The Playmakers of Pasadena ISD powered by Texas Citizens Bank

Nov 10, 2020

We've been on the field for a while now, so let's take a look at some players we've been watching in Pasadena ISD.

Je'lin Samuels, Sam Rayburn @jelin_samuels

One of the more interesting athletes in Houston is Je'lin Samuels at Sam Rayburn HS in Pasadena. He has come off the basketball court and landed on the DL for the Texans. The 6-foot-8, 230-pounder is a dual-sport athlete, starting for the basketball team as well.

He has picked up nine offers in a month. The most recent coming from Ole Miss. He has committed to SMU but also has offers from UH, Colorado, Arizona State and Incarnate Word.

Cameron Gray, Dobie @Suavecamo

The Dobie Longhorns have it going. In the middle of their success is QB Cameron Gray. The 5-foot-11 QB has directed his team to an undefeated season. Sure, Dobie can run the ball, but Gray is a stud at 2022 QB who can run and throw. He is trending.

Kolbey Taylor, Pasadena Memorial @kolbeyT2021

Kolbey Taylor of Pasadena Memorial is a talented football prospect. He is a safety and can flip to the offensive side of the ball at WR. He recently picked up an offer from Wyoming.

Liza Ayala, Pasadena @LizaAyala19

Junior Liza Ayala has been a bright spot for the Pasadena Eagles volleyball team this season. The middle blocker really plays all the way around. She's solid on defense and is an offensive threat in the middle and outside.

Kaely Richardson, Pasadena Memorial

Kaely Richardson is the hammer at Pasadena Memorial. The junior outside hitter has the Mavs in third place in District 22-6A, which is good enough for the postseason. She led the team in kills and also is a good defender.

ACTION JACKSON: Lancaster under new direction; new vibe

Lancaster coach Stephen Jackson

There may not be a program in Texas with more raw talent year in and year out than Lancaster.

Situated along the talent-rich I-20 corridor in the Dallas area, the Tigers once again boast a roster loaded with Division I prospects. Now, the challenge is turning that talent into the program's first UIL state championship.

THE SETUP: No. 11 Friendswood | VYPE Houston Volleyball 2026 Preseason Rankings

The featured standouts of the 2026–27 Friendswood Mustangs volleyball team.

Matt Powell (VYPE)

Friendswood enjoyed a banner season in 2025, going 37-10 en route to the UIL State Semifinals and further cementing its place among the state’s elite programs. While generational talent Nadi'ya Shelby has moved on to the University of Florida, along with Caroline Adams (US Naval Academy) and Haley Patton (North Dakota), the cupboard is far from bare for coach Sarah Paulk.

At the forefront is Boise State (Beach Volleyball) commit Elaina Holtvluwer and Sarah Grace Hickl (SFA)—both outside hitters and first-team all-district selections a season ago—while younger sister Ashley Adams (Liberty commit), another first-teamer, steps in to direct the offense from the setter position. Senior Ellie Leitko will stabilize the middle for the Mustangs after being named District 20-5A Blocker of the Year.

THE SETUP: No. 12 College Park | VYPE Houston Volleyball 2026 Preseason Rankings

The featured standouts of the 2026–27 College Park Cavaliers volleyball team.

Matt Powell (VYPE)

The Cavaliers have authored a historic stretch over the past two seasons, built around one of the program’s most accomplished groups in recent memory.

Last fall, seniors Caroline Prihoda (Kentucky) and Lacy Tinnell (Baylor) helped set the tone as College Park finished 31-12 and advanced two rounds deep into the postseason. With those standouts now at the collegiate level, a new group steps into the spotlight.

GAMES

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