The South Houston area is loaded with talented athletes who give it there all in their respective fields of play.
Welcome to the VYPE Playmakers powered by UTMB Health, where we’re highlighting five standouts from this past week who stole the headlines.
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Month, as the Winter season wraps up, and we move forward into Spring.
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Jaylie Miller, Manvel Softball
Photo provided by Jaylie Miller (@JaylieMiller)
As they begin to wrap up the second half of their schedule, the Mavericks are one currently of the hottest teams in Class 5A.
Under the direction of coach Alex Meng, Manvel currently boasts a record of 18-8-1, with six of those wins coming from key district matchups.
While they look to close out the regular season with a bang, and prepare for an imminent playoff appearance, Jaylie Miller will be the spark who ignites it.
The junior catcher has been instrumental at the plate, as she currently maintains a 0.476 average, with 33 RBIs, 10 home runs, and 11 runs scored on the year, thus far.
Her defensive play has proven to be just as vital for the Mavs, which will undoubtedly come into play once the postseason comes around.
Tony Barcelona, Pearland Baseball
Photo provided by Tony Barcelona (@TonyBarcelona7)
After reaching the state tournament a year ago, Pearland has not skipped a beat in reloading their championship-caliber roster.
While the likes of Nico Partida, Jordan Hernandez, Damian Landry, and Isaiah Castañeda headline a star-studded Oilers lineup, the team's pitching has played lights out all Spring.
Speaking of which, senior RHP Tony Barcelona has been one of coach David Rogers' key pieces from the bullpen.
In nine games, Barcelona has allowed just one earned run, bringing his his ERA to a ridiculous 0.42 in 2024.
With Alief Hastings, Strake Jesuit, and Alief Taylor remaining in their district schedule, Pearland appears to be the favorite to claim the District 23-6A title once again, prior to a likely deep run in the playoffs.
Emma King, Clear Springs Softball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
The Chargers (18-7; 7-2 in district) has gradually climbed the ranks on the Texas high school softball scene, thanks to their clutch performances against some tough district opponents.
As it stands, Clear Springs is second, only to Brazoswood (8-0) in District 24-6A. But, as any softball fan knows, the playoffs are where it really counts, and that stage is certainly within the team's reach.
Coach Jennifer Knight has an arsenal of weapons to work with on the diamond -- primarily Erianna Garcia, Jalise Martinez, and Eryn Polite.
However, the distinction of being one of the program's main-stays has to go to senior outfielder Emma King.
The Wisconsin-signee is currently hitting for 0.427, with 32 hits, 13 RBIs, and a team-high 35 runs scored, which has proven to be a genuine difference-maker throughout the Spring.
With the playoffs quickly approaching, King is certainly one to keep an eye on.
Roland Aguillon, Lutheran South Academy Baseball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
With the regular season wrapping up, LSA is looking nearly unstoppable.
The Pioneers (21-5) currently sit at the top of our rankings list, and for good reason. Their bats have been on fire, which makes them a nightmare for any opposing pitcher.
However, the same can be said for the team's pitching, and none have been more effective on the mound than Roland Aguillon (San Jacinto-signee).
The senior right-hander has been throwing the ball in the high-80s to low-90s, which includes an array of off-speed pitches that makes him that much more unpredictable against the opponents' lineup.
Lutheran South has their sights set on reclaiming their 2021 TAPPS state championship form, and if Aguillon's performance has been any indication thus far, the Pioneers have the arms capable of doing so.
Mayson Garrett, Angleton Softball
Photo acquired via Twitter (@GarrettMayson)
Considering they narrowly fell to Barbers Hill in the opening round of last year's postseason, Angleton has been on something of a "revenge tour" throughout 2024.
Suffice it to say, coach Cindy Rubio and company have made a statement throughout their district campaign, as they currently hold a record of 21-7 and seems poised to claim the District 18-5A title, despite contending with formidable opponents such as Friendswood and Manvel.
The chief weapon for the Wildcats is, without a doubt, senior Mayson Garrett, who has already put up some MVP-caliber numbers (0.443 BA, 34 RBIs, 10 HRs, and 27 runs scored).
The Texas State-signee should provide Angleton with the extra fire-power needed to surpass last year's mark and beyond.