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Manvel's Peyton Cooks (Sr. CG)
THE PLAYMAKERS: Looking Fresh // Powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, as the opening stages of this winter have already featured a multitude of stylish shooters.
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Courtland Cloud -- Shadow Creek Girls Basketball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
There was no time wasted by surging shooting guard Courtland Cloud, who has quickly asserted herself as one of Shadow Creek’s most enthralling new additions. The former St. Pius X standout arrived fresh off a sophomore season that earned her first-team, all-state recognition in TAPPS-6A — and she’s carried that momentum straight into 2025.
Now a junior, Cloud has become a seamless fit within an already well-established Sharks program that has stormed out to a 13–1 start. A constant double-double threat, she’s pacing the team with 17 points and 7 rebounds per night, setting the tone on both ends.
For a squad that drew a tough opening-round matchup with Hightower in last year’s postseason, Cloud’s arrival feels like more than just roster enhancement. It’s a sign that Shadow Creek may be positioning itself for something bigger this time around.
Peyton Cooks -- Manvel Girls Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Among the numerous Houston-area programs to enjoy hot starts to the winter campaign, Manvel has steamrolled its way to an 18-2 record under sixth-year head coach Jhared Marshall. Those impressive numbers aside, it’s the quality of opponents the Mavs have already dispatched – including district rival Dawson, Barbers Hill, Klein Collins, Cy Ranch, and Fulshear – that makes their upswing even more noteworthy.
And while this Manvel roster is equipped with exceptional balance and depth, it certainly isn’t without its alphas. Few have been quite as impactful as Peyton Cooks, a senior who has already built a strong résumé. Following a first-team, all-district selection last winter, Cooks not only continues to score well into the double digits, but has also shown her ability to keep teammates involved from the combo guard spot.
District 22-6A will be a gauntlet, but the rapid progression this group has displayed suggests the Mavericks are built to withstand it.
Chase Richardson -- Friendswood Basketball
Matt Powell (VYPE)
In the early stretch of winter play, Friendswood (11–4) has proven to be every bit the contender it was projected to be. That promise crystallized last week in San Antonio, where Danny Russell’s group went 4–1 at the South San Tournament — falling only to eventual champion Cibolo Steele. More than the wins, the trip offered a meaningful barometer for a roster that continues to show it can thrive just as comfortably in hostile territory.
At the heart of that rise is Chase Richardson, the most staggering weapon in Russell’s arsenal. One of the more fascinating blue-chip talents in Texas, Richardson brings a skillset that opposing defenses rarely contain, much less counter. His pin-point shooting, dynamic driving ability, no-look vision, and explosive bounce make him a matchup problem on every possession. A 2025 first-team, all-district selection, Richardson is firmly positioning himself as a legitimate 20-5A MVP candidate if his trajectory holds.
Journey Lovett -- Dawson Girls Basketball
Isaiah Vela (VYPE)
The Eagles haven’t skipped a beat in head coach Gary Douglas’ first year at the helm. Recently named the GHAGBA (Greater Houston Area Girls Basketball Association) Team of the Month, Dawson has been nothing short of mesmerizing through the tournament portion of its schedule.
As district play arrives, the Eagles (13-2) close November with a championship at the inaugural Hoopfest Invitational and a runner-up finish in the gold bracket of the McDonald’s Texas Invitational. With Duncanville, North Crowley, Cy Springs, C.E. King, and Houston Christian all left in their wake, it’s increasingly evident that this roster is constructed to contend.
Identifying just one standout from a group this deep is no small task. Last year’s 22-6A MVP Kendall Ford (Sr. CG), Ellison-transfer and reigning 16-5A MVP Faith Etienne (Jr. G), and first-teamer Mia Ibarre (Sr. G) all have legitimate claims to the spotlight.
Even so, Journey Lovett has more than earned her share of it. Having signed with Bradley University last month, the senior shooting guard continues to showcase the scoring punch that has long defined her game. Whether it’s her 25-point night against Angleton or a 30-piece versus C.E. King, Lovett seems magnetized to the scoreboard — a trait that will only elevate a Dawson squad aiming to build on last year’s run to the 6A-DI Region III Final.
Devan Brown -- Pearland Boys Basketball
Matt Powell (VYPE)
Momentum has quickly become Pearland’s calling card, as the Oilers have strung together 10 straight wins heading into their district slate. That surge was punctuated by an undefeated run at the Gulf Coast Classic, where they secured the championship with a 56–44 victory over Barbers Hill just a week ago.
Now sitting at 11–1, Pearland shows no signs of easing off the gas — due in large part to the steady brilliance of senior Devan Brown. Fresh off being named Tournament MVP of November’s Maroon Classic — another event the Oilers swept at 5–0 — Brown continues to anchor the offense with an efficient scoring touch that hovers around 20 points per night, often more.
Expectations were already substantial for this group, but the way Brown and Pearland have navigated their early schedule suggests those aspirations are well-founded. A run at the 22-6A crown would only reinforce the hype they’ve been building.
Dawson's Kendall Ford
THE PLAYMAKERS: The Biggest Names in South Houston Girls Hoops powered by UTMB Health
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A'Zyua Blair -- Pearland Girls Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Though they narrowly missed out on a fourth consecutive district title—finishing just behind Dawson (16-0)—the Pearland Oilers (29-8) still dominated District 22-6A with a strong 14-2 record, securing yet another playoff berth.
However, like their district counterpart, Pearland’s postseason run was cut short by eventual 6A-D1 state champion Summer Creek in a hard-fought Area Round battle.
Despite the early exit, the future remains bright for the Oilers, thanks to the talent set to return next season.
At the forefront of that promise is sophomore point guard A’Zyua Blair, who proved to be the driving force behind Pearland’s success.
Averaging approximately 19 points, 4 assists, and 4 steals per game, Blair’s stellar play earned her the title of District 22-6A Offensive Player of the Year.
Alongside fellow soon-to-be junior Shiloh Grays, Blair will continue to be a key piece for the Oilers, while further solidifying her status as a legitimate collegiate prospect.
Kamryn McLaurin -- Clear Brook Girls Basketball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Clear Brook (33-4) was among the top programs in Texas throughout the 2025 season, entering the postseason with just three losses to their name.
However, their momentum was ultimately halted in the third round by Alief Taylor in a heart-pounding 59-58 battle.
Despite the somewhat early exit, the Wolverines boasted one of the most electrifying offenses in the state, averaging just under 62 points per contest. At the heart of their success was senior Kamryn McLaurin.
Known for her defensive prowess as a two-time District Defensive MVP, McLaurin showcased her versatility this season, proving she could dominate on both ends of the floor. She averaged an impressive 19 points, 4 steals, and 4 rebounds per game, stepping up whenever her team needed her most.
Her impact didn’t go unnoticed, as she was named the District 24-6A MVP to cap off a remarkable high school career.
Kendall Ford -- Dawson Girls Basketball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
What a season it was for the Dawson Eagles!
After finishing third in district play last year and bowing out in the Area Round to Summer Creek, Dawson responded in dominant fashion, claiming its first district championship since 2013 with a flawless 16-0 record.
Under the guidance of 22-6A Coach of the Year Sharee Griffin, the Eagles continued their historic run all the way to the Region III Final before falling to eventual UIL 6A-D1 champions Summer Creek, ending the season with an exemplary record of 34-5.
Leading the charge for Dawson was junior combo guard Kendall Ford.
Though she had plenty of support from standout teammates like Jaycee Ingram (Sr. F), Mia Barre (Jr. G), Journey Lovett (Jr. G), and Jaylynn Perez-Richard (Sr. G), Ford’s commanding presence on both ends of the floor earned her the title of District 22-6A MVP.
With Ford and several key players set to return next season, Dawson looks poised to build on this year’s success and remain a force to be reckoned with.
Jazmine Hansley -- Dickinson Girls Basketball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Under the leadership of coach Toya Peterson, the Dickinson Gators (26-9) proved they could compete with the best this season.
That was especially evident in district play, where Dickinson dominated en route to claiming the 24-6A title with a 13-1 record before securing a playoff berth.
The Gators’ success was fueled by their depth, as they didn’t rely on any single player to carry the load.
Although, it’s hard to overlook the impact of senior point guard Jazmine Hansley, who played a key role in their impressive run. The District 24-6A Offensive MVP averaged 14 points per game, while also contributing 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals on a nightly basis.
Hansley, along with fellow senior standouts Ciara Williams and Kyndall Hosea, will soon be graduating, leaving Dickinson with some big shoes to fill.
However, given the Gators’ track record, they’ll be more than ready for the challenge.
Kenadie Francis -- Iowa Colony Girls Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
In just their third year as a varsity program—and their first season competing in Class 5A—the Iowa Colony Pioneers continued to solidify their reputation as one of Houston’s fastest-growing teams.
Despite playing in one of 5A’s toughest districts, the Pioneers battled their way to a second-place finish in 20-5A. They carried that momentum into the postseason, advancing to the Area Round before narrowly falling 62-57 to Rudder, closing out the season with a strong 21-14 record.
Coach Brandi Justice’s squad featured several key contributors, including first-team all-district selections Eryn Roberts (So. G), Payton Watson (Jr. G), and Aaliyah Rogers (Jr. F). However, the emergence of sophomore center Kenadie Francis played a pivotal role in Iowa Colony’s success.
Francis averaged 9 points per game—second most on the team—while also leading the way with 8 rebounds and 3 blocks per contest. Her defensive dominance earned her the title of District 20-5A Defensive MVP.
With the majority of the roster set to return next season, expect the Pioneers to keep setting new precedents.