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PUNCHING TICKETS: Rivalries abound with trips to Regionals on the line
Following an enticing array of matchups took place in the UIL Area Round last week, the postseason hype continues to grow.
The best teams in Houston, and the state of Texas as a whole, are inching ever closer to the coveted state championship, and with a trip to the Regional Tournament on the line in Round No. 3, the fan bases couldn't be more ready.
The importance of this round cannot be overstated. Class 5A powerhouses Friendswood and Barbers Hill are clashing. Grand Oaks will finally have their rematch against Bridgeland after facing them a year ago. Div rivals Seven Lakes and Tompkins meet yet again. What more can be said about the threats each of these teams pose?
Here are our picks for the must-see games in the Regional Quarterfinals.
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Friendswood Mustangs vs. Barbers Hill Eagles
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Given how both of these squads have been performing all season, it's not a stretch to say that the victor of this battle could very possibly hoist a state title within the month.
Friendswood (28-9; 12-0) is an utterly dominant group. So much so, that they haven't even lost a set since September and that is a result of the Mustangs tenacious offense.
The "super soph" Nadi'Ya Shelby (So. OH) is putting up MVP numbers behind the net, as she approaches 500 kills on the season. Additionally, Haley Patton (So. L) is nearing 500 digs, while sophomore setter Caroline Adams has already surpassed 1,100 assists to make Friendswood one of the scariest clubs around, as they look to extend their win-streak to 14.
Barbers Hill (40-7; 14-0) is coming off a four-set win over Foster, and their momentum doesn't appear to be slowing anytime soon.
Watch for Peyton Fadal (Sr. S), Chloe Morgan (Sr. MH), Mia Rivers (Sr. L), Kynlea Gibbs (Jr. OH), and senior Peyton Spahn to make a significant impact on Tuesday's exhibition at C.E. King High School.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Tompkins Falcons vs. Seven Lakes Spartans
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
These two District 19-6A clubs have already faced off three times this season, and Tompkins has emerged victorious in each meeting, however Seven Lakes kept it close through each bout.
The Falcons (30-9; 14-2) are looking to make it 4-for-4 on the heels of their three-set sweep over Cypress Ridge in the Area round, and they have all the key pieces needed to make that a reality.
Junior Christin Cowart has performed brilliantly from the middle-blocker position, as she currently leads the offense with well over 300 kills. As expected, Caelyn Dumas (Jr. S/RS) and Callie Funk (So. MB) have also made significant contributions, while Brooklynn Merrell (Jr. DS) and Erica Dellesky (Sr. S) coordinate the defensive side of the net.
On the Seven Lakes (27-15; 12-4) side, the Spartans look more determined than ever, following their 3-2 victory against a thriving Stratford team.
Expect Temi Sam-Olibale (Sr. OH) and Sameena Burns (Sr. OH) to continue churning out kills on the offensive side, supported by Megan Chapman (So.), Simone Romriell (Sr. S), and Clara Belcher (Sr. DS).
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Clear Springs Chargers vs. Pearland Dawson Eagles
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
It's time for a south-side showdown, folks.
As we mentioned in the preseason, Clear Springs (33-13; 12-0) has reached the Regional Semifinals in each of the last three seasons, and they don't plan on ending that streak now.
Their core rotation is a force to be reckoned with, as Anzley Rinard (Sr. OH) continues to power the Chargers' offense (432 kills), alongside the reigning District 24-6A MVP Ashley Richardson (Sr. S) and Grace Powell (Sr. OH). Meanwhile, Abby Fuller (Sr. L) and Morgen Durdens (Sr. S/DS) have covered the back-end consistently into the postseason.
Dawson (37-9; 11-1), on the other hand, has advanced to the Regional Tourney six years in a row. It's not hard to see why, considering they maintain complete rosters on a regular basis.
This season, Dominique Phills (Sr. OH), Addison Moss (Sr. S/OH), and Kennedy Jones (Jr. MH) have made up a deadly trio on offense, while Jenna Thedford (So. DS), Makenzi Petten (Sr. S/DS), and Reese Loyd (Sr. DS) take care of business on their end.
Dawson has met and defeated Clear Springs twice this season in tournament play. Could the playoff atmosphere bring a different result? Stick around to find out.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
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THE PLAYMAKERS: Houston's tone-setters powered by UTMB Health
The south Houston area is loaded with talented athletes who give it their all in their respective fields of play.
Welcome to the VYPE Playmakers powered by UTMB Health, where we’re highlighting five standouts from the previous week who stole the headlines.
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, as the Fall season continues to heat up.
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Kennedy Jones, Dawson Volleyball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
It's no secret that Dawson Volleyball has been on a tear throughout this Fall. With a current a record of 31-8, which includes an undefeated (8-0) district campaign to date, it's not hard to see why the Eagles have quickly ascended in our weekly rankings.
Dawson's success can be attributed to the depth they have on the offensive side of the net, which of course includes the talents of junior MH Kennedy Jones.
Alongside fellow play-maker Addison Moss, Jones has been an exemplary weapon towards the Eagles' surge through district. As it stands, Jones has eclipsed 200 kills on the year, while also being a team-leader in blocks (64) and hitting percentage (0.371).
With only a handful of district matches remaining in the season, including a must-see between Dawson and Pearland, Jones and co. appear to be one of the most formidable groups in H-Town.
Jackson Waid, Clear Falls Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
After beginning the season 0-3 -- albeit against some of the more formidable teams in Houston -- Clear Falls is making a comeback.
Following the commencement of district-play, the Knights have capitalized against their various district counterparts to emerge as a potential playoff team, as they currently rank third with a 2-1 record.
That is thanks primarily to an exceptional effort on offense, backed up by a stout defense headlined by Jackson Waid. The senior linebacker is currently averaging roughly 11 tackles per game, which includes 3.5 sacks on the year. He's displayed a proficiency to disrupt the pass of the edge, plug up holes in the run-game, as well as provide assistance in the pass-defense.
With a relatively weaker schedule remaining in the regular season, it seems that a playoff return is in the cards for Clear Falls.
Aniston Collins, Lutheran South Academy Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
LSA Volleyball is a force worth reckoning, no doubt about it.
The Pioneers and district rival FBCA make up the dual-powerhouses that could potentially vye the TAPPS-5A crown within the next couple of months.
Between fellow play-makers, such as Texas A&M-commit Kirra Musgrove (Jr. S) and Taylor Crain (Sr. L), several noteworthy pieces of this surging squad can get lost in the mix. Enter Aniston Collins (So. S).
As only sophomore, one of LSA's premier athletes has risen to the occasion time and time again. Collins has already surpassed 600 assists on the season and it doesn't appear that she'll cease to dish the ball to her teammates at that rate anytime soon.
Only a few weeks now before the playoffs begin. Remember the name.
Jacorey Watson, Shadow Creek Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Aside from a one-score (20-13) loss to district opponent Pearland, the Sharks have been near perfect all season.
The defense has been clicking on all cylinders, and the offense has been as proficient as ever. Let's give some credit to Shadow Creek's signal-caller. Initially listed as a wide-receiver, junior Jacorey Watson has stepped into the role of the team's QB seamlessly.
Given his athleticism, Watson has established himself as a true dual-threat weapon, having thrown ten touchdowns, while adding four more on the ground for over 150 yards.
Considering the depth on defense, Watson wasn't required to do much to help his team be successful. However, the Shadow Creek junior has made it his mission to take that expectation one step further, now that he has led the Sharks to a 5-1 start, with a manageable remaining schedule before the postseason.
Kimanni Rugley, Pearland Volleyball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Similar to their district rival Dawson, Pearland is also one of the select few in the top-10 of our rankings in Class 6A.
With a record of 30-10 (8-1 in district), the Oilers are primed for a lengthy run in the upcoming UIL playoffs. Given the considerable threats they pose in every facet of the game, it is difficult for any opponent to contend with this squad.
In addtion to the strides that Avery Koonsen (So. OH) and Nadia Dunn (Sr. OH), and Mia Ramirez (Sr. L) have made on the court, junior MH Kimanni Rugley has been a formidable weapon in Pearland's offensive scheme. Rugley currently leads the Oilers in blocks (110) and hitting percentage (0.464), while also tallying nearly 200 kills on the season.
With the postseaon nearing, Rugley will certainly be a valuable asset towards Pearland's imminent playoff push.