Following an enticing array of matchups took place in the UIL Area Round last week, the postseason hype continues to grow.
The best teams in Houston, and the state of Texas as a whole, are inching ever closer to the coveted state championship, and with a trip to the Regional Tournament on the line in Round No. 3, the fan bases couldn't be more ready.
The importance of this round cannot be overstated. Class 5A powerhouses Friendswood and Barbers Hill are clashing. Grand Oaks will finally have their rematch against Bridgeland after facing them a year ago. Div rivals Seven Lakes and Tompkins meet yet again. What more can be said about the threats each of these teams pose?
Here are our picks for the must-see games in the Regional Quarterfinals.
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Friendswood Mustangs vs. Barbers Hill Eagles
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Given how both of these squads have been performing all season, it's not a stretch to say that the victor of this battle could very possibly hoist a state title within the month.
Friendswood (28-9; 12-0) is an utterly dominant group. So much so, that they haven't even lost a set since September and that is a result of the Mustangs tenacious offense.
The "super soph" Nadi'Ya Shelby (So. OH) is putting up MVP numbers behind the net, as she approaches 500 kills on the season. Additionally, Haley Patton (So. L) is nearing 500 digs, while sophomore setter Caroline Adams has already surpassed 1,100 assists to make Friendswood one of the scariest clubs around, as they look to extend their win-streak to 14.
Barbers Hill (40-7; 14-0) is coming off a four-set win over Foster, and their momentum doesn't appear to be slowing anytime soon.
Watch for Peyton Fadal (Sr. S), Chloe Morgan (Sr. MH), Mia Rivers (Sr. L), Kynlea Gibbs (Jr. OH), and senior Peyton Spahn to make a significant impact on Tuesday's exhibition at C.E. King High School.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Tompkins Falcons vs. Seven Lakes Spartans
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
These two District 19-6A clubs have already faced off three times this season, and Tompkins has emerged victorious in each meeting, however Seven Lakes kept it close through each bout.
The Falcons (30-9; 14-2) are looking to make it 4-for-4 on the heels of their three-set sweep over Cypress Ridge in the Area round, and they have all the key pieces needed to make that a reality.
Junior Christin Cowart has performed brilliantly from the middle-blocker position, as she currently leads the offense with well over 300 kills. As expected, Caelyn Dumas (Jr. S/RS) and Callie Funk (So. MB) have also made significant contributions, while Brooklynn Merrell (Jr. DS) and Erica Dellesky (Sr. S) coordinate the defensive side of the net.
On the Seven Lakes (27-15; 12-4) side, the Spartans look more determined than ever, following their 3-2 victory against a thriving Stratford team.
Expect Temi Sam-Olibale (Sr. OH) and Sameena Burns (Sr. OH) to continue churning out kills on the offensive side, supported by Megan Chapman (So.), Simone Romriell (Sr. S), and Clara Belcher (Sr. DS).
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Clear Springs Chargers vs. Pearland Dawson Eagles
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
It's time for a south-side showdown, folks.
As we mentioned in the preseason, Clear Springs (33-13; 12-0) has reached the Regional Semifinals in each of the last three seasons, and they don't plan on ending that streak now.
Their core rotation is a force to be reckoned with, as Anzley Rinard (Sr. OH) continues to power the Chargers' offense (432 kills), alongside the reigning District 24-6A MVP Ashley Richardson (Sr. S) and Grace Powell (Sr. OH). Meanwhile, Abby Fuller (Sr. L) and Morgen Durdens (Sr. S/DS) have covered the back-end consistently into the postseason.
Dawson (37-9; 11-1), on the other hand, has advanced to the Regional Tourney six years in a row. It's not hard to see why, considering they maintain complete rosters on a regular basis.
This season, Dominique Phills (Sr. OH), Addison Moss (Sr. S/OH), and Kennedy Jones (Jr. MH) have made up a deadly trio on offense, while Jenna Thedford (So. DS), Makenzi Petten (Sr. S/DS), and Reese Loyd (Sr. DS) take care of business on their end.
Dawson has met and defeated Clear Springs twice this season in tournament play. Could the playoff atmosphere bring a different result? Stick around to find out.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)