In the newest edition of Locker Talk, Matt Malatesta and Joshua Koch are joined in studio by Kube 57's Todd Freed. The guys recap the year that was in high school sports in Houston and even take a trip down memory lane.
The Hyde Park Softball program wins its first-ever TAPPS State Championship with 11-10 win over St. Joseph
Photo acquired via Instagram (@hydepark_athletics)
John Paul II caps off the D1 Tournament with a dominant showing against Antonian Prep
Photo acquired via Twitter (@JPIIHSSports)
The Cardinals have once again proven themselves a powerhouse in Texas private school softball, capturing the TAPPS Division I State Championship with a commanding 12-2 win over Antonian Prep.
The victory, secured by run-rule at Arlington’s Allan Saxe Field, capped off a dominant postseason stretch and solidified the Cardinals’ place among the elite programs in the state.
This marks the team’s third state title in five seasons under the leadership of head coach Jayme Baker, and their third in as many years—each coming at the expense of Antonian Prep. The Cardinals’ path to the crown included lopsided victories over Liberty Christian (11-1) and Prestonwood Christian (12-2), showcasing their consistency and firepower throughout the playoffs.
Finishing with an impressive 28-2 record, JPII’s championship run was fueled by a mix of veteran leadership and young talent.
Senior pitcher and UT-Dallas commit Carly Holman anchored the team from the circle, while fellow seniors Allie Kloeber, Abby McGraw, and Rider University-bound catcher Abby Van Volkenburgh played pivotal roles in the infield and behind the plate. All four were named to the State All-Tournament Team.
Yet, the Cardinals’ success was a true team effort.
Underclassmen like Bridget Mulligan (So. 3B/C), Reagan McGraw (So. OF), and Sadie Zipser (So. IF), alongside senior outfielder Grace James, stepped up with key contributions throughout the season and playoffs.
As accolades continue to roll in, the Cardinals can take pride in not just their title, but the legacy they’ve built.
With four consecutive state tournament appearances and a culture of excellence, John Paul II has once again brought the championship back to Plano—and left no doubt about who rules TAPPS Division I softball.
Hyde Park wins the close battles to eventually hoist first-ever TAPPS State banner
Photo acquired via Instagram (@hydepark_athletics)
Hyde Park made school history Tuesday afternoon, capturing their first-ever TAPPS Division II State Championship in dramatic fashion, with a walk-off 11-10 victory over St. Joseph High at UT Arlington’s Allan Saxe Field.
The title win came with extra significance, as it served as a revenge game for Hyde Park—who fell to St. Joseph in last year’s State Final.
This time around, it was the Panthers who had the final say, thanks to a gutsy suicide squeeze bunt by freshman Kylie Yeager that allowed sophomore Alexa Stout to cross home plate for the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh.
The championship not only capped off a 21-4 season, but also marked a perfect finish to head coach Julia Crofut’s first year at the helm. Her leadership helped guide a balanced squad that blended seasoned contributors with emerging underclassmen talent.
While the title was a true team effort, several players stood out throughout the Panthers’ memorable run. The Stout sisters—sophomore Alexa and USC Upstate-commit Cariana—were instrumental, alongside Grace Parscal, Ellis Fellin, and freshman Alexandra Akins. And with her game-deciding bunt, Yeager etched her name into Hyde Park lore.
For a program that’s come close in recent years, the 2024 championship represents more than just a trophy—it’s a breakthrough moment that could mark the beginning of a new era for Hyde Park softball.
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The 2025 TAPPS-D2 State MVP, Lutheran South Academy's Grant Burns
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, following a thrilling display on the state's grandest stage.
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Eryn Polite -- Clear Springs Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
As we touched on in our recent Whataburger Team of the Week article, Clear Springs did the unthinkable this past weekend.
By upsetting the Class 6A-D1 State favorites Katy (previously 36-1), in what became an instant classic, the Chargers’ 7-5 victory over the Tigers serves as a reminder that anything can happen in the UIL postseason.
At the heart of the drama was senior standout Eryn Polite.
With two runners on and one out left in the final inning of a one-game playoff, Clear Springs trailed 5-4.
The season hung in the balance as Polite stepped to the plate—and delivered the moment of her career. The Florida A&M commit crushed a walk-off, three-run homer, sealing the win and sending her team to the 6A-D1 Region III Final.
In a game packed with intensity, Polite’s clutch swing showed everyone why she’s one of the most dangerous bats in Texas high school softball. Her poise under pressure and ability to rise in the biggest moment elevated Clear Springs into the next round—and into program lore.
No matter what unfolds in their upcoming matchup against Atascocita, Polite’s walk-off will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the postseason.
Grant Burns -- Lutheran South Academy Baseball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
They came. They saw. They conquered.
Lutheran South Academy solidified its standing as one of the top private school baseball programs in Texas with a commanding 11-0 win over Grapevine Faith to clinch the TAPPS Division II State Championship on Tuesday—their first title since 2021 and fifth overall.
Under head coach Aaron Schneider, the Pioneers have been loaded with talent all season, boasting high-profile names like Victor Coronado (Texas State-commit), Brody Smith (St. Thomas), Marcus Cantu (Texas), Omar Serna (LSU), Wyatt Powell, and Jaylen Walker.
But on the biggest stage, it was senior Grant Burns who rose above the rest.
Named the TAPPS-D2 State MVP, Burns delivered a masterclass from the mound. The Wharton County JC-commit pitched a complete game shutout, allowing just four hits and striking out nine in seven dominant innings. His poise and precision neutralized a strong Grapevine Faith lineup and set the tone from the first pitch.
With the victory, LSA not only adds another trophy to its case but also positions itself as a continued force in Texas high school baseball. And at the heart of it all stood Grant Burns—calm, commanding, and undeniably clutch.
Lily Soliz -- Angleton Softball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
With Coach Cindy Rubio leading the way, the Angleton Ladycats continued their dominant playoff run, most recently sweeping Hendrickson in the UIL 5A-D1 Regional Semifinals (Game 1: 11-0, Game 2: 14-2), improving to 21-3 on the season.
Leading the way for the series victory was senior standout Lily Soliz.
The McNeese State-commit delivered a commanding performance from the shortstop position, anchoring the defense while making her presence felt at the plate. Soliz went 4-for-5 across the two-game sweep, driving in five runs, scoring four of her own, and launching a home run in the opener.
Her leadership and consistency continue to set the tone for an Angleton squad with eyes on a deep postseason push.
Next up for the Ladycats is a tough Regional Final matchup against perennial powerhouse Barbers Hill.
The challenge is steep, but with momentum on their side—and Soliz firing on all cylinders—Angleton remains a team to watch.
Evan Mihaly -- Clear Lake Baseball
Against the odds, Clear Lake has battled its way to a spot in the UIL 6A-D2 Region III Semifinals.
Under the leadership of sixth-year head coach Josh Bromberg, the Falcons (23-10-3) captured the District 24-6A title before sweeping Goose Creek Memorial and Dawson in dominant playoff fashion.
Next up: a clash with Katy Taylor, with a trip to the Regional Final on the line—and a potential return to the State Final-Four for the first time since 1988.
A key force behind Clear Lake’s postseason success has been junior pitcher Evan Mihaly.
The left-hander, who recently committed to Texas A&M, has emerged as a dependable presence on the mound. His command, poise under pressure, and ability to deliver in big moments have solidified his role as a cornerstone of Bromberg’s playoff rotation.
Though Clear Lake boasts a deep and balanced roster, Mihaly’s breakout performance has been impossible to overlook.
As the Falcons prepare for their toughest challenge yet, Mihaly’s continued excellence will be critical. If he stays in form, Clear Lake’s dream of a long-awaited state tournament berth could very well become a reality
Jeremy Garner -- Iowa Colony Boys Track & Field
Photo provided by Iowa Colony Head Coach Aundra Long
Despite the challenge of moving up to Class 5A competition, the Iowa Colony Boys Track & Field team rose to the occasion without hesitation.
At the UIL State Meet held at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin, the Pioneers delivered a dominant showing to capture the 5A Boys State Championship.
Central to that victory was the performance of the relay teams, which claimed gold in the 4x100m (39.74), 4x200m (1:23.34), and 4x400m (3:11.62) events—an impressive sweep on the sport’s biggest stage.
Junior Jeremy Garner was a key figure in all three of those championship relays. His consistency and explosiveness on the track made him an indispensable part of Iowa Colony’s title run, anchoring a team effort with individual excellence.
Garner’s athletic talent isn’t limited to track. After earning second-team, all-district honors as a contributor on the ICHS football team, his profile as a multi-sport athlete continues to grow.
With a state title now on his résumé and more eligibility ahead, Jeremy Garner has firmly established himself as a rising star—one whose future in collegiate athletics looks increasingly bright.
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