GAMES
RANKINGS
Clear Creek's Khamari Hall
THE PLAYMAKERS: Calm Before the Storm, powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, as we near the most critical point of the Spring!
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Sophie Sandel -- La Porte Softball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
La Porte’s dominant 18-1 win over Galveston Ball on Tuesday further cemented the Bulldogs as a team to watch in the upcoming UIL postseason.
Now sitting at 17-4-1, La Porte is in position to finish second overall in District 20-5A—and has the firepower to make some serious noise in the playoffs.
Scoring has come in bunches for coach Bryant Upshaw’s squad, which has racked up 173 runs across 22 games—an impressive average of nearly eight per outing.
At the heart of that offensive surge is senior catcher Sophie Sandel, who continues to anchor the Bulldogs on both sides of the ball.
A vocal leader behind the plate, Sandel has also been unstoppable with a bat in her hands, boasting a .529 batting average this season. She leads the team in RBIs (20), home runs (4), doubles (7), and triples (3), establishing herself as one of the most complete hitters in the district.
Sandel, who is committed to play at Texas State University next year, remains focused on the present. With the postseason just around the corner, she’ll look to help lead La Porte on a deep playoff run—and possibly add another chapter to an already stellar high school career.
Joshua Shelton -- Pearland Boys Track & Field
Pearland has long been known for producing top-tier track talent—and that tradition continued at the Area Meet (Districts 21-6A and 22-6A) held in Missouri City this past Friday.
Among several standout performances from the Oilers, junior Joshua Shelton delivered one of the most commanding wins of the day. Shelton captured gold in the 400-meter dash with a blistering time of 46.63 seconds—more than a full second ahead of the runner-up, Shadow Creek’s Jason Walker (47.92).
It marked Shelton’s second consecutive victory in the event, following his first-place finish at the District Meet the week prior, where he clocked in at 47.04 seconds.
His consistent improvement and ability to separate from the field have established him as a serious contender heading into the next phase of competition.
Shelton, along with several teammates who also earned podium finishes, will now prepare for the UIL 6A-Region III Meet, scheduled for this Friday and Saturday at Challenger Columbia Stadium in Webster.
With momentum on his side and a spot at the state meet within reach, Shelton is quickly emerging as one of the premier quarter-milers in Texas.
Khamari Hall -- Clear Creek Softball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
The Clear Creek softball program is in the midst of a remarkable resurgence.
After missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, the Wildcats punched their postseason ticket with a 7-3 victory over Clear Lake last Friday.
Now 16-5 overall and 10-3 in District 24-6A play, Clear Creek sits atop the standings and can clinch the district title with a win over Clear Springs on Thursday night.
The unquestionable catalyst behind the Wildcats’ turnaround is senior outfielder Khamari Hall, whose impact has been felt all season long.
Serving as the team’s leadoff hitter, Hall consistently sets the tone from the opening pitch. Her speed, poise, and presence at the plate have made her a nightmare for opposing pitchers, and her ability to spark early momentum has become a hallmark of Clear Creek’s success.
A University of Arkansas-commit, Hall will soon join a national powerhouse that already features Houston-area standouts like Ella McDowell (Foster) and Cameryn Harrison (Katy). But before she heads to the SEC, Hall has unfinished business with the Wildcats.
As the postseason approaches, Clear Creek will rely heavily on its veteran leader—one who has helped bring the program back to prominence and has the tools to carry it even further.
Cooper Harris -- Friendswood Baseball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Competing in the always-tough District 20-5A—home to contenders like La Porte and Santa Fe—Friendswood has shown resilience and poise throughout the 2025 season.
With just a couple of weeks left in the regular season, head coach Robert Benavides has his Mustangs firmly in the playoff picture. Friendswood currently holds a 15-6-1 record (7-2 in district) and looks to be in prime position to make a strong push down the stretch.
A major contributor to the team’s success has been the depth and reliability of its bullpen. Among the standouts, senior Cooper Harris is emerging as a go-to arm—and quite possibly the team’s ace.
Harris, a Sam Houston State-commit, made headlines earlier this month when he tossed a no-hitter in a 5-0 win over Iowa Colony on April 1. His command and consistency on the mound give Friendswood a reliable weapon as they eye the postseason.
With a well-rounded roster and a proven arm like Harris leading the charge, the Mustangs have the tools to make noise in the coming weeks. Their last trip to the UIL State Tournament came in 2022, and with momentum building, another deep run doesn’t feel out of reach.
Jannie Cardenas -- Manvel Girls Track & Field
With the Area round of the UIL Track & Field postseason now in the books, several standout athletes from the South Houston region have begun to separate themselves from the pack.
Manvel had no shortage of strong showings, with athletes like Naomi Johnson, Damerian Clerkley, Aubrey Riles, Nathaniel Hubenak, Ryann Humphrey, Max Soloman, Madison Byrd, and Julian Johnson all advancing to the Regional stage.
But perhaps the most impressive performance of the meet came from sophomore distance runner Jannie Cardenas.
Competing at Hall Stadium last Friday, Cardenas claimed gold in the 3200-meter run with a time of 11:29.80, and followed it up with a bronze finish in the 1600 meters at 5:23.88—outpacing older, more experienced runners in both events.
Her breakout at Area comes on the heels of a dominant showing at District, where she won the 1600 and finished second in the 3200.
With steady progression and an unwavering competitive edge, Cardenas is proving herself to be one of the top young distance runners in the region.
She’ll now turn her focus to the UIL Region III-6A Meet this weekend, with a potential trip to the State Meet in Austin just within reach.
Ava Brown of the Defending 5A State Champs, Lake Creek Softball
BASES LOADED: A complete breakdown of Class 5A softball bi-district playoffs
Following a volatile regular season which showcased the best in H-Town as well as some surprise clubs advancing to playoff contention, the road to the State Title starts now.
Here are the teams representing Houston in the Bi-District round of the UIL Softball (5A) playoffs.
*Teams are displayed in alphabetical order
H-Town Softball Standouts: Janelle Wilson (Sr. P/IF)--Friendswood
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Angleton Wildcats
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Angleton Wildcats
2022-23 Regular Season: 22-9/Finished 3rd in District 18-5A
Head Coach: Cindy Rubio
Player(s) to watch: Caylee Berg (Sr. 2B), Brooklyn Walton (So. P), Kenadie Guthrie (Jr. OF/IF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Barbers Hill
Barbers Hill Eagles
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 32-2/District 17-5A Champions
Head Coach: Aaron Fuller
Player(s) to watch: Hailey Nutter (So. P/UTL), Reagan Duty (Sr. IF), Peyton Helmly (So. C)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Angleton
Crosby Cougars
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 26-6/Finished 2nd in District 17-5A
Head Coach: Troy Fox
Player(s) to watch: Ally Mooneyham (Jr. OF), Jordee Wilkins (Sr. OF), Kaelin Hicks (Jr. P/IF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. La Porte
Dayton Broncos
Dayton Broncos
2022-23 Regular Season: 17-16-1/Finished 4th in District 16-5A
Head Coach: Andrew Moss
Player(s) to watch: Mika Anthony-Conner (Jr. IF), Fabiana Candelari (Sr. IF), Anevay Cantu (So. RHP/2B)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Longview
Foster Falcons
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 30-3/District 20-5A Champions
Head Coach: Keely McGuire
Player(s) to watch: Ella McDowell (Jr. IF/C), Madison King (Sr. RHP)
Bi-District Matchup: v. S.F. Austin (Houston ISD)
Friendswood Mustangs
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 20-9/District 18-5A Champions
Head Coach: Christa Williams-Yates
Player(s) to watch: Charleigh Esparza (So. C/IF), Janelle Wilson (Sr. P/IF), Baileigh Burtis (Jr. SS/IF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Goose Creek Memorial
Fulshear Chargers
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
Fulshear Chargers
2022-23 Regular Season: 24-9/Finished 2nd in District 20-5A
Head Coach: Danielle Parker
Player(s) to watch: Gabriella Castillo (So. C/OF), Alanna Routt (Jr. P), Ryan Stratman (So. OF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Northside
Galena Park Yellowjackets
Galena Park Yellowjackets
2022-23 Regular Season: 19-3/District 19-5A Champions
Head Coach: Noe Vela
Player(s) to watch: Julissa Hernandez (Jr. C), Penelope Saenz (Jr. SS), Victoria Miranda (Fr. P/IF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Terry
Goose Creek Memorial Patriots
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
Goose Creek Memorial Patriots
2022-23 Regular Season: 13-12-2/Finished 4th in District 17-5A
Head Coach: Kristin Jaso
Player(s) to watch: Summer Marron (Jr. P/OF), Morgan Holdren (So. IF), Madison Desselle (Jr. SS)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Friendswood
Huntsville Hornets
Huntsville Hornets
2022-23 Regular Season: 23-11/Finished 2nd in District 16-5A
Head Coach: Morgan Bryan
Player(s) to watch: Jaelynn Duke (Jr. P/UTL), Katie Vonrosenberg (Jr. C/IF), Hope Grant (Sr. P/1B)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Mt. Pleasant
Kingwood Park Panthers
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 23-10/Finished 3rd in District 16-5A
Head Coach: Kelsie McEachern
Player(s) to watch: Hannah Leierer (Sr. P), Peyton Cote (Sr. OF), Taylor Crawford (Jr. C)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Whitehouse
La Porte Bulldogs
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
La Porte Bulldogs
2022-23 Regular Season: 17-11/Finished 4th in District 18-5A
Head Coach: Bryant Upshaw
Player(s) to watch: Madison Guidry (Sr. P/1B), Sophie Sandel (So. C/SS), Tailor Summers (Sr. OF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Crosby
Lake Creek Lions
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 34-0/District 21-5A Champions
Head Coach: Michelle Rochinski
Player(s) to watch: Ava Brown (Sr. RHP), Maddie McKee (Sr. SS), Carmen Uribe (Jr. OF), Kalee Rochinski (Sr. C)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Shoemaker
Lamar Consolidated Mustangs
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
Lamar Consolidated Mustangs
2022-23 Regular Season: 20-7/Finished 3rd in District 20-5A
Head Coach: Noah Cardenas
Player(s) to watch: Holly Lock (Sr. RHP), SJ Housel (Jr. C), Aubree Jones (So. OF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Waltrip
Magnolia Bulldogs
Magnolia Bulldogs
2022-23 Regular Season: 20-9/Finished 3rd in District 21-5A
Head Coach: Anglea Cooper
Player(s) to watch: Jade Bubke (Jr. IF), Angelina Postel (Sr. OF), Haley Hodgson (Fr. P/2B)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Belton
Porter Spartans
Porter Spartans
2022-23 Regular Season: 20-9/District 16-5A Champions
Head Coach: Alicia Evans-Pickens
Player(s) to watch: Avery Evans-Pickens (Fr. 3B), Christina Jackson (Sr. C), Keira Crosby (So. P)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Hallsville
Sante Fe Indians
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Santa Fe Indians
2022-23 Regular Season: 24-5-1/Finished 2nd in District 18-5A
Head Coach: Andrew Whittington
Player(s) to watch: Sidne Peters (Sr. P/1B), Mikayla Pruitt (So. UTL), Makenna Mitchell (Sr, SS)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Port Neches-Groves
Terry Rangers
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
Terry Rangers
2022-23 Regular Season: 14-10/Finished 4th in District 20-5A
Head Coach: Kayla Ober
Player(s) to watch: Bianca Hernandez (Sr. 2B), Olivia Gonzales (Jr. P), Sierra Perez (Sr. 3B)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Galena Park
Waltrip Rams
Waltrip Rams
2022-23 Regular Season: 18-4/Finished 2nd in District 19-5A
Head Coach: John Dike
Player(s) to watch: Cinthia Castillo (Sr. IF), Ana-Alicia Aguilar (Sr. IF), Gabriell Thomas-Brice (Sr. SS/OF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Lamar Consolidated