THE CONTENDERS: Ridge Point Panthers

VYPE 2022 Volleyball Preview - THE CONTENDERS: Ridge Point Panthers

Aug 08, 2022

Ridge Point has become one of the power programs in Houston. Over the past four seasons, the Panthers advanced to the UIL State Tournament in three of those (2021, 2019, 2018).

The State Semifinalists are led by fourth-year coach Lauryn Bailey, who will get coaching career win No. 100 this season and she has some solid pieces back.

The crew will be led by Colorado-commit Sydney Jordan, who was a first-team, all-district pick a year ago. Jordan led the team with 396 kills (2.9/set) and chipped in a third-best 490 digs. Mississippi State-commit Arissa Smith was named second-team, all-district after registering 187 kills and 85 blocks.

Other key returners include second team, all-district picks Josie Condrey and Lauren Battle, and honorable- mention selection Kennedi Rogers.

Watch out for Ava Thornquist at DS/Libero as well. The Panthers will have to find a setter to set up their big hitters in 2022.

Keys to success include “being mentally tough, working together, commanding the floor and positive communication” according to Bailey.

UNBOTHERED: Lake Creek’s State MVP Sara Wiggins embodies ice-cold resolve

Lake Creek Sr. RHP Sara Wiggins (Wichita State signee)

Farrah Sheeren (VYPE/Phlox Photography)

It’s frequently said that heavy hangs the head that wears the crown. Yet Sara Wiggins appears largely impervious to the weight that comes with leading a program so consistently lauded as the gold standard.

An elite shutdown specialist on the mound, the right-handed Wiggins has been a decisive catalyst in Lake Creek’s march to yet another state ring — a presence that coach Candyce Carter describes as bringing an “unbothered” X-factor to the equation.

BETWEEN THE LINES: Tomball Phenom Sampson Owns His Legacy and Acclaim

Tomball Sr. IF/RHP CJ Sampson (Texas A&M signee)

Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)

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.

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.

GAMES

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