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THE LAST RIDE: Clements’ Martinez Soaking Up Senior Year
FOR MOST HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES, THE DREAM IS TO KEEP PLAYING AT THE NEXT LEVEL. FOR CLEMENTS PITCHER DANTE MARTINEZ, THE PERSPECTIVE IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT.
The senior knows this is his final ride in competitive baseball, and he plans to enjoy every second of it. Having played the game since he was five years old, Martinez isn’t taking a single inning for granted this season.
“I have no intention of playing in college, so I want to have the best time this season and see how far we can take it,” said the second-team, all-district selection. “I love the quote, ‘Live every moment like it’s your last.’ When you think about it, it holds a lot of value. That’s the plan this year — just let it rip.”
Clements got a taste of postseason baseball a year ago after finishing second in district play. Now, the Rangers want more.
“Getting a taste of the playoffs just makes us want it even more,” Martinez said. “We know we have it in us, so we’re looking to win district and try to take a few more steps in the playoffs.”
Martinez has always embraced the pressure that comes with the game. In fact, he welcomes it.
“I play with the mentality of wanting the ball to come to me at the most important time,” he said. “Some people shy away from that pressure, but I have a lot of confidence in my ability. I want the ball.”
That mentality mirrors the steady rhythm of baseball itself — something Martinez has always appreciated.
“There’s something about the consistency of baseball,” he said. “The routine, trying to improve every day at practice — that’s what I love. Baseball helps me take my mind off things and just allows me to play.”
While his future may include studying business or math in college rather than taking the mound, Martinez knows the lessons from the diamond will stay with him long after the final out.
“It’s really been my life for as long as I can remember,” he said. “I’m going to miss it, but I’ll take all the memories and hopefully finish on a good note.”
For Martinez, the scoreboard will eventually go dark — but the memories from the diamond will last forever.
MASTERS DEGREE IN HOOPS: Marshall's Theus makes the grade
ARMANI THEUS HAS LEARNED THE GAME OF BASKETBALL FROM SOME OF THE BEST.
The Thurgood Marshall High School point guard has been coached by arguably the top basketball mind in Texas — Ronnie Courtney. Courtney boasts more than 800 career wins, three state titles, National Coach of the Year honors, and a pipeline of Division I talent that has come through his program.
Theus has also spent his career studying from up close, playing behind two of the best point guards in FBISD history — Jayland Lowe (Kentucky) and Ian Lowe (Lamar).
“It’s been a blessing wearing the Marshall jersey,” Theus said. “The school is a great environment, the program has a great culture... this is just home.”
Now, the 2025–26 Buffalo squad was his.
“When we got home after falling short at state last year, I realized it was time for me to run the show,” he said. “I was ready. I’ve learned so much about the game and about life from Coach and the Lowes.
“They taught me that everything isn’t cakes and rainbows. Nothing is handed to you. It’s what they did behind closed doors that made the difference — their work ethic, what they were doing when no one was watching. That really stuck with me.”
Theus guided Marshall through another undefeated district slate, leaning on those lessons. But the road wasn’t without adversity.
“When I need to get away from the noise, I just get quiet and pray,” he said. “I’m a big believer in God. I’ll say a quick prayer when I’m down. It helps me refocus. I know He has something greater in store for me than whatever I’m worried about in that moment.”
Despite his production, Theus has felt overlooked — fewer accolades, fewer offers, less recognition than some peers.
“I don’t play with a chip on my shoulder,” he said. “It doesn’t get to me. I know recognition will find me at some point. It just motivates me to keep getting better. Even losing state last year — I don’t see it as a failure. I see it as something to learn from.”
In today’s game, Theus is the type of floor general any college coach would want running the show — coachable, adaptable, and battle-tested.
“I’m able to adjust,” he said. “Coach Courtney tells me, ‘In a world full of scorers, find something that sets you apart.’ That’s why I take so much pride in defense — being a dog, playing with high intensity. I’m the motor guy. I can guard one-on-one and set the tone.”
Whether his journey continues strictly as a player or eventually shifts to the sideline, one thing is certain: Armani Theus has been built by the best — and he’s wired to become one himself.