GAMES
RANKINGS
Caroline Adams of Friendswood Mustangs Volleyball
THE PLAYMAKERS: Flexing on the competition powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, as the Fall season continues to heat up.
Bri Dunn, Clear Falls Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
While they have experienced their ups and downs through the Fall thus far, Clear Falls has begun to make headway as the district portion of their schedule unfolds. After a respectable 3-2 start in district, the credit needs to go some of the stars of the Knights crew -- Keira Jones (team kill-leader) and libero Capri Strombach (team dig-leader).
However, Bri Dunn (Jr. S) has been stepping up in grand fashion to help guide Clear Falls to a strong finish in district. Dunn currently ranks in the top-three of all the team’s major stat categories, including the top spot in assists, which is nearing 400 on the season.
Jaden Wincher, Pearland Football
Some of the stars of 2023-24 Pearland Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Pearland’s definitive 20-13 victory against district rival Shadow Creek was a sight to behold, which easily propelled them up our weekly rankings. Credit where credit is due. Jr. RB Ladamion McDowell put the offense on his back to score twice for the Oilers with 74 yards on the ground against a stingy Shadow Creek defense.
On that note, I think it’s time we show the Pearland defense some love considering they were the difference-maker in this intense matchup. That’s where team captain Jaden Wincher (Sr. DE) comes in. Wincher was a nightmare for the Sharks’ offense all night, compiling 10 total tackles, including three sacks, four TFL’s and two QB hurries. That statline indicates that this man is a game-wrecker.
Caroline Adams, Friendswood Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
It’s no secret that Friendswood has been on a tear recently. After coming off a decisive 3-2 victory against district-competitor Manvel, it’s clear that the Mustangs (18-9; 5-0 in district) are a group worth recognizing as the playoffs approach. So. OH Nadi’Ya Shelby has been a force on her side of the net, alongside Taliah Benson (So. OH) and Jordyn Sims (Jr. RS).
But who has been feeding this offensive machine throughout the Fall? Why, Friendswood’s Caroline Adams, of course. In just 27 games this season, the Mustangs’ sophomore setter has nearly 800 assists to her name, and should easily eclipse the 1K-mark in the coming weeks.
Rodney Bimage, Dickinson Football
Some of the stars of 2023-24 Dickinson Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
The Gators’ district opener against Clear Springs was a doozy. While both sides of the ball were clicking with senior QB John Solomon leading the offense and Nicholas Peace (Sr. DB) leading the tackling effort on defense, it was senior DB Rodney Bimage who was the true difference-maker in last week’s 35-14 win. In addition to making four tackles (including one sack), Bimage was the special teams guru for Dickinson. On just two kick returns, the senior Gator racked up 188 return yards for two decisive touchdowns to help his squad breeze past a tough Chargers team.
Ashley Richardson, Clear Springs Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Clear Springs stampede continues, as they have galloped to a quick 6-0 (24-12 overall) start in the district competition. After toppling both Clear Creek and Clear Brook in their recent matches, it’s been made perfectly clear (pun intended) that the Chargers are the team to beat in District 24-6A.
We’ve spoken plenty about the performance of Anzley Rinard (Sr. OH) and Abby Fuller (Sr. L), but senior Ashley Richardson has really come into her own from the setter spot. Richardson currently leads the team in blocks (60) and aces (45), while ranking in the top-two for Clear Springs in kills (266), assists (494) and digs (350).
Anzley Rinard of Clear Springs Volleyball
THE PLAYMAKERS: Setting up the Fall season powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, as the Houston volleyball season begins to heat up.
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Olivia Jones, Clear Creek Volleyball
Some of the stars of 2023-24 Clear Creek Volleyball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Similar to their district rivals -- Clear Springs -- the Wildcats have also had their fair share of success to kick off the 2023 season.
Having led her team to a 7-3 start, the impact that junior Olivia Jones has on the court is becoming painfully evident for the opposition. Jones currently leads the Clear Creek team in kills, with 90, while recording nearly 100 digs from the outside-hitter position.
After finishing second in the district a year ago, Jones will certainly be key figure in the Wildcats’ effort to reclaim the district crown.
Kirra Musgrove, Lutheran South Academy Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
LSA was narrowly defeated by district rival FBCA in last year’s TAPPS-5A State Semifinals, which has made the Pioneers volleyball program more determined than ever to provide a swift rebuttal.
To start off the new school year, Lutheran South has proceeded to dominate opponents (6-1 start) to make it clear that they mean business.
As expected, the linchpin for the Pioneers has been junior setter Kirra Musgrove (Texas A&M-commit), who is coming off an extraordinary 2022 campaign which saw her become a first-team all-state selection. She currently leads the team in kills (40) and will serve as the LSA powerhouse moving forward.
Anzley Rinard, Clear Springs Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Chargers have begun the Fall season like they were shot out of a cannon. Through the various tournament matchups they’ve faced, Clear Springs has emerged relatively unscathed with a record of 8-2.
This is, in no small part, due to the efforts of senior OH Anzley Rinard. While her teammate, Ashley Richardson (Sr. S) has been tremendous, it is Rinard who has ignited the charge for Clear Springs. In just 10 matches, Rinard has already accumulated nearly 100 kills to start the season.
After earning first-team all-district honors in 2022, it would seem that the best is yet to come for this senior Charger.
Averie Tracy, Clear Falls Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Knights volleyball program experienced its fair share of ups and downs in 2022, but still managed to finish the season in fourth place among a crowded district.
Now that the team has had time to progress, coach Alison Williams will look to her veterans to help lead Clear Falls to an even greater level. That’s where senior MB Averie Tracy comes in.
While there is some younger star power on the squad, it will be Tracy’s duty to set the example. With her tall frame and adept timing at the net, it won’t be an unreachable goal in the slightest.
Annie Cathey, Clear Lake Volleyball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
The Falcons have begun the new season with some close defeats in tournaments, to kick off the year with a record of 3-5.
However, the primary reason these matchups have been as close as they have can be attributed to the performance of Lamar-commit Annie Cathey.
As it stands, the senior middle-blocker leads the team in kills and receptions, and will likely continue to do so as Clear Lake contends for a playoff spot once district competition begins in September.