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 we transition into the Winter season.
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Ciara Williams, Dickinson Girls Basketball
The Gators are off to a rapid start, as they currently maintain a record of 14-4 to begin the season.
This is largely due to the efforts made by junior forward Ciara Williams, who is coming off a stellar showing in the team's non-district matchup against Pearland Dawson, in which Williams racked up 21 points.
She, along with fellow contributors Mariah Jackson (Sr. G) and Jazmine Hansley (Jr. G), will be essential moving forward, with Dickinson preparing for the district portion of their schedule down the line.
Michael Collins, Shadow Creek Basketball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
From the point guard spot, Collins has been the driving force behind Shadow Creek's 14-2 start, and it doesn't appear that they'll be slowing down anytime soon.
This past weekend, the Sharks dominated the competition to win the annual Cy Hoops Invitational, in which Collins was named the tournament MVP.
Shadow Creek finished second in district a year ago before making a playoff appearance. If this start is any indication, that should be the absolute minimum that Collins and company achieves this year.
A'zyua Blair, Pearland Girls Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Laniah Thorton & Shiloh Grays of Pearland Girls Basketball
After losing Rylee Grays (North Carolina) to graduation this past offseason, there was a question as to who was going step up for the new-look Pearland Lady Oilers.
Well, those concerns can now be appeased, now that newcomer A'zyua Blair (Fr. G) has set the stage with style.
Through the opening stretch of the Winter, Pearland touts a 14-4 record, with Blair leading the team in scoring. She averages over 17 points a game, while also averaging three assists and four steals per match.
Along with fellow freshman Shiloh Grays, as well as veterans Nyah Hardy (Fr. G) and Laniah Thorton (Sr. F), these Oilers could once again make a run for the State Tournament.
Chris Jones Jr., Pasadena Memorial Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
All eyes have been on LSU-commit Robert Miller III when Pasadena Memorial takes to the court, and for good reason -- the dude is a beast.
However, Chris Jones Jr. has emerged as a legitimate star on the Mustangs' roster.
The junior guard is putting up some serious numbers (22 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 apg, 2 spg) thus far, which has led PMHS to an 11-4 start to the season.
With a duo like that, paired with the rest of the talented roster, a district title and more could very well be in store for Pasadena Memorial.
Krislyn Biscette, Shadow Creek Girls Basketball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Several of last season's playmakers, who led Shadow Creek the postseason have since graduated, which left a serious need for someone to step into the role.
Enter Krislyn Biscette.
As one the Sharks' top guards, senior Biscette has shown tremendous leadership on a relatively young squad.
She's averaging roughly 13 points a game to set the example and will undoubtedly continue to be called upon by coach LaToya Micheaux with playoff aspirations in mind.