Just like that, the Bi-District round has come and gone, and the potential of the ensuing matchups has already intensified.
Given the quality of each of the teams that have advanced, this year's Area Round could prove to be the most pivotal towards how the rest of the postseason plays out.
This week will be tense as several H-Town powerhouses are about to face off. At the same time, fans will inevitably be in for a treat when the players take to the court.
Here are the can't miss clashes of Round No. 2...
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Cypress Ranch Mustangs vs. The Woodlands Highlanders
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Almost a year ago to the day, the Highlanders shocked the Mustangs in last season's Area Round. Given their history, this rematch is highly anticipated for good reason.
Another wrinkle in this story involves the fact that first-year coach, Dr. Collea McKinney, took the reins of the Cy Ranch program just a year after being the assistant coach for The Woodlands. Suffice it to say, these two teams are certainly familiar with each other.
Cypress Ranch (35-5; 14-0) is coming off a three-set sweep over Klein Cain in the postseason opener, which brings their growing win-streak to 18.
Junior OH Taylor Porter (Vanderbilt-commit) has been on fire all season long, and that has carried over into the playoffs, now that she surpassed 500 kills on the year. Taryn Gilreath (Sr. S), Gabrielle Eads (Sr. L), and Zora Bello (So. S) are equally essential to the Mustangs' success, and will be ones to watch for against the Highlanders.
The Woodlands (32-15; 13-3) are thriving at the perfect time. After finishing third in the loaded District 13-6A, TWHS took down Aldine Davis in three sets, and they will look to keep their momentum rolling.
Offense has been a strong suit for the group, as Ella Lewis (Jr. OH) leads the team with over 550 kills. Additionally, junior libero Cameron McDaniel (688 digs), junior setter Payton Stroud (461 assists), and sophomore setter Megan Johnson (453 assists) have each stepped up in the big moments.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Grand Oaks Grizzlies vs. Langham Creek Lobos
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Grand Oaks (44-1; 16-0) is currently the most dominant team in Houston, and that was made perfectly clear in their Bi-District sweep over Nimitz on Monday.
Coach Megan Rogers has an arsenal of weapons at her disposal, which has been utilized to perfection. It all starts with Florida-commit Jaela Auguste (Sr. MB) who has been the war-hammer for Grand Oaks. However, she isn't the only offensive star.
Halle Thompson (So. OH) and Pittsburgh-commit Samara Coleman (Jr. OH) each have over 400 kills thus far, and they round out a deadly offensive trio. Audrey Terry (Sr. S) and Cali Reece (So. DS) have also shown to be essential assets to the flow of Grand Oaks' stellar rotation.
Don't count out Langham Creek (34-11; 11-4) just yet, though.
After finishing third in District 16-6A, the Lobos got another confidence booster by defeating Klein Collins in three sets to advance to the Area Round.
Senior OH Kennedy Jones is looking phenomenal, with over 500 kills and digs to her name, while junior MH Jordan Taylor (403 kills) and senior OH Taylor Williams (331 kills, 597 digs) make up an exceptional offensive trio of their own. Leah Rios (Sr. S) and Carly Dupuis (Sr. DS) have been key pieces as well.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Deer Park Deer vs. Pearland Oilers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Deer Park (33-10; 12-0) made a statement in their 3-0 win against a thriving Humble team -- they are here to play.
Mississippi State-commit Cayley Hanson (Sr. S) and Tatum Busch (Sr. OH) form an impressive duo on offense, with each star having tallied over 300 kills this season. Hanson, in particular, has been all over the court and stat-line, which explains why she's the reigning District MVP.
Also look for Erin Goodson (So. L), Mycah Whittemore (Jr.), and Cadence Lippe (Sr. S), as they will play key roles in their upcoming matchup against the Oilers.
Pearland (34-10; 11-1) defeated Dickinson in four sets to start the postseason off strong, and brings their win-streak to 10 straight.
Coach Jamie Gill will look to her various stars -- Avery Koonson (So. OH/DS), Kimanni Rugley (Jr. MH), Nadia Dunn (Sr. OH), and Mia Ramirez (Sr. L) -- to keep the momentum going against fellow contender Deer Park.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Barbers Hill Eagles vs. Foster Falcons
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
This Fall has already been one to remember for Barbers Hill (39-7; 14-0).
After earning their sixth-straight district championship, the Eagles laid down the law against La Porte (3-0) to begin the postseason.
The reigning District 17-5A Co-MVP, Peyton Fadal (Houston Christian-commit) is looking as stellar as ever. The senior setter has racked up over 1,100 assists on the year which explains how the team's offense is clicking on all cylinders.
Chloe Morgan (Sr. MH), Kynlea Gibbs (Jr. OH), and Mia Rivers (Sr. L) are other weapons that make Barbers Hill one of the top squads around. But they won't be satisfied until they win a state title.
On the other side, Foster (31-10; 12-2) is coming off a second place finish in district, prior to sweeping Madison in the Bi-District round.
Senior MH Jackie Onyechi and Brooke Barnes (Jr. OH) have proven to be an impressive duo behind the net, while Brinleigh Davis (Sr. S) and Eden Fairfield (Sr. DS) have played brilliantly in support.
This face-off could be one of the more pivotal in the Class 5A playoff race.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)