VYPE caught up with Scott Harmatuk Head Coach Of Klein Collins Boys Basketball at their VYPE Winter 2022 Media day talking about last year, up coming season and more!!
Check out the interview below!!
VYPE takes a look at the top players from the Greater Houston-area to watch for in the game and the full list of Houston natives.
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Houston QB Conner Weigman - Bridgeland HS
Conner Weigman (Bridgeland) has been a major catalyst in No. 21 Houston’s resurgence during year two under Willie Fritz, helping lead the Cougars to a 9–3 record and their first bowl appearance since 2022.
The dynamic quarterback has put together a standout season, throwing for 2,475 yards and 24 touchdowns, while adding another dimension on the ground with 644 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.
Weigman’s dual-threat ability has powered Houston’s rise back into the national spotlight.
LSU LB Harold Perkins - Cypress Park HS
Before becoming a star at LSU, Harold Perkins was a two-way superstar at Cypress Park High School, leading the Tigers to a district championship in 2021.
Now in his junior season at LSU, Perkins continues to make his presence felt at the college level, totaling 55 tackles, four sacks, and three interceptions — showcasing the same impact ability that made him one of the most dominant players in Greater Houston during his high school days.
LSU S AJ Haulcy - FB Marshall HS
AJ Haulcy (FB Marshall) has put together an impressive collegiate career, beginning at the University of Houston before transferring to LSU this spring.
The standout defensive back earned All-American and First-Team All-SEC honors after a stellar season, finishing with 88 tackles, one forced fumble, four pass breakups, and three interceptions — solidifying himself as one of the top defenders in the conference.
Houston OL Mathhew Wykoff - Magnolia HS
Houston offensive lineman Matthew Wykoff (Magnolia High School) proved to be a major addition through the transfer portal this offseason, helping solidify the Cougars’ front five.
Wykoff has appeared in all 12 games this season, providing valuable versatility by playing both guard and tackle as Houston’s offensive line took a big step forward.
LSU OL Coen Echols - Katy HS
LSU offensive lineman Coen Echols emerged as a starter for the first time in his collegiate career this season, earning seven starts at guard while also appearing in the Tigers’ other five games.
Echols and the LSU offensive line will face a stiff challenge in the bowl matchup, going up against a talented and physical Houston defensive front that has been one of the Cougars’ strengths all season.
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Full List Of Kinders Texas Bowl Greater-Houston Area Participants
HOUSTON COUGARS
Houston QB Conner Weigman - Bridgeland HS
Houston QB Austin Carlisle - Ridge Point HS
Houston QB Jake Sock - Pearland HS
Houston RB Zane Smith - Fulshear HS
Houston RB Steve Polk - Manvel HS
Houston WR Marquis Shoulders - Tompkins HS
Houston WR Dylan Caddle - Cy Ranch HS
Houston WR Hunter Teichman - Lutheran South Academy
Houston WR Zaylen Cormier - Heights HS
Houston TE Kaleb Thomas - North Shore HS
Houston TE Wyatt Herbel - Cy Fair HS
Houston TE Jacory Thurman - Worthing HS
Houston OL Ricardo Cordova - Pasadena Memorial HS
Houston OL Sean Terrell - Klein Oak HS
Houston OL RJ Lee - Second Baptist School
Houston OL Jason Brooks Jr. - Dobie HS
Houston OL Matthew Wykoff - Magnolia HS
Houston OL Dalton Merryman - Montgomery HS
Houston OL Cedric Melton - Klein Cain HS
Houston DL Carmello Brooks - Paetow HS
Houston DL Chance Bryant - Fulshear HS
Houston DL Hunter Jones - Stratford HS
Houston Jack Sheldon Rice - Fulshear HS
Houston Jack Cavan Tuley - Tomball HS
Houston LB Christian Brathwaite - Cy Ranch HS
Houston LB Zion Taylor - Shadow Creek HS
Houston DB Blake Thompson - Elkins HS
Houston DB Kentrell Webb - Paetow HS
Houston DB Elijah Young - Klein Cain HS
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LSU TIGERS
LSU WR Nic Anderson - Katy HS
LSU LB Harold Perkins JR. - Cy Park HS
LSU DB AJ Haulcy - FB Marshall HS
LSU LB Charles Ross II - North Shore HS
LSU TE Donovan Green - Dickinson HS
LSU DB Justin Echols - Katy HS
LSU OL Coen Echols - Katy HS
Alief Taylor's Emily Chavez (Sr. GK)
Matt Powell (VYPE)
Being a keeper naturally comes with intense pressure and responsibility, and Chavez has shown a steady aptitude for both.
When speaking with her, Chavez discusses how she approaches her role and maintains focus through the changes that Taylor hopes to bring about on the field – giving a glimpse into the mindset that has made her such a dependable figure for ATHS.
Matt Powell (VYPE)
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VYPE: When did you first start playing soccer? Who or what got you involved, and what motivates you to compete?
CHAVEZ: “I was six years old when I initially got into soccer. It wasn’t long after that when I began to really understand that it was the game for me. From there, I became the goalie and I’ve just loved being in that spot since.”
VYPE: That’s a tough spot to be in, right? I say that from experience.
CHAVEZ: “Definitely. There’s plenty of pressure on a keeper during games. But, you learn how to respond to those situations and find ways to love those moments, then it gets easier.”
VYPE: What goes through your mind when you’re faced with that kind of challenge?
CHAVEZ: “I focus on the end – the way we can eventually win or what we can accomplish in the next game. You’ve got to stay positive and look on the bright side at times.”
VYPE: How has it been for you and the team to start working with a new coach? What’s been the impression so far?
CHAVEZ: “Meeting Coach (El-Bjeirmi) for the first time, I think we could all see that she brought a good vibe. We have more confidence going into the season, and there’s a better sense of how we can match up against teams in the district and go farther.”
Some of the stars of 2025-26 Alief Taylor Girls SoccerMatt Powell (VYPE)
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE 2025-26 ALIEF ISD WINTER MAGAZINE
Dickinson's TroyNelle Belle (Jr. F)
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, featuring a plethora of all-around performers who have continued to light up the scoreboard.
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Jermaine Thomas -- Iowa Colony Basketball
Matt Powell (VYPE)
The Pioneers are off to a hot start this winter, proving they can compete beyond their classification. Iowa Colony opened the season by going 3–1 at last week’s Cedar Hill Tournament, narrowly falling to Red Oak in the championship game while holding their own against several 6A programs.
Head coach Trent Olivier and company quickly pivoted to an intriguing matchup with Fort Bend Crawford on Monday, dispatching an exceptionally athletic Chargers squad by an 87–56 margin. The win improved the Pioneers to 12–5 overall, with Stratford next up on the schedule.
Much of the credit belongs to senior combo guard Jermaine Thomas, who continues to elevate his play as 2026 approaches. Thomas has embraced an expanded role and then some, routinely pouring in upwards of 20 points while serving as a steady offensive engine.
That added boost should pay dividends for ICHS as district play looms in the new year, with Thomas helping set the tone for a team trending firmly in the right direction.
Jakayla Glover -- La Porte Girls Basketball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
What a way to get things rolling in 20-5A. The Lady Dawgs opened their district slate with an overtime thriller Tuesday night, edging rival Friendswood 47–43 to improve to 16–5 on the season.
Depth and solidarity have long been calling cards for head coach Elisha Thompson’s La Porte program, and this winter is no exception. Still, it’s difficult to overlook the influence of senior point guard Jakayla Glover, who continues to serve as the team’s primary catalyst.
Equally adept at creating for others and setting the tempo, Glover recently reached a significant milestone, surpassing 1,000 career points during the Navasota Rattlers Tournament earlier this month.
Add in the consistency of fellow senior and junior Kaia Greenawalt, and it’s increasingly evident this La Porte squad has the makings of something special.
TroyNelle Belle -- Dickinson Basketball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Dickinson made a statement a week ago, capping off the Cy-Hoops Invitational as the tournament runner-up. While the Gators fell to Mansfield Summit, 55–51, in the championship game, wins over H-Town heavyweights such as Fort Bend Marshall (41–37) and Cy Falls (72–65) underscored that this group should still be considered legitimate contenders.
At the conclusion of the event, junior TroyNelle Belle was named the De’Aaron Fox Most Outstanding Player—an early indication of the impact he’s already made at DHS. Some may have expected the Gators to take a step back following the graduation of District 24-6A MVP David Chong. Instead, Dickinson has hardly missed a beat.
Operating primarily from the wing, Belle is averaging nearly 24 points and seven rebounds per game, helping guide the Gators to a 12–4 start. With Belle setting the tone, Dickinson has made one thing clear: it’s here to stay.
Anita Nwosu -- Pearland Girls Basketball
Matt Powell (VYPE)
Pearland has opened the winter with a 13–5 record, including a 3–1 mark against district competition. Friday night’s matchup with rival Dawson looms as an important measuring stick as the Oilers continue to define their ambitions within 22-6A.
Through the early portion of the season, sophomore Anita Nwosu has steadily emerged as the focal point of head coach Jere’ Adams’ offense. Operating primarily from the post, Nwosu provides an imposing physical presence, particularly in the paint, where her strength and positioning set the tone. She currently leads the team, averaging 13 points and six rebounds per game.
Against district opponents such as Dawson, Manvel, and Shadow Creek, having size and interior control can prove decisive—and Nwosu’s growing impact gives Pearlanda valuable edge.Madden Hill -- Clear Springs Basketball
Sophomore sensation Madden Hill has shown no signs of a “sophomore slump” through the opening stretch of 2025. After an eye-opening debut season that earned him District 24-6A Offensive MVP honors, Hill has picked up right where he left off.
Amid Clear Springs’ 10–5 start to the new campaign, the 5-foot-10 point guard has made scoring 25 points or more seem customary, consistently showcasing his ability to connect from beyond the arc. Just as impactful is his command of the offense, setting the tone with confidence and pace.
With district play right around the corner, expect Hill to continue building a strong case for another run at 24-6A MVP recognition.
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