RISING TO THE CHALLENGE: Summer Creek's Simpson personifies the relentless drive of defending State Champs
01 Dec, 2025
Summer Creek Sr. G Kennedy Simpson (Tulane-signee)
Matt Powell (VYPE)
Resilience and tenacity defined last season for Summer Creek, who stage one of the most remarkable comebacks in UIL history.
Down 39-21 with under three minutes left in the third quarter of the 6A-D1 State Championship, the Lady Bulldogs rallied to a 52-49 victory over Cedar Hill, with Kennedy Simpson serving as the catalyst for the turnaround.
Simpson’s 21-point performance in the title game earned her State MVP honors, complementing her District 23-6A MVP recognition. Now a senior, the guard officially announced her commitment to Tulane University in early September, and recently signed as she prepares to take her game to the next level.

The championship marked the culmination of a 29-11 season and the program’s first-ever state title. But what exactly makes Summer Creek such a consistent force in Texas?
“It starts with our work ethic and mindset,” Simpson said. “We don’t give up and that showed at last year’s championship. With all the work we put in and dedication to each other and this game – we weren’t gonna be denied. The same applies to this year. We put in too much to expect anything less.”
It was also a milestone debut for head coach Kiara Marshall, who guided Summer Creek to history in her first year at the helm.

“She (Coach Marshall) wanted it just as much as we did, if not more,” Simpson said. “Since there’s usually a lot of attention that comes with this team, she had something to prove too. So, there was definitely a level of trust and respect that we exchanged. But, at the end of the day, she lets us do what we do best.”
Simpson has also embraced her role with open arms.
“I’ve learned to find new ways to be a leader over the years,” she said. “Before, I was usually on the younger side. Now, I’m one of the oldest on the team – people look to me to stand up and be vocal in situations. It’s been an adjustment, but I know what I’m capable of and it’s still my turn to be a mentor for the younger girls.”
Her adaptability and composure have become staples of Summer Creek’s identity, especially during high-stakes moments like last year’s title run.

Looking ahead, the Lady Bulldogs aim to return to the State Tournament for the fifth time overall, and as many times dating back to 2019.
Before making the transition to New Orleans upon graduation, Simpson still has one more response to make with Summer Creek—a chance to build on last year’s historic triumph and solidify her standing among the school’s all-time elite.
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YEAR ONE: New Klein HC Gatson should only strengthen the culture of 24th-ranked Bearkats
01 Dec, 2025
The stars of 2025-26 Klein High Basketball
Isaiah Vela (VYPE)
No. 24 -- KLEIN BEARKATS
The Bearkats didn’t have to look far for their next head coach. Former Klein Forest assistant Darius Gatson steps in following the retirement of tenured director Glenn Arnold. Collectively, Klein (19-15 in 2025) will have a solid foundation to build upon, thanks in large part to the team’s District 15-6A championship and ensuing playoff berth.
Anchoring the team’s vast array of returning talent is senior guard Jaydon Smith, a 6-foot-4 sharpshooter and the defending 15-6A Co-MVP. Supporting him are fellow seniors Nick Schatz – a first-team, all-district guard – and Jaxon Hernandez, who earned second-team, all-district honors.
Furthermore, senior combo guard Daryus Tasby also joins the roster after transferring from Mayde Creek, where he was a second-team, all-district selection.
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The stars of 2025-26 Iowa Colony Basketball
Matt Powell (VYPE)
No. 25 -- IOWA COLONY PIONEERS
Entering his second season at the helm, former Pasadena Memorial coach Trent Olivier aims to elevate the Pioneers after a respectable 23-12 campaign.
One of the youngest varsity programs on Houston’s southside, Iowa Colony finished second in District 20-5A last winter but suffered an early playoff exit at the hands of Port Arthur Memorial—an outcome the team is determined to reverse, hoping to recapture the same momentum they felt when advancing five rounds deep the year prior.
IC will field a veteran-heavy rotation, led by point guard Chase Wiley and forward Jaylen Brown, both all-district honorable mentions. Meanwhile, Bryson Baxter (Sr. F) and Jermaine Thomas (Sr. G) are poised for expanded roles, adding depth and versatility.
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