GAMES
RANKINGS
Ridge Point's Jack McKernan
STRIKING THE FLAME: McKernan prepared to ignite Ridge Point, Texas Baseball
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.
Fort Bend Bush Track Star Amariya Hardeman
TRUSTING THE PROCESS: FB Bush's Hardeman carrying on the family name
A key member of the 2022 state champion 4x100m Relay team, Hardeman has qualified for the UIL State Meet every year since joining the Broncos.
Most recently, she earned a bronze medal at Regionals before finishing seventh in the 200m dash at the 2024 state competition in Austin.
With her final high school meets approaching, Hardeman remains focused on enjoying the process.
“The first thing that pops into my head at every meet is to have fun,” she said. “For most of my career, I’ve always believed in ‘trusting the process,’ whether that’s through my preparation in practice or my performance on race day. At this point, whatever happens is a result of what God has in store for me, and I’ll always continue to embody that mindset.”
That mindset will carry over to the next chapter of her career, as Hardeman has signed to compete for the University of Alabama.
“The Alabama program felt like home to me,” she said. “I became really close with Coach (Blaine) Wiley, Coach (Tabarie) Henry, and even the head coach, Dan Waters. More than that, the girls on the team were so welcoming—it was something I wanted to be a part of.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Beyond athletics, Hardeman is eager to embrace new experiences in Tuscaloosa.
“What I’m most excited about is meeting new people and building connections,” she said. “Something I’ve learned is that it’s not always about the memories you make on the track as an individual—it’s about who you meet along the way. That’s why I was drawn to Alabama.”
Hardeman’s competitive drive is deeply rooted in her family.
She is the granddaughter of former NFL player Don Hardeman (Houston Oilers, Baltimore Colts) and the daughter of Cedric Hardeman, who played football at the University of Houston and now coaches at Conroe High School.
Her mother ran track at Rice University, and her older brother, Chris, played football at Oklahoma State.
“My family is my No. 1 life support,” she said. “Even if they can’t physically be at my meets, they always find a way to watch. Having people who have been in similar situations is an indescribable feeling. I’m blessed to have an outlet for advice and support as I pave my own path.”
With her high school career nearing its end, Hardeman’s impact on Fort Bend Bush’s program is undeniable. And as she prepares for the next step, she does so with the same faith, confidence, and determination that have fueled her success so far.