Houston Christian's Madison Williams
One Family to Another: Williams commits amid final season as a Mustang
Considering there is so much talent on this year’s Mustang roster, senior guard Madison Williams has quietly shined as an offensive facilitator and has become one of the team’s key factors in their success.
As a result, Williams will continue to perform on the hardwood at the next level after announcing her recent commitment to Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas.
“I chose Hardin-Simmons because the coaches see the potential I have as a basketball player, and they admire the way I play,” said Williams. “Also, their coaching style really appeals to me. The players on the team and the other students there have great personalities and the environment just feels like one big family.”
Bradley Collier (Vype)
Williams has been a part of the program several years and has nothing but fond memories. The most fond memory? The Mustangs’ undefeated season last year, which resulted in the school’s first SPC Championship.
“My experience at HCHS has been amazing,” Williams said. “The team has felt like a family, and the staff helps with that community environment. I can say that this is one of the most competitive teams I’ve been on and I love it. We make each other better and have a winning mentality, so it’s been easy to improve and it’s made me love the game more."
With big names like D’Asia Thomas and Loghan Johnson headlining the Mustangs, Williams has thrived in the super-competitive environment.
Houston Christian's Standouts Bradley Collier (Vype)
“With the teams I’ve been with, I’ve been able to step by making plays on both sides of the ball,” said Williams. “As a point guard, it’s my role to set up and communicate with the offense, while maintaining a high basketball IQ. That has helped me step up as one of the team leaders.”
Given that this will be her final year at Houston Christian, Williams intends on finishing her high school career on a high note before she becomes an HSU Cowgirl. She plans to pursue a career in marine biology.
“This last season, I really just want to have fun and to become SPC Champs again,” Williams said. “My personal goal is to shoot more and be more vocal on the court, as well as enjoy the rest of my year as a Mustang.”
The Episcopal Knights
THE LIST: Houston Christian; Second Baptist headline VYPE Top 5 private schools
AT THE TAPPS LEVEL, SECOND BAPTIST, ROSEHILL CHRISTIAN AND LEGACY PREP WERE ON THE CUSP OF BRINGING HOME THE HARDWARE LAST SEASON AND HAVE VISIONS OF HOISTING THE TROPHY IN 2023.
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THE TOP 5 PRIVATE SCHOOL GIRLS TEAMS
No. 1 Houston Christian
What will they do after an undefeated season last year and an SPC Title? More dominance from the likes of D’Asia Thomas (Georgia Tech) and Loghan Johnson (Texas Tech) as the pair are both nationally-ranked. Throw in Madison Williams and Jalayah Ingram, and the ‘Stangs should be fitting for SPC rings today.
No. 2 Second Baptist School
The Eagles of Second Baptist School have been so close to a TAPPS State Title the past few seasons under the direction of John Herndon. This year, the Eagles will lead the conversation again as all-state selection Livy Sauvageau runs the offense, entering her junior season. Her game continues to develop, as well as her leadership skills. Seniors Ella Ryan, Olivia Walker and Kate Marshall will all play huge roles in the Eagles’ success.
No. 3 Rosehill Christian
Coach Steve Krantz has reached eight Final Fours and won the State Title in 2011. With the return of some key pieces, along with new additions to the roster, the Eagles will be loaded in 2022-23. All-state returner Mercy Freeman is a three-sport athlete who has size and athleticism. Point guard Alex Smith and senior Lacie Williams were first-team, all-district selections last year and Destiny Williams was an honorable-mention pick. Twin forwards Madison and Caitlin Wilson have transferred from Klein Cain to help.
No. 4 Episcopal
The Episcopal Knights will likely battle Houston Christian for the SPC Title this spring. The Knights are led by junior point guard Emrie Holt and a special move-in Me’arah O’Neal. The name sound familiar? She is Shaquille O’Neal’s daughter, who stands 6-foot-4 and is a national recruit with dozens of collegiate offers. With her deft shooting touch and ability to get to the rim, Episcopal will be in the title conversation.
Legacy Prep Christian Academy
After narrowly losing in the State Championship last season, Legacy Prep is back with a “State Title or Bust” mentality. This team is capable with junior team MVP Molly Steed and seniors MK Kloesel, Aubrey Davis and Georgia Freeman leading the way. Watch for sophomores Charlotte and Ginger Freeman, and freshman Ava Brieger to make their presence felt.
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