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THE PLAYMAKERS: Freaks of the Fall powered by UTMB Health

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 month who stole the headlines.

Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Month, as the Fall season wraps up.

Addison Moss, Pearland Dawson Volleyball

Jamey Wright (VYPE)

Dawson (38-10; 11-1) has become a model on consistency in recent memory.

After winning the district title for the fourth time in the last five years, the Eagles went on to reach the Regional Tournament for the seventh-consecutive season this Fall.

Even though they ultimately fell to the eventual state finalist Cinco Ranch in Round No. 4 of the postseason, Pearland Dawson has nothing to be ashamed of, considering they featured one of the most complete rosters in all of Texas.

With stars such as first-teamers Kennedy Jones (Jr. MH), Jenna Thedford (So. DS), Keaton Points (So. MH), and the district Offensive Player of the Year Dominique Phills (Sr. OH), it's easy to see how the Eagles reached this height.

The most prolific player off all, however, was senior S/OH Addison Moss.

The Boise State-commit (sand volleyball) experienced one of her best showings in her high school career, registering 274 kills, 322 digs, and a whopping 725 assists which garnered her the honor of being named the District 23-6A MVP.

Ashton Hampton, Pearland Football

Jamey Wright (VYPE)

The Oilers came to play in 2023.

Despite competing the vastly competitive District 23-6A, Pearland (9-3; 6-1) exceeded expectations to finish second in the district prior to their playoff run, which saw them advance to the Area round.

Combined with an impressive rushing attack, helmed by the Offensive MVP Ladamion McDowell, the other side of the ball proves to be a real difference-maker in their successes this Fall.

Senior FS Ashton Hampton was a key piece in Pearland's stingy defense, which limited opponents to roughly 19 points per game on the season.

Individually, the Texas Tech-commit racked up 39 combined tackles, five interceptions, seven passes defended, and two forced fumbles on the year to earn himself first-team all-district honors.

Ashley Richardson, Clear Springs Volleyball

Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)

Over the course of the regular season, it was made perfectly clear that Clear Springs was going to be a contender in the playoffs.

Following an undefeated district championship, the Chargers (33-14; 12-0) would advance three rounds deep into the postseason thanks to the efforts of the premier competitors on the court.

Speaking of which, senior setter Ashley Richardson played a major role in Clear Springs' success in 2023.

Richardson finished the season with nearly 400 kills, 483 digs, and over 600 assists which earned her the title of District 24-6A MVP.

Alongside Co-Offensive Player of the Year Anzley Rinard (442 kills), Setter of the Year Morgan Durdens (940 assists), and first-teamer Abby Fuller (620 digs), this Clear Springs squad will undoubtedly be one to remember.

Landon Vessel, Clear Falls Football

Jamey Wright (VYPE)

As expected, Clear Falls (7-5; 5-1) was a force worth reckoning in the District 24-6A race.

After finishing second in the district, the Knights reached the Area round of the playoffs for the third time in four years, where they would narrowly fall to C.E. King.

Despite the season ending sooner than preferred, there were several bright spots which should not go unnoticed -- particularly that of the Knights' signal-caller Landon Vessel.

The Clear Falls QB had yet another impressive outing in 2023, in which he threw for over 2,000 yards with 12 touchdowns while scoring 12 more on the ground for 459 yards.

Without question, Vessel was a worthy candidate to be selected first-team all-district.

McKinley Cole, Clear Creek Volleyball

Jamey Wright (VYPE)

Despite experiencing a series of ups and downs during the regular season, Clear Creek (25-21; 8-4 in district) was nothing if not resilient throughout.

Following a second place finish just behind Clear Springs in District 24-6A, the Wildcats advanced to the Area round of the postseason.

There were bright spots all around for this squad. From Olivia Jones (Jr. OH), to Alison Figueroa (Jr. DS) and Laila Paulino (Jr. RS), it was clear who the stars were for Clear Creek.

However, who it was senior McKinley Cole (Temple College-signee) who consistently elevated the squad to their highest potential.

From the setter position, Cole tallied nearly 900 assists on the year, while also racking up 450 digs to earn a first-team all-district selection.