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Clear Creek's Khamari Hall
THE PLAYMAKERS: 2025 Softball Superstars of the South, powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Softball Players of the 2024-25 season, who represented South Houston with style this Spring!
Lily Calderon -- Angleton Softball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
A powerful presence in the heart of the lineup helped propel Angleton to one of its most memorable seasons in recent years.
With timely hitting and steady leadership, the Ladycats advanced all the way to the UIL 5A-Division I Region III Final, where they were narrowly edged out by eventual State Finalist Barbers Hill.
At the center of that success was senior first baseman Lily Calderon, who posted a .347 batting average, drove in a team-leading 24 RBIs, and tied for the team lead with three home runs.
Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed, as she was named the District 20-5A Offensive Player of the Year following her standout season.
Now turning the page to the next chapter, Calderon is set to continue her softball career at Alabama A&M University.
Makenzie Thomas -- Clear Springs Softball
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
In her debut season with the Clear Springs Chargers, freshman shortstop Makenzie Thomas made an immediate and lasting impact.
Batting .368 with 44 RBIs and a team-leading 15 home runs, she quickly emerged as one of the most explosive and dangerous hitters — not just in District 24-6A, but across the state. Her standout performance earned her Newcomer of the Year honors and helped set the tone for a historic trek through the playoffs.
Backed by a loaded roster that included Erianna Garcia (Sr. C), Eryn Polite (Sr. 3B), Alana Strever (Jr. OF), and fellow standout freshman Elisa Garcia, Thomas helped propel the Chargers all the way to the UIL 6A-Division I State Championship game — a first for any Clear Creek ISD softball program.
Their journey to Red & Charline McCombs Field in Austin was a milestone moment for the district and a testament to the team's depth and resilience.
Although Clear Springs ultimately fell to Midway in the final, the Chargers’ impressive core — including Thomas — signals that this historic season may just be the beginning.
Khamari Hall -- Clear Creek Softball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Clear Creek senior Khamari Hall left an indelible mark on the Wildcats’ softball program in 2025, leading the team to its first Regional Finals appearance since 2009. Competing in the highly competitive 6A-Division II bracket, Hall was a driving force both at the plate and in the outfield, helping guide Clear Creek through a historic playoff run.
The Wildcats’ season came to a close against eventual state champions Kingwood, but Hall’s leadership and impact were undeniable throughout the postseason stretch. Her efforts were recognized at the district level, as she was named the District 24-6A Most Valuable Player at the conclusion of the season.
Hall now prepares to continue her softball career at the University of Arkansas. There, she will join a growing list of H-Town standouts who are already making their mark on the national stage, including Ella McDowell (Foster), Cameryn Harrison (Katy), and Ashtyn Reichardt (Katy).
Layla Bennett -- Pearland Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
As a key weapon in Pearland’s exceptional campaign this spring, Layla Bennett (Jr. 2B) proved to be one of the Oilers’ most consistent and impactful performers.
The Central Florida-commit played a pivotal role in leading the club to an impressive 27-8 overall record, highlighted by a perfect 16-0 run through 22-6A play that secured yet another district title, prior to advancing to the Area Round of the UIL 6A-Division I playoffs.
Her standout performance throughout the season earned her first-team all-district honors, solidifying her place among the area’s elite.
Further recognition came with her selection to the prestigious Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) All-Star team — an honor that reflects her growing reputation across the state.
With another year of high school softball still ahead, Bennett will look to build on this year’s success as she continues her path toward the collegiate level and beyond.
Addison Smith -- Lutheran South Academy Softball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Despite a season marked by its share of challenges, Lutheran South Academy found success when it mattered most — in the postseason.
Behind the leadership of head coach Nicole Andrade, the Pioneers surged past Saint Mary’s Hall in dominant fashion to open TAPPS-Division II playoff action, advancing to the Regional Round before falling to perennial contender The Woodlands Christian Academy.
At the heart of LSA’s postseason push was junior shortstop Addison Smith, a Wichita State-commit who proved to be a steady force on both sides of the ball. Her consistency and presence in the infield helped anchor the team through its highs and lows, ultimately earning her first-team all-state honors to cap off a standout season.
Smith is expected to continue her upward trajectory as she prepares for the next phase of her career. Her work this summer will no doubt be pivotal, as she looks to further sharpen her game before returning for a senior season filled with high expectations.
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.