GAMES
RANKINGS
The 2025 TAPPS-D2 State MVP, Lutheran South Academy's Grant Burns
THE PLAYMAKERS: Victory Season, powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, following a thrilling display on the state's grandest stage.
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Eryn Polite -- Clear Springs Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
As we touched on in our recent Whataburger Team of the Week article, Clear Springs did the unthinkable this past weekend.
By upsetting the Class 6A-D1 State favorites Katy (previously 36-1), in what became an instant classic, the Chargers’ 7-5 victory over the Tigers serves as a reminder that anything can happen in the UIL postseason.
At the heart of the drama was senior standout Eryn Polite.
With two runners on and one out left in the final inning of a one-game playoff, Clear Springs trailed 5-4.
The season hung in the balance as Polite stepped to the plate—and delivered the moment of her career. The Florida A&M commit crushed a walk-off, three-run homer, sealing the win and sending her team to the 6A-D1 Region III Final.
In a game packed with intensity, Polite’s clutch swing showed everyone why she’s one of the most dangerous bats in Texas high school softball. Her poise under pressure and ability to rise in the biggest moment elevated Clear Springs into the next round—and into program lore.
No matter what unfolds in their upcoming matchup against Atascocita, Polite’s walk-off will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the postseason.
Grant Burns -- Lutheran South Academy Baseball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
They came. They saw. They conquered.
Lutheran South Academy solidified its standing as one of the top private school baseball programs in Texas with a commanding 11-0 win over Grapevine Faith to clinch the TAPPS Division II State Championship on Tuesday—their first title since 2021 and fifth overall.
Under head coach Aaron Schneider, the Pioneers have been loaded with talent all season, boasting high-profile names like Victor Coronado (Texas State-commit), Brody Smith (St. Thomas), Marcus Cantu (Texas), Omar Serna (LSU), Wyatt Powell, and Jaylen Walker.
But on the biggest stage, it was senior Grant Burns who rose above the rest.
Named the TAPPS-D2 State MVP, Burns delivered a masterclass from the mound. The Wharton County JC-commit pitched a complete game shutout, allowing just four hits and striking out nine in seven dominant innings. His poise and precision neutralized a strong Grapevine Faith lineup and set the tone from the first pitch.
With the victory, LSA not only adds another trophy to its case but also positions itself as a continued force in Texas high school baseball. And at the heart of it all stood Grant Burns—calm, commanding, and undeniably clutch.
Lily Soliz -- Angleton Softball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
With Coach Cindy Rubio leading the way, the Angleton Ladycats continued their dominant playoff run, most recently sweeping Hendrickson in the UIL 5A-D1 Regional Semifinals (Game 1: 11-0, Game 2: 14-2), improving to 21-3 on the season.
Leading the way for the series victory was senior standout Lily Soliz.
The McNeese State-commit delivered a commanding performance from the shortstop position, anchoring the defense while making her presence felt at the plate. Soliz went 4-for-5 across the two-game sweep, driving in five runs, scoring four of her own, and launching a home run in the opener.
Her leadership and consistency continue to set the tone for an Angleton squad with eyes on a deep postseason push.
Next up for the Ladycats is a tough Regional Final matchup against perennial powerhouse Barbers Hill.
The challenge is steep, but with momentum on their side—and Soliz firing on all cylinders—Angleton remains a team to watch.
Evan Mihaly -- Clear Lake Baseball
Against the odds, Clear Lake has battled its way to a spot in the UIL 6A-D2 Region III Semifinals.
Under the leadership of sixth-year head coach Josh Bromberg, the Falcons (23-10-3) captured the District 24-6A title before sweeping Goose Creek Memorial and Dawson in dominant playoff fashion.
Next up: a clash with Katy Taylor, with a trip to the Regional Final on the line—and a potential return to the State Final-Four for the first time since 1988.
A key force behind Clear Lake’s postseason success has been junior pitcher Evan Mihaly.
The left-hander, who recently committed to Texas A&M, has emerged as a dependable presence on the mound. His command, poise under pressure, and ability to deliver in big moments have solidified his role as a cornerstone of Bromberg’s playoff rotation.
Though Clear Lake boasts a deep and balanced roster, Mihaly’s breakout performance has been impossible to overlook.
As the Falcons prepare for their toughest challenge yet, Mihaly’s continued excellence will be critical. If he stays in form, Clear Lake’s dream of a long-awaited state tournament berth could very well become a reality
Jeremy Garner -- Iowa Colony Boys Track & Field
Photo provided by Iowa Colony Head Coach Aundra Long
Despite the challenge of moving up to Class 5A competition, the Iowa Colony Boys Track & Field team rose to the occasion without hesitation.
At the UIL State Meet held at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin, the Pioneers delivered a dominant showing to capture the 5A Boys State Championship.
Central to that victory was the performance of the relay teams, which claimed gold in the 4x100m (39.74), 4x200m (1:23.34), and 4x400m (3:11.62) events—an impressive sweep on the sport’s biggest stage.
Junior Jeremy Garner was a key figure in all three of those championship relays. His consistency and explosiveness on the track made him an indispensable part of Iowa Colony’s title run, anchoring a team effort with individual excellence.
Garner’s athletic talent isn’t limited to track. After earning second-team, all-district honors as a contributor on the ICHS football team, his profile as a multi-sport athlete continues to grow.
With a state title now on his résumé and more eligibility ahead, Jeremy Garner has firmly established himself as a rising star—one whose future in collegiate athletics looks increasingly bright.
BIG MAN BEHIND THE PLATE: LSA's Serna Is Top Recruit In Texas, Nation
He has the look and the name, but what about the game? Omar Serna is the No. 2 ranked player in all of Texas and has signed with national power LSU.
“What I think is more important than the five tools of baseball is being a good teammate,” he said. “That is my main focus... to do anything I can to help the team, whether that is hitting a home run, hitting for average, throwing someone out our managing the pitchers and defense.”
He is most at home behind the plate.
“I love to be in control of the game,” he said. “Having an influence on every pitch and getting the defense lined up right or calling pitches keeps me engaged. When I was a kid, I never really paid attention to the catchers, I liked players like George Springer, Jose Altuve, and Carlos Correa. Now, I respect guys like Buster Posey, JT Realmuto, and Jose Trevino, and see how they go about their craft.”
His other homes away from home are the golf course and the woods.
“I love to play golf with my guys Nico Partida (Pearland), Lucas Franco (Cinco Ranch) and Mason Murphy (Ridge Point) to unwind from baseball,” he laughed. “I can carry 300-plus yards off the tee, but my wedges are pretty good too. I also love to be out in nature, either hunting or fishing in my off time.”
Starting this fall, Serna will pack his bags and head for Louisiana, monikered the Sportsman’s Paradise, for its rich hunting and fishing holes. He will wear the purple-and-gold of LSU.
“I committed there when I was a freshman,” he said. “Coach (Jay) Johnson has built them back into a national brand and I love his style. The fanbase is insane and it’s an atmosphere like no other.”
For now, Serna has hopes of winning a ring with the Pioneers of the TAPPS private school ranks.
“The goal here is always a State Championship,” he said. “With this group of guys, we have a good shot at it again. I can’t wait to get started.”