GAMES
RANKINGS
WRITING HISTORY: Crawford’s Maya Hanks is a Nightmare at the Plate
WITH EVERY AT-BAT, EVERY GAME, MAYA HANKS IS CARVING HER NAME INTO THE RECORD BOOKS AT CRAWFORD HIGH SCHOOL.
Hanks is the program’s all-time leader in nearly every major offensive category, wielding a mighty bat that has become the stuff of district nightmares. But she’s more than just a hitter — she’s the quarterback on the diamond, commanding the defense from behind the plate as a catcher.
“At the plate, I have the mindset of ‘yes, yes, yes… no,’” the junior said. “I’m going up there ready to swing. It’s my thing. Swinging the bat.”
That confidence is built on countless hours of work. Inside her garage sits a hitting tee and net — a quiet training ground where she’s sharpened her craft.
“My dad was behind that,” she laughed. “My parents have been supportive over the years, doing anything to help me realize my dreams. I’ve been on this journey since I was eight years old and I’ve always had a passion for the game. It’s my friend group too.”
Her journey will take her to Prairie View A&M University in 2027, where she’ll continue her career at an HBCU — a choice that means more than just softball.
“I love the environment there,” she said. “Playing at an HBCU was important to me. It’s going to be a great place for me to grow as a player and a person.”
And her ambitions stretch beyond the diamond. Prairie View’s animal science program aligns perfectly with her future goals.
“They have a great animal science program, and that’s what I want to do when I get older.”
Her love for animals starts at home with her chihuahua, Carly.
“I’m obsessed with animals,” she said. “I have such a love for them that I want to help them when they’re sick or hurt.”
Soft-hearted off the field. Fearless on it.
“People might not know that I love horror movies,” she laughed. “I can watch them in the middle of the day or at three in the morning. Scream is my all-time favorite. I just love the adrenaline.”
Adrenaline is something pitchers know well when she steps into the batter’s box.
Because while she may love horror films — Maya Hanks is the real nightmare at the plate.
THE FAMILY BUSINESS: Dossett Living Up To Family Name
BRYSON DOSSETT IS PART OF THE FIRST FAMILY OF RIDGE POINT HIGH SCHOOL.
His older brother, Mason, was a Panther hurdler during his tenure and now plays football at Louisiana State University. Little sister Addyson logged meaningful minutes for the district-champion Panther volleyball team — as a freshman. His dad, Martin, was a football and track standout at Baylor University back in the day.
“When I was a kid, I felt like I had to win everything to live up to the name,” he said. “Now, I’m writing my own story — not living in anyone’s shadow and building my own legacy.”
To date, the junior safety holds football offers from Baylor University, Duke University, University of Houston, University of North Carolina and University of Illinois, just to name a few.
On the track, expectations are just as high.
“I’ve been doing hurdles since I was about 10 years old,” he said. “I used to watch old tapes of my dad running at Baylor and just fell in love with it. My goal is to win state in both hurdle events and beat all of my brother’s times.”
The thought of being a multi-sport athlete in college is intriguing, but Dossett understands the time demands at the next level.
“I’m going to focus on football in college,” he said. “It’s just what I love. But track has helped me so much — endurance, explosiveness, technique. Being a hurdler really translates to football.”
When he’s not competing — hunting, fishing, or golfing — he’s breaking down film of his favorite players.
“We’re big Green Bay Packers fans, so I loved watching Jaire Alexander when he was there,” he said. “And Cooper DeJean — he’s an athletic safety who’s always around the ball.”
At Ridge Point, the Dossett name already carries weight — but Bryson is making sure his chapter stands on its own.