Friendswood High School
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THE RANKINGS: With Shelby, Patton, time is of the essence for No. 2 Friendswood
FRIENDSWOOD KNOCKED ON THE DOOR OF REACHING THE 5A-D2 STATE SEMIS A YEAR AGO, FINISHING 38-9 OVERALL AND REACHING THE REGIONAL FINALS.
Sarah Paulk, who enters her 10th year at Friendswood (294-100 at Friendswood, 359-149 overall) returns six starters to the huddle including University of Florida-commit Nadi'ya Shelby, who is the reigning District 20-5A MVP.
University of North Dakota-commit Haley Patton was the Defensive District MVP, while Navy-commit Caroline Adams earned first-team, all-district honors.
Also earning first-team, all-district was Gabby Palermo, while Sarah Grace Hickl, Raylee Bosley and Caden Carter (University of New Orleans-commit) earned second-team honors.
Taliah Benson (Lemoyne University-commit) is back after being injured last year.
Others to watch include Ellie Leitko and Ashley Adams.
Keys to success for Paulk’s team include establishing two new middles and their serve-receive.
Perry, Collins Give Friendswood Shot At State
Under the tutelage of coach Robert Benavides, the Mustangs are coming off another stellar season, finishing with a 30-7-1 record and advancing to the fourth round of the postseason, where they narrowly fell to Lake Creek.
With a skilled roster returning, there’s little reason to believe they won’t continue their dominance in 2025. Friendswood will once again rely on District 18-5A Offensive MVP Dane Perry (Blinn commit), who is expected to be a key contributor both at the plate and behind the dish as catcher.
The pitching staff also remains strong, with Landon Collins (Texas Tech), second-team selection Eric McGill (UT Dallas), and honorable mention Cooper Harris (Sam Houston State) all poised to lead the way on the mound.
Furthermore, junior 3B Dawson Hinson (Baylor), Lane Vegas (Sr. CF), and District Newcomer of the Year Caiden Wells (Jr. IF) round out what should be one of the most complete rosters in all of Class 5A this spring.