The George Bush Broncos upsets the Ridge Point Panthers 63-54!
Check out some amazing photos by VYPE U Ambassador Lorin Cook
The George Bush Broncos upsets the Ridge Point Panthers 63-54!
Check out some amazing photos by VYPE U Ambassador Lorin Cook
ALIEF TAYLOR'S PIERRE YAMBA HAS THE PRESENCE OF A TRUE GAME-WRECKER.
Given his impressive stature and speed, it’s clear the Lions’ senior was meant to be on defense.
“Defense is fast and physical,” said Yamba. “You get to hit a lot, which really appeals to me. I like the physical nature of that side of the ball.”
It might come as a surprise that the edge rusher only recently started to put on the pads.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I really started playing football competitively during my freshman year,” he said. “It was during COVID, so I couldn’t really have a full season. I had already bonded with most of my teammates at that point, so the chemistry was already there for me. Plus, I couldn’t ask for better coaching, which has helped to develop my game and love the sport.”
Now that he’s entering his senior year, he will take up an undisputed leadership role on the Alief Taylor roster.
“It’s great to take up a leadership position because you’re helping out your teammates that way,” Yamba said. “If they need help with anything, they know that they can come to you. I can assist them with the playbook or help them to understand something on the field.”
After making an appearance in the Bi-District round last Fall, Yamba and the rest of the Taylor squad have high expectations in the coming months.
“I’m aiming to be the Defensive Player of the Year and potentially MVP,” he said. “As a team, we’re hoping to make it past the first round to show everyone who has doubted us that we are for real. If you’ve got a hardworking group, anything can happen.”
2023-24 Alief Taylor FootballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
They’ll certainly have their work cut out for them, considering they compete in a district that features the likes of Shadow Creek, Pearland, and Dawson, among others.
“I love competition,” said Yamba. “Every game you have the opportunity to go up against a new challenge. It only makes you better.”
Under the direction of coach Shawn Gray and some experienced teammates, the Lions should expect to make the playoffs. Yamba hopes to leave something behind in the process, while following his aspirations of playing at the next level.
“I definitely want to ball out my senior year,” Yamba said. “Individually, I hope to pick up some offers along the way and play in college. Something that’s also important to me is how I’m remembered. I want to be known as a likable person who’s worked hard and someone you can look up to.”
LEGENDARY BASKETBALL PLAYER DENNIS RODMAN WAS FAMOUSLY NAMED “THE WORM”.
Hastings volleyball star Dani Udegbunam is… “Noodle”, for many of the same reasons.
“Dani is such a raw athlete,” coach Sharonda Marshall said. “I had to push her when I first got here because her body was just… all over the place. That’s when she got the nickname. She’s stiffened up a lot and has so much poise on the court. She can touch 10-feet, 4-inches and is so aggressive on the front row. It’s scary.”
She might be scary on the court, but off the court she’s a puppy.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I’m completely obsessed with animals, especially my dog Ace,” she laughed. “If he is happy, I’m happy. If he’s sad, I’m sad. I hate to leave him when I have to go on Club (AVA) volleyball trips. I just miss him. He’s made me want to go to school for animal science and work in that field someday.”
For now, Noodle is putting in work to change the culture of Hastings volleyball, along with her teammates.
“I’ve grown to love the sort of volleyball through my coaches and teammates,” she said. “Before I leave here, I want to lead my team to the playoffs and beat all of our rivals. We have a really close bond as a team, and I like to be the funny one on the team. It’s important that people are comfortable around me and I try and give off a friendly vibe.”
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Udegbunam is a straight-A student and is equally as competitive in the classroom.
“That’s just my nature,” she laughed. “I’ll have a test in class, and I’ll be asking everyone what their grade was. I want to get a better score, every time. It pushes me.”
Some of the stars of 2023-24 Hastings VolleyballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
With volleyball and school taking up most of her time, what does Noodle do when she has a free moment?
“I love Marvel movies and right now I’m obsessed with Love Island UK on Hulu,” she said. “Like obsessed.”
Being relatively new to the game of volleyball, having just started playing Club ball, Udegbunam is not burned out on the sport. She also has tremendous upside as her body matures and her volleyball IQ becomes sharper. She has aspirations of playing college volleyball, but either way, she will be off to a university next Fall.
“When she puts it all together, she could be a college athlete,” Marshall said. “If not, she’s gonna be a heck of a vet.”
That’s her Ace in the hole.
Athletic trainers get overlooked inside a school’s ecosystem, but they are some of the most dedicated students who walk the halls.
Trainers hold an irreplaceable value to the athletics departments, given the dedication so many individuals put forth to ensure the health of the players.
This is something that Fort Bend Bush’s Streetie Virgin recognized after completing his first year in the training program.
As he heads into his sophomore year, VYPE spoke with Virgin to understand what it’s like behind the scenes.
Here is the 411.
...
VYPE: What got you into athletic training?
VIRGIN: Honestly, I always liked sports and really enjoyed playing them. It’s always been my intention to be somewhere in the medical profession, so I put both my interests together this way. Plus, my sister did it before me, which was another reason for me to pursue a future in athletic training.
VYPE: You have a little more time left in high school, so what’s been your impression of Fort Bend Bush and the training program so far?
VIRGIN: I can say that it’s definitely different from what I’ve seen at other programs. It’s more hands-on and we have more responsibilities. I feel like we do a lot for the athletics department.
VYPE: What do you like to do outside of school?
VIRGIN: I really like to bake. It’s been a hobby of mine since I would watch those little-kid baking shows. I would have to really watch my limits because I could not do what they were doing. Every once in a while, I’ll bake some stuff and bring it to the trainers and let them try it. I realize that I still need to be aware of my limitations, but overall, it’s really fun to do.
VYPE: Interesting. What would your go-to recipe be?
VIRGIN: Probably my red velvet cookies. I make them all the time.
VYPE: What does it take to be an athletic trainer?
VIRGIN: You have to be committed, since you’re involved in so many games. Even when you’re at the games, it’s not like you’re sitting there cheering them on. You have to be prepared for when someone gets hurt. It takes a lot of dedication with all the practices, games and events we take part in. The upside is that we get to take part in the memories made on the field, so that’s what keeps me here.
VYPE: Sometimes your role can be overlooked. With that in mind, what would you say to the people that might not see the value in athletic training?
VIRGIN: I’d tell them to spend a day in our shoes. I understand why some people might not think twice about us, but at the end of the day you’ll likely need our help at some point when it really matters, if you’re an athlete.
Join the #VYPETEAM
Get up to date news from all over the country!