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Some of the stars of 2024-25 Lake Creek Softball
FRONT AND CENTER: The 5 Biggest Headlines from this past week of UIL Softball/Baseball Playoffs
Clear Springs delivers the biggest upset of the week against Katy
The stars of 2024-25 Clear Springs Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Clear Springs Softball program certainly knows how to make an entrance.
Led by Head Coach Jennifer Knight, the Chargers entered their one-game playoff against nationally ranked Katy as clear underdogs.
But in a thrilling turn of events, Clear Springs delivered one of the program’s most memorable wins — a 7-5 upset capped by a walk-off three-run homer from senior Eryn Polite with just one out left in the final inning.
The victory propels Clear Springs to a 22-6 overall record and into the UIL 6A-Division 1 Region III Final, marking their deepest playoff run since 2021, when the team reached the fifth round.
Polite’s clutch moment was the highlight of a resilient team effort that refused to be defined by the odds. The Chargers battled back from multiple deficits, showing poise and determination throughout.
Supporting the standout performance were key contributions from Erianna Garcia, Alana Strever, Makenzie Thomas, Grace Hirst, and Jenna Hashaw — all of whom have played pivotal roles in Clear Springs’ postseason surge.
Now, with momentum on their side, the Chargers turn their focus to Atascocita, whom they’ll face this week with a trip to the UIL State Tournament on the line — a milestone the program has yet to reach.
As the stakes rise, so too does the confidence in this resilient Clear Springs squad, who continue to prove they’re more than just underdogs — they’re contenders.
Klein Cain's Cinderella Story continues, as the Hurricanes sweep The Woodlands
Some of the stars of 2024-25 Klein Cain Baseball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Klein Cain is rewriting the program’s history books — and doing it with flair.
Under third-year Head Coach Neil Wisener, the Hurricanes have delivered a postseason to remember.
Just a week ago, Cain earned its first-ever playoff series victory since the school opened in 2017, sweeping Bridgeland in the Bi-District round with wins of 4-2 and 2-1.
But the Hurricanes weren’t finished.
They followed that milestone with an even more impressive feat: a stunning sweep of tenth-ranked The Woodlands, one of the state’s perennial baseball powerhouses.
Cain took Game 1 with a crisp 2-0 shutout, then battled through a 14-inning marathon in Game 2.
In a dramatic finish, the Hurricanes scored the game-winning run off a passed ball in the bottom of the 14th, capping off a 2-1 series-clinching victory that left the crowd in disbelief.
Cain’s playoff surge has been fueled by standout performances across the roster.
Texas A&M-commit Blaine Bullard has been a consistent force at the plate and in the field, anchoring the team throughout the postseason.
He’s been joined by key contributors Braden Cox, Collin Aloisio, Chance Kirtley, Alex Mayon, Connor Haefele, and Jose Garcia — a group that has stepped up in big moments when it has mattered most.
With confidence and momentum on their side, Klein Cain now turns its attention to a new challenge: a matchup against Rockwall, a perennial power from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, in the upcoming UIL 6A-Division I Regional Semifinals.
If recent results are any indication, the Hurricanes are more than ready for the moment.
Lake Creek Softball remains undefeated with statement victory over Georgetown
Some of the stars of 2024-25 Lake Creek Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Lake Creek keeps their trend of setting the bar high through each passing week, and under the leadership of second-year head coach Candyce Carter, the Lions look virtually unstoppable.
In what was billed as a “revenge match” against Georgetown, Lake Creek responded with a resounding 10-0 victory in the 5A-D2 Regional Semifinals, extending their undefeated season to 32-0.
The highlight of the game came courtesy of junior pitcher Sara Wiggins (Wichita State-commit), who delivered a masterclass performance with a perfect game—no hits, no walks, and total control from start to finish.
Wiggins’ dominance in the circle further cements her status as one of the top arms in the state, while fellow standout Chesney Davis (Texas State) continues to provide a reliable second option and veteran leadership.
But what truly sets this team apart is the depth of its roster. Lake Creek boasts a lineup with no weak spots, allowing them to apply pressure from the first pitch to the final out. Ranked No. 1 in Texas by both MaxPreps and VYPE, the Lions show no signs of slowing down.
Their next test comes against Nederland, with the series kicking off Thursday.
With momentum firmly on their side, Lake Creek looks poised to make a strong push for what would be their third state championship in four years.
Clear Creek Softball makes program history, reaching the Regional Final for first time in over a decade
The stars of 2024-25 Clear Creek Softball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Against all odds, Clear Creek keeps making history.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Katherine Morton, the Wildcats delivered an impressive sweep of Foster this past weekend at Deer Park High School, securing their place in the 6A-D2 Region III Final.
Clear Creek opened the series with a 3-0 shutout victory on Thursday, showcasing a dominant performance on both sides of the ball. The following night, the Wildcats showed resilience and poise under pressure, edging out Foster in a hard-fought 4-3 win to close the series.
This playoff run marks only the second time in program history that Clear Creek has reached the Regional Final, a milestone not achieved since 2009.
The team’s success has been a true collective effort, fueled by standout performances from senior Khamari Hall, an Arkansas-commit, as well as key contributions from Kailey Hedges, Kierstyn Lambeth, Samantha Tumbleson, and Aria Victorian.
With their postseason momentum building, the Wildcats now hold a 19-7 record on the year.
But the road ahead doesn’t get any easier. Clear Creek is set to face a red-hot Kingwood squad in what is expected to be one of their toughest challenges yet.
Still, with a determined roster and a historic season already in the books, the Wildcats have proven they’re more than ready to rise to the occasion.
Barbers Hill makes a clutch comeback in their Area Round series vs. Crosby
The stars of 2024-25 Barbers Hill Baseball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Barbers Hill proved once again why it remains one of the most respected programs in the state under the leadership of longtime head coach David Denny, now in his 25th season at the helm.
After dropping the opening game of their Area Round series to Crosby in a 10-5 setback, the Eagles responded with poise and power—rebounding with a 10-2 win on Friday and a dominant 4-0 shutout to clinch the series on Saturday.
The comeback showcased the grit and resilience that has defined the program, reminding fans and opponents alike that this team still carries the fire of its 2021 state championship form.
With the series victory, Barbers Hill improved to an impressive 30-6 on the season and now turns its focus to an upcoming matchup against Hendrickson.
This year’s squad features a deep roster of standouts, including Ryan Cox, Roque Garcia, Ryan Garcia, Ayden Mooring, Jorge Garza, Bridger Thomas, Joseph Ponder, and Josh DiGulio—each playing a key role in the Eagles' postseason run.
As the playoffs continue, Barbers Hill is not only chasing another title but also reaffirming its legacy as a powerhouse built on tradition, talent, and a never-quit mentality.
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Clear Creek's Khamari Hall
THE PLAYMAKERS: Calm Before the Storm, powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, as we near the most critical point of the Spring!
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Sophie Sandel -- La Porte Softball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
La Porte’s dominant 18-1 win over Galveston Ball on Tuesday further cemented the Bulldogs as a team to watch in the upcoming UIL postseason.
Now sitting at 17-4-1, La Porte is in position to finish second overall in District 20-5A—and has the firepower to make some serious noise in the playoffs.
Scoring has come in bunches for coach Bryant Upshaw’s squad, which has racked up 173 runs across 22 games—an impressive average of nearly eight per outing.
At the heart of that offensive surge is senior catcher Sophie Sandel, who continues to anchor the Bulldogs on both sides of the ball.
A vocal leader behind the plate, Sandel has also been unstoppable with a bat in her hands, boasting a .529 batting average this season. She leads the team in RBIs (20), home runs (4), doubles (7), and triples (3), establishing herself as one of the most complete hitters in the district.
Sandel, who is committed to play at Texas State University next year, remains focused on the present. With the postseason just around the corner, she’ll look to help lead La Porte on a deep playoff run—and possibly add another chapter to an already stellar high school career.
Joshua Shelton -- Pearland Boys Track & Field
Pearland has long been known for producing top-tier track talent—and that tradition continued at the Area Meet (Districts 21-6A and 22-6A) held in Missouri City this past Friday.
Among several standout performances from the Oilers, junior Joshua Shelton delivered one of the most commanding wins of the day. Shelton captured gold in the 400-meter dash with a blistering time of 46.63 seconds—more than a full second ahead of the runner-up, Shadow Creek’s Jason Walker (47.92).
It marked Shelton’s second consecutive victory in the event, following his first-place finish at the District Meet the week prior, where he clocked in at 47.04 seconds.
His consistent improvement and ability to separate from the field have established him as a serious contender heading into the next phase of competition.
Shelton, along with several teammates who also earned podium finishes, will now prepare for the UIL 6A-Region III Meet, scheduled for this Friday and Saturday at Challenger Columbia Stadium in Webster.
With momentum on his side and a spot at the state meet within reach, Shelton is quickly emerging as one of the premier quarter-milers in Texas.
Khamari Hall -- Clear Creek Softball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
The Clear Creek softball program is in the midst of a remarkable resurgence.
After missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, the Wildcats punched their postseason ticket with a 7-3 victory over Clear Lake last Friday.
Now 16-5 overall and 10-3 in District 24-6A play, Clear Creek sits atop the standings and can clinch the district title with a win over Clear Springs on Thursday night.
The unquestionable catalyst behind the Wildcats’ turnaround is senior outfielder Khamari Hall, whose impact has been felt all season long.
Serving as the team’s leadoff hitter, Hall consistently sets the tone from the opening pitch. Her speed, poise, and presence at the plate have made her a nightmare for opposing pitchers, and her ability to spark early momentum has become a hallmark of Clear Creek’s success.
A University of Arkansas-commit, Hall will soon join a national powerhouse that already features Houston-area standouts like Ella McDowell (Foster) and Cameryn Harrison (Katy). But before she heads to the SEC, Hall has unfinished business with the Wildcats.
As the postseason approaches, Clear Creek will rely heavily on its veteran leader—one who has helped bring the program back to prominence and has the tools to carry it even further.
Cooper Harris -- Friendswood Baseball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Competing in the always-tough District 20-5A—home to contenders like La Porte and Santa Fe—Friendswood has shown resilience and poise throughout the 2025 season.
With just a couple of weeks left in the regular season, head coach Robert Benavides has his Mustangs firmly in the playoff picture. Friendswood currently holds a 15-6-1 record (7-2 in district) and looks to be in prime position to make a strong push down the stretch.
A major contributor to the team’s success has been the depth and reliability of its bullpen. Among the standouts, senior Cooper Harris is emerging as a go-to arm—and quite possibly the team’s ace.
Harris, a Sam Houston State-commit, made headlines earlier this month when he tossed a no-hitter in a 5-0 win over Iowa Colony on April 1. His command and consistency on the mound give Friendswood a reliable weapon as they eye the postseason.
With a well-rounded roster and a proven arm like Harris leading the charge, the Mustangs have the tools to make noise in the coming weeks. Their last trip to the UIL State Tournament came in 2022, and with momentum building, another deep run doesn’t feel out of reach.
Jannie Cardenas -- Manvel Girls Track & Field
With the Area round of the UIL Track & Field postseason now in the books, several standout athletes from the South Houston region have begun to separate themselves from the pack.
Manvel had no shortage of strong showings, with athletes like Naomi Johnson, Damerian Clerkley, Aubrey Riles, Nathaniel Hubenak, Ryann Humphrey, Max Soloman, Madison Byrd, and Julian Johnson all advancing to the Regional stage.
But perhaps the most impressive performance of the meet came from sophomore distance runner Jannie Cardenas.
Competing at Hall Stadium last Friday, Cardenas claimed gold in the 3200-meter run with a time of 11:29.80, and followed it up with a bronze finish in the 1600 meters at 5:23.88—outpacing older, more experienced runners in both events.
Her breakout at Area comes on the heels of a dominant showing at District, where she won the 1600 and finished second in the 3200.
With steady progression and an unwavering competitive edge, Cardenas is proving herself to be one of the top young distance runners in the region.
She’ll now turn her focus to the UIL Region III-6A Meet this weekend, with a potential trip to the State Meet in Austin just within reach.