THE PLAYMAKERS: Bringing the smoke powered by UTMB Health

Lucas Dunn, Santa Fe Baseball

The Indians have started off hot within their district, as they currently maintain a record of 14-8-1 (3-1 in district), which was highlighted by a series sweep over rival Friendswood.

While pitching is exceptionally strong for Santa Fe, their batting has been just as effective thus far. The most consistent, of which, is that of Lucas Dunn.

The senior infielder is averaging 0.344 at the plate, which includes five doubles, 14 RBIs, and 11 runs scored.

If his start is any indication, the remainder of the Spring season should see more of the same from Dunn.

Matti Matthews, Alvin Softball

As one of the top ball-clubs in our mid-season rankings, the Yellowjackets have been on a tear throughout the 2024 season.

Alvin (22-3) faces the tall task of competing in the same district as the reigning Class 6A state champs Pearland, who has handed them their only district loss of the season, albeit by the narrow margin of 6-5.

Despite that, the postseason is well within reach for coach Kelly Bembry's squad, and they can easily look to their ace on the mound -- Matti Matthews -- as a key reason for that.

The North Texas-signee recently surpassed the 300-strikeout mark for her already stunning high school career, and looks to keep adding onto that with the second half of the district schedule underway.

The 'Jackets will face Pearland once again on Friday, which could prove to be a pivotal moment in the race for a district title.

Regardless of the outcome, Matthews is on a hot-streak and that should carry over to the ensuing playoffs.

Ellie Morgan, Clear Lake Girls Soccer

After claiming silver in District 24-6A, Clear Lake (14-6-3) proceeded to secure two clutch victories against Shadow Creek (3-2) and Kingwood (2-1), which has advanced them to the third round of the UIL postseason.

While coach Lisa Killingsworth has a slew of dependable pieces she can turn to on her squad, such as Eden Fuentes (16 assists), the center-piece of the group has undoubtedly been junior Ellie Morgan.

The Falcons midfielder earned first-team, all-district honors in 2023, and has followed that up with an MVP-caliber performance to the tune of 24 goals on the year.

When Clear Lake takes to the pitch against Brazoswood on Tuesday (6:00 pm) at Freedom Field, there is no question that Campbell should prove to be a difference-maker.

Aiden Sanchez, Dobie Baseball

Through the first half of district-play, the Longhorns (14-6-3) may have experienced their fair share of ups and downs, however they're nothing if not resilient.

Dobie currently sits at the No. 4 spot within District 22-6A and look to finish the regular season on a high note, and their recent 9-0 win against Pasadena Memorial is a perfect way to start.

In that same exhibition, junior pitcher Aiden Sanchez stifled the Mustangs' lineup, allowing just one hit in the shutout, while racking up five strikeouts.

Sanchez and company now prepare to face Sam Rayburn and South Houston to close out the district schedule, as they anticipate a potential spot in the playoffs.

Lauren Fincher, Friendswood Girls Soccer

The Mustangs closed out the regular season as one of our top-ranked teams within Class 5A.

Fast forward two weeks, and they're in the Regional Quarterfinals, following wins against Crosby (2-1) and Fort Bend Kempner (9-0).

Under the direction of coach Laura Peter, Friendswood (21-4) now prepares for their Tuesday matchup against Port Neches-Groves.

The Mustang attack has certainly been their strong-suit, give that they've scored 110 goals in 2024. Naturally, the team's leading scorer -- Lauren Fincher (Sr. MF) -- should receive some considerable recognition.

With 32 goals on the season so far, the senior UTSA-signee has been the catalyst behind Friendswood's success.

Alongside fellow play-maker Reagan Rudolph (29 goals), Fincher and the Mustangs will continue to bank on their stifling offense as they contend for a trip to the Regional Tournament.