampson said. “But even after losing a few guys over the offseason, this team is very junior-heavy and experienced, which gives us a lot of confidence. I’m just excited to see what they can do.”

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Sampson’s impact extends beyond statistics. Having been coached and trained from a young age by his father, former Houston Astros pitcher Chris Sampson, he has developed a baseball IQ and poise rare for his age.
“He’s been a tremendous influence on me, both on and off the field,” Sampson said. “The most important thing has been the knowledge he’s shared—especially how to compose myself and the kind of character that works best with teammates, coaches, and scouts.”
Leadership is another hallmark of Sampson’s game. With a roster featuring a mix of juniors and underclassmen, he has fully embraced his position as a mentor.
“We were freshmen on varsity, so there’s plenty of familiarity regarding the culture here at Tomball High School. From there, it’s just about being able to step up in that leadership role for them and teach them the way. I’ve been there, done that, so it’s at this point where I can really get rolling and pass it on,” he said.

Even with the spotlight on him as a high-profile recruit, Sampson remains grounded.
“Ever since I was young I’ve been trained to keep the outside distractions where they are and just focus between the lines,” he said. “People are going to have their opinions, so you just have to stay in your lane and within yourself. Especially with this being my senior year, doubters are going to question our ability to reach State again, and we’re going to prove them wrong.”
From Tomball to Texas A&M, and now on the cusp of another prospective run toward Round Rock, Sampson’s journey stands as a masterclass in where aptitude meets discipline.
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From Seventh to the Summit: Cy-Creek’s Stunning Rise Sets the Stage for a Playoff Push
One year can change everything in high school basketball, and no team embodies that truth more than Cypress Creek.
After finishing last season with just three district wins and a seventh-place standing, Cy-Creek flipped the script in dramatic fashion this year. The Cougars went a perfect 14–0 in district play, capturing the district championship and reestablishing themselves as one of the area’s most dangerous teams heading into the postseason.
The turnaround was fueled by leadership, resilience, and timely additions. Cy-Creek leaned heavily on a senior-led core that set the standard from the opening tip. Alissa Bryant, a Blinn College commit, made an immediate impact after transferring in, providing scoring, toughness, and a steady presence on both ends of the floor. Fellow senior Aubrey Hampton, a 6-foot-3 Georgia State commit, returned healthy after missing last season due to injury and gave the Cougars a dominant inside force they simply didn’t have a year ago. Mariyah Dickson rounded out the senior leadership, offering experience and consistency after battling injuries last season.
Alongside the seniors, sophomore Kaycie Hanks emerged as a key contributor. After missing time last year with minor injuries, a healthy Hanks added energy, confidence, and playmaking ability, proving she could thrive on a big stage despite her age.
Cy-Creek has been here before. The program’s last deep playoff run came during the 2020–2021 season, when the Cougars reached the state tournament behind University of Texas standout Rori Harmon. That season became the benchmark—and now, the question is whether this year’s group can rise to meet it.
Early results suggest they’re ready. Cy-Creek opened the season with statement wins over Klein Collins and C.E. King, showing they can compete—and win—against tough, physical competition outside of district play.
Now, with an undefeated district title in hand and momentum on their side, Cy-Creek enters the playoffs with something to prove—and everything to gain. The climb from seventh place to district champions is already complete. Whether this team can take the next step and make another memorable postseason run is the story still waiting to be written.

































