GAMES
RANKINGS
Whataburger Team of the Week: FB Marshall Girls Track and Field Program
After a season filled with high expectations and dominant performances, the Fort Bend Marshall Girls Track & Field team delivered when it mattered most—claiming the UIL Class 5A State Championship this past weekend at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin.
Led by head coach Shahira Ehiemua, the Buffaloes lived up to their billing as title contenders, posting a team score of 60 points to edge out second-place Red Oak by six.
The victory marks a triumphant return to the top for a program that finished fourth at State just a year ago, showcasing both growth and resilience.
Marshall’s title run was fueled by a blend of individual talent and relay excellence.
Corie Wilmington earned silver in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 42.61 seconds, while Dior Williams placed fourth in the 100-meter hurdles, clocking in at 13.67 seconds.
Still, it was the collective dominance in the relays that sealed the championship.
The Buffaloes placed first in the 4x400-meter relay, second in the 4x200, and third in the 4x100—thanks to the combined efforts of Wilmington, Williams, Phoenix Glover, Jasmine Harris, Megan Thomas, Amira Mopkins, Brianna Brinkley, and Alaya Stewart.
With their impressive showing on the biggest stage, the Marshall team has been named the Whataburger Team of the Week—a well-deserved honor for a group that rose to the occasion and brought home gold.
Ridge Point's Jack McKernan
STRIKING THE FLAME: McKernan prepared to ignite Ridge Point, Texas Baseball
It's no secret that Ridge Point senior Jack McKernan is one of the top high school pitchers in the country.
As the ace of the Panthers’ staff, the University of Texas-commit has garnered national attention, earning a perfect 10/10 rating from Perfect Game—a designation given to players with MLB Draft potential.
Despite the buzz surrounding his future, McKernan remains focused on the present, striking a balance between the demands of baseball and the experiences of his senior year.
“I think you just need to keep your priorities straight if you’re someone in my position,” McKernan said. “I make sure to put in the work on the field first before I have fun off it. Baseball is my dream, and I’m going to chase that. I’ve been blessed with people who understand that and continue to encourage me as I walk down this path.”
McKernan’s dream has led him to the University of Texas, a program steeped in baseball tradition.
“There’s a lot of history that comes with the university,” he said. “When it comes to the baseball program, the saying around there is ‘you’re guaranteed to go to Omaha at least once.’ The winning culture helped me understand that I couldn’t go wrong choosing that place to be my home.”
Before McKernan dons burnt orange, he has unfinished business at Ridge Point.
The Panthers finished 25-9-1 last season but fell in the Area Round to eventual Regional Semifinalist Memorial. McKernan, a first-team, all-district honoree, believes this year’s team has the potential to make a deeper run.
The stars of 2024-25 Ridge Point BaseballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I think the hitting side of our lineup has already figured itself out,” he said. “So, right now, it’s about solidifying the back end of the bullpen. If we can keep developing our pitching and play good defense, I’m confident we can make a really good run this year.”
The left-hander is no stranger to expectations. As a projected MLB Draft prospect, the spotlight follows him, but he keeps a level head.
“It’s amazing to have those kinds of expectations on me,” McKernan said. “But once you’re on the field, titles don’t really matter. Every time I’m on the mound, I do my best to earn the respect I’ve worked for.”
His work ethic stems from the influence of his grandfather, Dave Rowe, a former NFL player.
“His work ethic and everything he accomplished back in the day has been a real inspiration to me,” McKernan said. “I wasn’t around to see it, but his legacy showed me what it takes to become a professional athlete. I’ve aspired to chase that dream.”
Of course, not everything about McKernan is serious business. His teammates and coaches affectionately call him “Jack-Jack,” a nod to the energetic baby from The Incredibles.
“I got the nickname from my Twelve Baseball coach,” he laughed. “I was always on fire, running around like crazy.”
As McKernan’s high school career nears its end, whether his future takes him to Austin or professional baseball first remains to be seen.
But one thing is certain—his competitive fire will continue to burn wherever he goes.