Manvel's Emerson Chang
The South Houston area is loaded with talented athletes who give it there all in their respective fields of play.
Welcome to the VYPE Playmakers powered by UTMB Health, where we’re highlighting five standouts from this past week who stole the headlines.
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, who have put up some major stat-lines through district play!
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Mady Powell -- Clear Springs Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
As Clear Springs climbs to No. 7 in Houston’s citywide rankings with a 25-8 record, much of the spotlight has shone on standout hitters like Caylee Young and veteran defensive specialist Lianna Kearns. But behind the Chargers’ recent surge is the steady, unflashy brilliance of junior setter Mady Powell.
Following a narrow five-set loss to Fulshear in early September, Clear Springs has bounced back with wins in six of its last seven matches — including a commanding 4-0 start to their 24-6A schedule. Powell has been central to that resurgence, orchestrating the Chargers' offense with a team-high 523 assists while also anchoring the back row with 258 digs.
Her consistency and court vision have become a cornerstone for head coach Shannon McClellen’s squad, which is aiming for its fourth consecutive district title. With Powell quietly powering the engine, Clear Springs appears poised to make a deeper playoff push than last year’s Area Round finish.
Aaron Tenner -- Iowa Colony Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Pioneers have stormed to a 4-0 start this fall, most recently dismantling Baytown Lee in a dominant 57-0 showing.
Under head coach Ray Garza, Iowa Colony has leaned on a balanced offensive attack. Quarterback Carson White and Houston-commit Jayden Warren have kept secondaries honest, opening the door for senior tailback Aaron Tenner to thrive on the ground.
Tenner has made the most of his opportunities. So far, he’s piled up over 400 yards of offense and tallied eight total touchdowns—tied with Warren for the team lead. His physical, downhill running style has added a punishing edge to an already versatile offense.
Now, the spotlight shifts to Thursday night’s high-stakes showdown against district rival and reigning 5A-DII State Champion Randle—a rematch of last year’s Region III Final.
With momentum on their side and playmakers across the board, the Pioneers look poised for a statement win. And if recent performances are any indication, expect Tenner to remain a driving force in Iowa Colony’s impending championship push.
Emerson Chang -- Manvel Volleyball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
In a district that’s currently headlined by top-ranked Dawson, Manvel has quietly built a strong case as a serious contender. Now 22-8 overall and unbeaten (7-0) in 22-6A, the Mavericks are riding momentum into Tuesday’s highly anticipated matchup on the Eagles’ home court.
Amidst the offensive prowess of Jasmyn Walker (Sr. MB) and Nevaeh English (Sr. OH), fellow senior Emerson Chang has delivered on the defensive side time and time again. A relentless presence in the back row, Chang recently surpassed 1,000 career digs and has already collected over 400 this season alone.
Given those numbers, last year’s second-team, all-district nod seems modest in hindsight. With her consistency, leadership, and elite instincts, Chang’s performance this fall has also reaffirmed her next step: a collegiate career at St. Mary’s University.
As the district race tightens, Chang’s role only becomes more critical — and she continues to rise to the moment.
Luke Brown -- Dawson Football
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Led by head coach Mike Allison, Dawson has opened 2025 with a 3-1 mark, highlighted by back-to-back district shutouts over Dobie (26-0) and Pasadena Memorial (55-0).
While much of the plaudits should be extended to the defense and the schemes that allow the unit to flourish, there’s something to be said of the poise displayed by senior signal-caller Luke Brown.
Through four weeks, Brown’s stat line is the picture of efficiency—averaging just under 150 passing yards per game with five touchdowns and no interceptions. On the ground, he’s added 215 rushing yards and two more scores, further underscoring his dual-threat reliability.
It’s that level-headed playmaking that will be crucial as Dawson faces its toughest test yet: a Friday night clash at Alvin ISD’s Freedom Field against reigning District 22-6A champion Shadow Creek.
Mia Eason -- Clear Creek Volleyball
Clear Creek’s 16-15 record may not leap off the page, but the Wildcats’ strength of schedule tells a different story. With early-season battles against powerhouses like Tompkins, Cy Ranch, Dripping Springs, and Tomball, Coach Scott Simonds’ squad has been tested—and sharpened—by elite competition.
Now, as the stakes rise, Clear Creek is finding its rhythm. A 3-1 start in 24-6A has them firmly in the playoff mix, and leading the charge is senior outside hitter Mia Eason. Eason has emerged as Coach Scott Simonds’ go-to weapon, racking up a team-best 285 kills through the heart of the season.
She’s not alone—freshman Lily Sanchez has added an impressive 215 kills—but Eason’s leadership and firepower remain central to the Wildcats’ postseason hopes.
While Clear Springs holds the early edge after a 3-1 win in their first meeting, don’t count Clear Creek out. Historically strong down the stretch, the Wildcats have the tools—and talent—to make another playoff run.