Photos By Andy Tolbert
True
Jack Yates is back.
Under the leadership of Coach James Lewis, the Lions are building on an impressive 11-1 season that included an undefeated run through district play. But as spring football unfolds, one word is driving this team: Finish.
Last year, Yates saw its playoff run end early after running out of steam in the second round. This season, the mission is clear — go further.
The program is also seeing strong alignment from top to bottom, led by principal Stephanie Square, a proud Yates alum and former four-sport athlete. That unity is helping restore a powerful sense of pride throughout the school.
With former Lions returning to pour into the next generation and give back to the Third Ward, the energy around Yates is undeniable.
VYPE stopped by for a Spring Tour visit — and the message is loud and clear: the Lions are hungry for more.
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Everyone loves an underdog story, and the softball field rarely disappoints. Last year, it was Clear Springs—not only upsetting the heavily favored Katy Tigers in the third round of the playoffs, but ultimately advancing to the 6A Division 1 state title game.
This spring, however, an equally remarkable feat has taken shape, as Cypress Ridge has surged onto the H-Town scene. Head coach Paige Hasselbring and company set a program milestone in April, punching their first-ever ticket to the UIL postseason.
Following a second-place finish in District 17-6A, the Lady Rams have kept the momentum rolling—sweeping Lamar in the opening round before edging Fulshear, 7-6, in a decisive Game 3 this past Saturday to claim the Area crown.
Now, Cy Ridge (18-10) aims to keep the magic alive, facing Pearland (32-5) in a pivotal best-of-three series in this week’s 6A Division 1 Regional Semifinals.

Leading the charge is reigning 17-6A Offensive MVP Ariel Arambula, a Texas Tech signee and the most dangerous bat in Hasselbring’s lineup. The senior is hitting just over .600, totaling 49 RBIs and a monstrous 15 home runs.
Arambula has also proven capable in the circle when needed, posting a solid 3.18 ERA across 14 appearances.
The ace distinction, somewhat surprisingly, belongs to a freshman. Right-hander Kayla Ortega is in the midst of an impressive debut, posting a 2.24 ERA with 158 strikeouts while also batting for .400 with 24 RBIs.
The lineup is further bolstered by Brianna Morales (Fr. 3B/C), Analia Hinojosa (Jr. 1B), Priscilla Garza (So. SS), Rose Ramos (So. C), and senior outfielder and captain Kaitlyn McIntyre.
Cypress Ridge will open its series against Pearland on Wednesday, with Game 2 set for Thursday and Game 3 (if necessary) on Friday. Each contest is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Cypress Falls High School.

Kae Walker has been named the athletic director for the historic Galena Park ISD—home to powerhouses North Shore and Galena Park High Schools.
In true GPISD fashion, Walker is an internal hire, having learned the ropes from legendary figures such as Vivian Dancy, Ed Warkin, David Aymond, Jon Kay, Willie Gaston and superintendent Dr. John Moore.
Walker steps into the role during a transformative time for the district, with a major remodeling project underway at Galena Park High School and a brand-new North Shore athletic facility on the horizon.
VYPE’s Matt Malatesta caught up with Walker as he takes over in GPISD and looks to seamlessly lead the district into the future.
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