MacArthur made team tennis history in 2020 winning their first-ever playoff match. Can the Generals make even more history in 2021? Can they secure a sixth-straight district crown? Who else from Aldine ISD will shine on the courts this fall and spring? Find out as we showcase the best tennis stars.
Under the tutelage of coach Robert Benavides, the Mustangs are coming off another stellar season, finishing with a 30-7-1 record and advancing to the fourth round of the postseason, where they narrowly fell to Lake Creek.
With a skilled roster returning, there’s little reason to believe they won’t continue their dominance in 2025. Friendswood will once again rely on District 18-5A Offensive MVP Dane Perry (Blinn commit), who is expected to be a key contributor both at the plate and behind the dish as catcher.
The pitching staff also remains strong, with Landon Collins (Texas Tech), second-team selection Eric McGill (UT Dallas), and honorable mention Cooper Harris (Sam Houston State) all poised to lead the way on the mound.
Furthermore, junior 3B Dawson Hinson (Baylor), Lane Vegas (Sr. CF), and District Newcomer of the Year Caiden Wells (Jr. IF) round out what should be one of the most complete rosters in all of Class 5A this spring.
Oak Ridge reclaimed the District 13-6A crown last spring, finishing 14-2 against a tough slate that included teams like Grand Oaks, The Woodlands, and Willis.
Though they were eliminated by Klein Oak in the second round of the postseason, it’s unlikely that coach JJ Peirce and company experience a similar result in the coming months.
Texas A&M-commit Jacob Evans (Sr. RHP) returns as the team’s ace, after going 8-3 and securing first-team, all-district honors last spring. If needed, senior lefty Reed Roberts (Redlands CC) will provide reliable support on the mound.
Offensively, the War Eagles boast a formidable lineup, led by first-teamers Mikey Grayson (Sr. OF/Angelina College) and Dereck Hernandez (Jr. IF). Seniors Tyson Robertson (1B/Redlands CC), Lars Richel (C), and Josh Matte (3B) also add significant depth to the batting order.
After facing tough competition early on last spring, Cypress Ranch finally hit their stride once district play began, finishing a nearly perfect 13-1 in 16-6A and capturing their second championship in three years.
Led by coach Corey Cephus, now in his eighth season, the Mustangs are poised to make it back-to-back in 2025. Among the standouts are a trio of second-team, all-district honorees: Mason Priest (Sr. SS/Wharton County JC commit), Landon Ellstrom (Sr. 3B/Blinn), and Nathan Patterson (Sr. OF).
Seniors Gavin Bruning (Catcher/Hardin-Simmons) and Ayden Allemand (CF) will also play crucial roles, along with district honorable mentions Jacek Scasny (Jr. RHP) and Chase Connell (Sr. RHP/ Tarleton State), who anchor the bullpen.
After a first-round playoff exit in 2024 at the hands of Klein Collins, Cypress Ranch should be plenty motivated to prove their true potential and make a deeper postseason run in the near future.
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