Check out some amazing photos by VYPE U Ambassador Lorin Cook
M. Wilburn (#14)Â
The 16-team event will be held at the Aldine ISD Campbell Center and area Aldine ISD High School gyms on December 28-29.
"It's great to see this tournament back, since the 2020 event was canceled due to COVID," Derek Dusek, VYPE Chief Revenue Officer said. "We are thrilled to host one of the most competitive tournaments in Texas this year."
Public and private school powers will be represented in the bracket-play event.
Each team will be guaranteed three games as several of VYPE's Preseason Ranked programs and over 20 DI prospects will be in action.
"Our tournament is very unique and different; all teams start in bracket play and only the winners advance for a shot at the championship," Dusek said. "It's designed to provide teams with a State playoff mentality."
The headliners include State finalist Atascocita, TAPPS 5A State Champion The Woodlands Christian Academy, back-to-back defending SPC Champion Houston Christian and Regional Semifinalist Crosby.
The city's top 2022 recruit Crosby's PJ Haggerty (TCU) will be on hand, while Fort Bend Elkins' Chris Johnson is the top prospect for 2023 leading the Knights.
Other teams in the field include Cy-Fair, Cypress Park, FB Austin, Foster, Heights, Houston Christian, Klein Forest, Dawson, Nimitz, Stratford, Tompkins and Westfield.
Last season, Aldine dropped a tough opening round match to Oak Ridge, falling 1-0, finishing 12-6-4 overall. But they are ready for a run again, like 2019, where they reached the Regional Finals for the second time in program history.
Junior Matute will be one of the key pieces back after recording 10 goals and 10 assists a year ago.
Jesus Perez had six goals and three assists, while Juan Aguilera had three goals and five assists in 2021 for the 'Stangs.
Other names to remember include Anthony Navarro, Jorge Plasencia and Carlos Pena for the Mustangs.
The key to success, according to Barahona for 2022, is being "committed to practice after school during the season and not fail any class. Discipline in everything that they do."
CLICK HERE TO VIEW & PURCHASE MORE PHOTOS
Join the #VYPETEAM
Get up to date news from all over the country!