Photo by Bradley Collier
The Woodlands Christian Academy has had an ultra-successful year across the board! VYPE ventured out to catch the Warriors in action. Enjoy the Photo Features!
The Woodlands Christian Academy has had an ultra-successful year across the board! VYPE ventured out to catch the Warriors in action. Enjoy the Photo Features!
WHAT AN ADDITION JACE JEFFRIES WAS THIS SEASON TO THE CONCORDIA LUTHERAN HOOP TROUPE, ON AND OFF THE COURT.
The St. Thomas-transfer fit right in with teammates Jesse Fuller and Howie Keene to lead to an undefeated district season and an Area Round appearance.
The junior looks forward to playing an even bigger role in 2023-24.
“Of course, it’s going to be a big responsibility for me,” said Jeffries. “We had a pretty good season, but we know there’s more work to be done. We have a good group of guys, and I feel like as a senior I need to lead them into a winning position. So, we know our purpose in what we do, and we’ll go hard every day.”
In addition to dishing assists on the court, Jeffries spends his free time assisting the community by helping to train the younger generation of ballplayers at Alodia Basketball Academy.
“I always try to give back to the youth,” he said. “It’s always been a big part of my life, because when I was a kid I looked up to people. They look at a kid who’s teaching them the drills three times a week and I think that makes them appreciate it more. So, now I want these kids who look up tome to succeed.”
Given his palpable dedication to the game, it’s not hard to see why he’s become a standout in Concordia Lutheran hoops.
2022-23 Concordia Lutheran BasketballJustin Hartojo (VYPE)
“I think my hard work and motivation helps to set me apart,” Jeffries said. “Getting up in the morning, not just for basketball – it might be for the classroom or something else. I’m always trying to better myself in my work ethic, without cutting any corners.”
It’s only a matter of time before that translates onto the hardwood in a major way.
ADELE NEUHAUS IS “THAT” GIRL.
The two-sport athlete is a headliner on the track and field and basketball teams.
In the Fall, Neuhaus led the Crusaders on the hardwood earning a first-team, all-district nod as a junior. She is following in the footsteps of her older sister Jane Neuhaus, who was a star for the Crusaders and now plays at Concordia University-Nebraska.
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
“I think coming into my freshman year with my sister being here, made a big difference,” said Neuhaus. “I was able to connect with the upperclassmen more because my sister was already friends with so many of them. It made it so much easier to come into the sport [basketball] with more confidence.”
In the Spring, Neuhaus flourished in the triple jump, earning bronze at the TAPPS State Track Meet (Triple Jump).
“Both sports complement each other in different ways,” she said. “I would say track helps me a lot with basketball...with the speed, endurance and agility. Basketball can help me with track because it’s more of a team sport and I can bring that team-aspect to the track.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
It’s easy to see that family means a great deal to Neuhaus, which is exactly what makes CLHS appeal so much to her.
“I think that Concordia Lutheran is a lot about community,” Neuhaus said. “All of the teachers and coaches really care about who you are outside of your sport. I’ll have coaches and teachers checking up on me outside of school, which is great to see as a student.”
Given all the time she spends in her respective “fields of play” and the classroom, what does Neuhaus do when she has a second to spare?
Bradley C.Collier (VYPE)
“I do live on a farm with some goats and chickens, so I like to go hang outwith my baby goats,” she laughed.
If she keeps up her fantastic leadership qualities and athleticism, she could be considered one of the Crusaders’ all-time GOATs (greatest of all time) by the end of her career.
WHAT DEFINES NOLAN TRAEGER?
Aside from priding himself on being a beef filet-aficionado on the grill, the soon-to-be Concordia Lutheran senior thrives as a competitor on and off the baseball field.
As one of the preeminent catchers in the state, Traeger has elevated an already well-established Crusaders’ program, and will continue to do so when he takes an undisputed leadership position in the dugout a year from now.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“Being a leader means holding everyone accountable, especially myself,” said Traeger. “For some people, you need to show them how to do it...how to compete in this program. I want to be someone who sets an example.”
Traeger has been no stranger to college offers, given the talent and presence he brings to the diamond. But, when he got word from TCU that he could play alongside his brother, Jax, accepting the offer was a no-brainer.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I’ll be there [TCU] with my brother for at least one year, which impacted my decision a little bit,” Traeger said. “I loved being around the coaching staff. They treated me like they wanted me there, and Fort Worth is just an amazing place. The thought of being able to play with Jax one more time is pretty sweet. No downside to it.”
After reaching the TAPPS State Tournament once again in 2023, Traeger will be suiting up one last time for Concordia Lutheran this Spring with the highest of expectations.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“It’s the culture of the people that have been here,” he said. “Our team is really coming together. We have one goal, and everyone needs to step up and do their job so we can achieve it. That’s all it really comes down to, holding each other accountable on the field.”
Stay tuned for the grand finale of Traeger’s high school career.
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