The first three rounds of the postseason have flown by, and just like that, we're onto the Regional Tournament.
With only 16 teams remaining in Class 6A and 5A respectively, there is no room for error. Fortunately for each of the squads remaining, that hasn't been a problem throughout the playoffs, and now it is time to be put to the test.
Houston fan-bases are surely in for a show this weekend, with the fourth and fifth rounds taking place.
Here are the must-see matchups.
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Deer Park Deer vs. Seven Lakes Spartans
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
After rolling past a surging Atascocita team on Monday, Deer Park (35-10; 12-0) has already surpassed their mark from last season, in which they fell in Round No. 3.
The leaders of the Deer, Tatum Busch (Sr. OH) and last year's District 22-6A MVP Cayley Hanson (Mississipi State-commit) have played lights out all postseason, and that is sure to continue as they take the program to new heights.
Erin Goodson (So. L/OH), Cadence Lippe (Sr. S), and Mycah Whittemore (Jr.) are some of the other key pieces on Deer Park's deadly rotation, which should come to play when they face off against Seven Lakes.
Speaking of, the Spartans (28-15; 12-4) stunned district rival Tompkins in the Regional Quarterfinals (3-1), after falling to them three times in the regular season.
Given that fact, it seems that Seven Lakes is capable of overcoming any opponent. As long as their playmakers -- namely Temi Sam-Olibale (Sr. OH), Sameena Burns (Sr. OH/MH), Simone Romriell (Sr. S), and Megan Chapman (So.) -- keep clicking, anything is possible.
We've spoken often about these two programs, and for good reason. This is one game you won't want to miss.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Cinco Ranch Cougars vs. Pearland Dawson Eagles
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Cinco Ranch (35-5; 16-0) has exceeded expectations all season long.
After offensive playmaker Courtney O'Brien moved on to Texas Tech over the offseason, her younger sister Kassidy O'Brien (Kentucky-commit) has efficiently taken over the reins as a leader of the program, as she currently boasts nearly 1,200 assists on the season.
Gabriella Martinez (Jr. OH) has also stepped into the offensive role with ease, tallying over 400 kills thus far, and will surely be a valuable asset moving forward. Furthermore, expect Makenna Loo (Sr. OH), Magdalene Finnegan (Jr. L), and Ariana Willis (Sr. OH/MH) to continue to power the Cougars' loaded roster.
Cinco Ranch has dominated just about every opponent -- most notably in the relentless District 19-6A -- and that has carried over into the playoffs, as they seek to surpass last year's mark which ended at the Regional Final.
The team that currently stands in their way is the Dawson Eagles (38-9; 11-1), who have been on a tear of their own through three rounds.
Dawson is coming off a definitive sweep over Clear Springs, and looks to keep their momentum rolling. With stars such as Addison Moss (Sr. S), Dominique Phills (Sr.), Kennedy Jones (Jr. MH), and Jenna Thedford (So. DS) leading the charge, this could very well be one of the games of the year.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Fulshear Chargers vs. Montgomery Bears
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
There are few teams that have been quite as dominant as Fulshear (38-4; 14-0) in the Class 5A race in 2023.
The Chargers have been electric all season, and the past couple of weeks have been no different. With District 20-5A MVP Bailey Warren (Wake Forest-commit) at the helm -- complemented by the likes of Lauren Witte (Jr. OH), Sydney Black (Jr. L), and Alexys James (Jr. S) -- Fulshear's explosive offense has been nearly unstoppable.
After cruising past Waltrip (3-0) and Santa Fe (3-0), they were put to the test against Manvel, in which they clinched a trip to the Regional Semis for the second straight year after a five-set bout.
Next up is Montgomery.
After finishing third in their district, the Bears (32-17; 9-7) have defied the odds this postseason in unprecedented fashion, by advancing the furthest the program has ever seen since the school opened in 2007.
Coach Stormi Champion (awesome name) has optimized her talented competitors to their full potential in the playoffs.
Freshman OH Delaney Wright has been outstanding, with over 500 kills to her name to begin her promising high school career. Pair that with the sublime efforts made by senior setter Kaysie Lynch (1,300 assists), Ellie Sadler (Jr. L), and Grace Ellis (Sr. MH), and you have a recipe for success.
The motors are running hot for both squads. Stay tuned.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)