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Whataburger Team of the Week: Cy Ranch VB opens 2025 with stifling momentum, Tournament-glory
Led by head coach Dr. Collea McKinney—who took over in 2023 following Chrissy Woodward’s tenure—Cy Ranch has continued to assert itself as one of Texas’ perennial powerhouses.
They recently rolled through the Cy-Fair ISD/Katy ISD Tournament with an unblemished 8-0 run, claiming the championship for a second straight year. That title-clinching effort was capped off with a thrilling reverse sweep, showcasing both grit and poise.
Currently ranked No. 6 in the state by MaxPreps and No. 4 in Texas Volleyball Insiders’ Class 6A poll, the Mustangs’ depth and experience have been instrumental in their early-season success.
The stars of 2025-26 Cypress Ranch VolleyballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Senior Madyson Carr led the way in the tournament, earning MVP honors, while fellow seniors Kennedy White (All-Tournament Blocker), Rice-commit Zora Bello (All-Tournament Setter), and Kinsley Hooper (All-Tournament Libero) provided key contributions on both ends of the court.
Other notable standouts, thus far, include Memphis-commit Kaylee Parker (Sr. OH), Southwestern-bound Caroline Srubar (Sr. S), Saniya Reynolds (Jr. MB), and sophomore outside hitter Sade Bello—Zora’s younger sister—who continues to shine in her second varsity season.
The road ahead features several key matchups, including a marquee non-district contest against Tompkins this Friday. The Mustangs are also set to compete in the Leader ISD Volleypalooza and Clear Creek ISD Tournaments, where they’ll look to keep up the pace against a high level of competition.
Ultimately, Cypress Ranch will have its eyes on securing the outright District 16-6A title—after splitting it with Bridgeland last season—and making a more extensive postseason run following last year’s early playoff exit in the Area Round to The Woodlands.
If how they have performed up to this point is any indication, this could be the year that CRHS breaks through the barrier.
Four-Star Cypress Springs ATH Paris Melvin Jr.
BUILT DIFFERENT: Melvin Jr.’s versatile brilliance has revitalized Cy Springs Football
Melvin, now entering his senior year, is an athlete in every sense of the word.
Offensively, he lines up in the backfield or in the slot. Defensively, he locks down receivers at corner or flies around as a nickelback. Wherever the Panthers need a spark, Melvin delivers.
Last season, he totaled over 1,500 scrimmage yards, 21 touchdowns, and added an interception with four pass breakups on defense – enough to earn District 16-6A MVP honors and turn heads across Texas.
“Really, it’s something that I’ve been doing since I was a kid,” Melvin said. “Now, it’s come to the point where I just don’t like being off the field. When I’m not out there doing everything I can to make a play, it makes me feel like I’ve done something wrong.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
That mindset – never sitting still, always impacting the game – has helped shape him into one of the most dynamic two-way athletes in the country. His skill set draws natural comparisons to Travis Hunter, the Colorado star turned No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
But for Melvin, the inspiration goes even deeper.
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“Most people would assume that it’s Travis Hunter. Of course, he’s an athlete I aspire to be like… But I have two favorites: Deion Sanders and CeeDee Lamb.”
Deion’s once-in-a-generation versatility and Lamb’s explosive playmaking – especially meaningful given his roots in the Houston area, where he starred at Foster before ascending to Oklahoma and, ultimately, the Dallas Cowboys – both resonate with Melvin.
“CeeDee is my favorite current player and plays at my favorite position,” he said. “I’m not on his level yet, of course, but I do get a lot of comparisons to him.”
That confidence comes naturally. Ask Melvin what sets him apart, and his answer is simple but revealing.
“It’s the way I’m built,” Melvin said. “There’s nothing you could tell me that I can’t do. If you doubt me, I’m just going to go out there and prove it.”
Now in the latter stages of his high school career, Melvin ultimately announced his future program after committing to the University of Houston in July. The Coogs will be getting more than just a recruit – they’re getting a mentality.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
And that distinct mindset has been forged at Cy Springs, a program that didn’t always get the attention it’s starting to now.
“When I first got here after eighth grade, there wasn’t anyone on the outside who believed in this program,” Melvin said. “When everyone turned left, I turned right. I’m grateful that I stayed and have been able to build something with Coach [Oji] Fagan and his staff. Now, we’re in the process of becoming one of the top teams in the state. Stay tuned for that.”
If Melvin Jr. has anything to say about it – and he usually does, on every down and on every side of the ball – Cypress Springs won’t just be in the conversation. They’ll be leading it.