THE PLAYMAKERS: Starting off hot powered by UTMB Health

Emma Merritt, Pearland Girls Soccer

The Lady Oilers have surged on the pitch this Winter, as they re-claimed the District 23-6A title to cap off an exceptional regular season.

Their 16-3-3 (11-1 in district) record places Pearland firmly within the top-10 of our rankings as teams state-wide prepare for the upcoming UIL playoffs.

Coach Elise Cox's club is emboldened by a high-powered offense, led by senior Emma Merritt. As the center forward for the Oilers, Merritt is naturally one of the team's top scorers.

She possesses a keen eye for positioning off the ball, quick reactions during the attack, and a particular skill in finishing that will be essential for Pearland, as they look to make a deep run in the postseason.

It all begins when they kick off against Clear Falls this upcoming Tuesday.

Blake Encarnacion, Friendswood Baseball

The first half of the baseball season has seen Friendswood pick up right where they left off in 2023.

With their current record of 17-3-1 (2-2 in district), the Mustangs seem poised for another potential district title.

While there are a number of stellar bats in coach Robert Benavides' lineup, his ace on the mound -- senior Blake Encarnacion -- has been a true difference-maker in the tight matchups they face.

The Nebraska-signee has been throwing in the low-90's, along with a number of pitches in his arsenal, which means there's no surprise that he has had a knack for racking up strikeouts.

While they are coming off a close losses against district opponent Santa Fe, Friendswood will still likely have the opportunity to rally in their remaining district schedule.

Peyton Tanner, Brazoswood Softball

Brazoswood is off to yet another hot start to the Spring, having gone 18-7 thus far, which includes a 5-0 beginning to their district campaign.

That shouldn't come as a shock, considering the majority of last year's roster that finished as Area Finalists has returned to the fold.

The key piece, of which, Tennessee-signee Peyton Tanner, is looking every bit as dynamic as she was when earned District 24-6A honors in 2023.

As the Lady Bucs continue with the district portion of their schedule and seek their 20th-consecutive playoff appearance, it is almost a guarantee that Tanner will have a major role.

Alex Escobar, Dobie Soccer

What a milestone-year it has been for the Dobie Soccer program.

Currently touting a record of 17-2-2 (11-1 in district), the Longhorns capped off the regular season by clinching the team's tenth-straight District 22-6A championship.

Here's another crazy stat for you -- over the span of that time, Dobie's overall record is 112-7-16 (W-L-T).

Suffice it to say, coach Justo Manrique and company are well within the conversation of being one of the best teams in Houston.

Therefore, it should go without saying that one of the leading scorers for the Longhorns -- senior forward Alex Escobar -- is a player to keep on notice.

As a captain for the squad, it will be up to him to provide the necessary experience with the playoffs on the horizon.

Katiana Maldonado, Lutheran South Academy Softball

As expected, Lutheran South (12-1; 2-0 in district) has been a force to be reckoned with the open the Spring.

Under the direction of head coach Nicole Andrade, the Pioneers have displayed a number of exceptional performances by stars such as Addison Smith, Bri Collazo, and Lauren Brown.

However, it will be up to the veteran leadership -- particularly that of senior Kat Maldonado -- to propel LSA beyond last year's mark of reaching the TAPPS-II Regional round.

Following a 2023 second-team, all-state nod, Maldonado hasn't skipped a beat, and will be vital in the remainder of their district schedule and likely playoff berth.