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RANKINGS
Tomball's Gemma Hopkins (Jr. L)
THE OPENING SET: Previewing Houston's Most Intriguing Volleyball Playoff Matchups in Rd. 2 // Powered by LOVB
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Dawson Eagles vs. Clear Springs Chargers (6A-D1 Region III)
Dawson Eagles
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
WHEN: Monday, November 3rd -- 7:00 PM
WHERE: Friendswood High School
Fresh off a commanding 3-0 sweep of Fort Bend Travis, Dawson enters with a 38-4 record and the momentum of an undefeated District 22-6A title run.
Dawson’s star-studded cast begins with senior outside hitter — and 2025 Homecoming Queen — Avery Koonsen, an SFA-commit who’s delivered a staggering 453 kills and nearly 500 receptions this fall. Her all-around play makes her a frontrunner for 22-6A Offensive Player of the Year – if not District MVP – honors.
On the backline, Jenna Thedford (Texas A&M-commit), last year’s Defensive Player of the Year, anchors the back row with close to 600 digs.
The setting duo of Taylor Ranney (642 assists) and freshman Alexa Koonsen (414 assists) keeps Dawson’s tempo relentless, while senior hitters Sloane Ranney, Keaton Points, and Isabella Tijernia round out one of the deepest rotations in the region.
If the Eagles advance, it would mark their eighth trip to the Regional Tournament in nine years — a testament to the consistency and culture that coach Lauren Leth has built within the program.
Across the net, Clear Springs arrives at 35-10, carrying its fourth consecutive district title and a 3-0 sweep of Summer Creek in the opening round. Head coach Shannon McClellen’s Chargers are no strangers to postseason pressure and have the offensive firepower to potentially match Dawson point-for-point.
Leading the charge is Caylee Young, a Texas Tech-bound junior whose blend of athleticism and shot variety has yielded 511 kills, 688 receptions, and 368 digs — one of the most complete stat lines in the state.
Lianna Kearns (Sr. L), committed to Concordia University, has surpassed 600 digs, while junior setter Mady Powell (739 assists, 344 digs) and sophomore defensive specialist Aubree Svoboda (316 digs, 604 receptions) provide steady hands and reliability.
For Clear Springs, an upset would mean more than just toppling Houston’s No. 1 team — it would secure the program’s first trip to the Regional Semifinals since 2022.
Clear Springs Chargers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Tomball Cougars vs. College Park Cavaliers (6A-D2 Region II)
Tomball Cougars
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
WHEN: Tuesday, November 4th -- 5:30 PM
WHERE: Klein Cain High School
While Tomball was solid a year ago, the team has experienced a drastic ascension throughout this campaign under head coach Jordan Williams. The Cougars return to the Area Round with a 38-6 record, fresh off a 3-1 victory over Waller and riding the confidence of one of the city’s most highly-rated clubs.
Senior outside hitter Heidi Horan sets the tone on offense, with 371 kills and 315 digs, anchoring a frontline that also features sophomore Kinsley Moretti, who has emerged as a potent scoring threat with nearly 300 kills, and junior middle hitter Taylor Choate (219 kills, 61 blocks).
Behind the net, freshman setter Greysen Ortmeier has orchestrated the offense with just under 1,000 assists, while junior libero Gemma Hopkins remains the team’s rock, with 546 digs and 466 serve receptions.
College Park enters at 31-11, carrying the momentum of a late-season surge that saw them win 14 of their last 16 matches. After a decisive sweep over Eisenhower in the opening playoff round, head coach Candice Collins-Gibson’s Cavaliers are riding a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent.
Baylor-commit Lacy Tinnell has worked wonders in the middle, racking up 343 kills and 86 blocks this year, while senior outside hitter Reese Ellen has contributed 211 kills.
On the back row, seniors Macie Fralix and Caroline Prihoda (Kentucky commit) share setting duties, each with just under 500 assists, stabilizing the offense despite Prihoda missing time earlier in the season.
Furthermore, CP has a breakout star of its own, given that freshman libero Abby DiMatteo 476 digs to her name.
College Park Cavaliers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Friendswood Mustangs vs. Lake Creek Lions (5A-D2 Region III)
Friendswood Mustangs
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
WHEN: Tuesday, November 4th -- 6:30 PM
WHERE: New Caney High School
After dispatching Nederland 3-1 last week, Friendswood heads into Round 2 touting a 34-9 record and the confidence of a team built for longevity.
There’s no doubt who the alpha of the group is for coach Sarah Paulk's unit, as Florida-bound senior Nadi’ya Shelby has powered Friendswood through sheer athleticism and technique — tallying well over 400 kills to anchor one of the region’s most dynamic offenses.
While Shelby rightfully draws much of the attention, sophomore Elaina Holtvluwer has thrived on the opposite pin, adding 269 kills to help diversify the attack.
Of course, the Mustangs’ success stems from their structure as much as their star power.
Senior setter Caroline Adams (Navy-commit) has orchestrated the offense with precision, totaling nearly 800 assists and close to 200 digs, while senior libero Haley Patton (North Dakota-commit) steadies the back row with more than 450 digs. Together, they give Friendswood a measured rhythm and resilience that’s carried them through a demanding schedule.
Lake Creek, on the other hand, continues to embody the idea that records don’t always tell the whole story.
Despite entering the matchup at 19-23, coach Kayli Kane and the Lions have emerged from one of the toughest districts in the state — featuring powerhouses like College Station, A&M Consolidated, and Montgomery — and are coming off a convincing series sweep over West Fork in the Bi-District round.
Something the Lions can hang their hat on is the considerable balance they’ve displayed offensively.
Junior Ryan Mokry (330 kills), senior Taylor Woods (280), and sophomore Shelby Lee (276 kills, 269 digs) form a capable core at the net, while senior middle Kansas Lamar (160 kills, 82 blocks) adds size and experience up front.
Meanwhile, freshman setter Sutton Breck Tessier has emerged as a revelation — logging 831 assists and 249 digs in her debut season — and fellow freshman Louisa Ertischek has anchored the defense with more than 450 digs.
Lake Creek Lions
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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Shadow Creek Sr. S Carter Stewart (Utah-commit)
THE PLAYMAKERS: Leaving Them Speechless // Powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, as we approach the District portion of the Fall season.
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Ashton Ruffin -- La Porte Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Through two weeks, La Porte’s offense hasn’t just been productive — it’s been unpredictable. At the heart of that versatility is Ashton Ruffin, whose role has expanded well beyond the defensive reputation he built last season.
Primarily known as a linebacker — and a first-team all-district selection in 2024 — Ruffin has brought a downhill edge to the Bulldogs’ backfield, pairing with sophomore Sean Simon to form a punishing one-two combination. Their contrast in styles has evoked comparisons to the NFL’s “Sonic and Knuckles” duo, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery (Detroit Lions).
As it stands, the senior has already posted 293 rushing yards, 68 receiving yards, and six total touchdowns, giving La Porte a physical spark on offense while continuing to anchor the defense.
The Bulldogs are 2–0 after tight wins over Class 6A opponents Deer Park (35–31) and Kingwood (34–28). Furthermore, with Port Neches-Groves visiting this Friday, this dual-threat approach may once again be the key to capping off La Porte non-district schedule with even more momentum — and a perfect record.
Carter Stewart -- Shadow Creek Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
In a Shadow Creek program known for churning out Division I talent, senior safety Carter Stewart still manages to carve out distinction.
The three-star Utah-commit doesn’t just affect the game with his speed and athleticism; it’s his instincts and split-second timing that make him the defensive centerpiece for the Sharks.
That football IQ has helped Stewart rise in a locker room loaded with next-level players, including his brother, standout wide receiver Chris Stewart, who’s committed to Texas. But Carter’s impact lies in disruption — breaking up plays before they develop and setting a tone from the secondary.
After dropping a hard-fought 37–32 season opener to 6A-D2 State Semifinalist Summer Creek, Shadow Creek bounced back with a commanding 39–0 shutout over Clear Creek.
With district play set to begin Friday against Alvin, Stewart and the Sharks aim to carry that same edge into the heart of their schedule — and assert themselves as contenders once again.
Haley Patton -- Friendswood Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Friendswood’s 23-7 start is no fluke — and Haley Patton is a major reason why. The senior libero and reigning District 20-5A Defensive MVP has been nothing short of reliable, already surpassing 250 digs as the Mustangs roll through their schedule.
Patton, a North Dakota-commit, continues to elevate a team already loaded with talent. Her poise and control in the back row have set the tone for a Friendswood squad that hasn’t just lived up to expectations — it’s raised them. Ranked No. 1 in the area, the Mustangs have emerged as one of Houston’s most credible threats to reach the 5A State Tournament.
While individual accolades follow her, Patton’s game remains rooted in consistency and team-first instincts — exactly what Friendswood will need as the stakes rise.
Lorenzo Aguirre -- Dickinson Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
On a roster where star power is nothing new, junior quarterback Lorenzo Aguirre is making an early case to join the list of Dickinson greats.
While senior running back Malachi Gamble — the reigning Co-District 24-6A MVP — remains the focal point for opposing defenses, it’s Aguirre’s emergence under center that has added a new dimension to the Gators’ attack.
Entering Week 3, Aguirre has thrown for nearly 600 yards and seven touchdowns, showcasing poise, arm talent, and command well beyond his years.
His production has been central to Dickinson’s 2–0 start, which includes a 34–21 statement win over perennial powerhouse Katy, followed by a 47–40 shootout victory against C.E. King. The Gators’ balance on offense — powered by Gamble’s explosiveness and Aguirre’s efficiency — has made them one of the more dangerous units in the region heading into Week 3.
If Aguirre continues to ascend, Dickinson’s ceiling may prove even higher than expected.
Sophia Green -- Clear Falls Volleyball
VYPE Graphics
As Clear Falls (14-13) gears up for its District 24-6A campaign, senior libero Sophia Green is hitting her stride at just the right time. With over 300 digs already this season, Green’s consistency has anchored the Knights’ back row. But it was during last Tuesday’s exhibition against Crosby that she etched her name into the program’s history books—surpassing 1,000 career digs.
Long regarded as one of the district’s steadiest defenders, Green earned second-team all-district honors last season and seems poised to raise that bar in her final year. Her impact, however, goes beyond accolades. A vocal leader and relentless presence on the court, she will be central to Clear Falls’ playoff push in the coming weeks.
Set to continue her career at Blinn College after graduation, Green leaves little doubt about her next step. For now, though, she remains laser-focused on helping the Knights make a statement in district play.