GAMES
RANKINGS
Shadow Creek's Mackenzie Collins
THE PLAYMAKERS: Conquerors of the Court powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Volleyball Athletes of the 2024 Season, who represented South Houston with style this Fall.
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Mackenzie Collins -- Shadow Creek
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
In her first year back with the Shadow Creek program, Mackenzie Collins did exactly what we expected her to do -- bulk up an already-thriving squad.
By the end of their season, the Sharks advanced all the way to the UIL-6A-D2 Region III Final for the first time ever, and finished with a stellar record of 35-12, which was a mark that Collins had plenty of responsibility for.
When all was said and done, the Texas-commit had registered 615 kills, 222 digs, 44 blocks, and 53 serving aces in 2024.
Of course, she had plenty of help on the floor, with Bella Law (Jr. S), Lauryn Wiley (Jr. L), Aspen Brown (So. OH), Kennedy Proctor (So. MH) each making significant contributions throughout the year.
But, the clear impact that the senior middle blocker had on this team cannot be denied, which was addressed when we named her the All-VYPE Middle of the Year.
Collins can now turn her attention to the Under Armour Next All-American game in January, prior to what should be another spectacular season on the track for the future Longhorn.
Samantha Loyd -- Dickinson
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Dickinson was one of those squads that some overlooked prior to the Fall. However, they wasted little time in changing that status.
In what was easily their best performance over the past decade, the Gators wound up going 33-13 this year, which was capped off by an appearance in the Area Round.
This was thanks, in large part, to the remarkable efforts made by senior Samantha Loyd.
From the outside hitter position, Loyd managed to produce a whopping 685 kills, 401 digs, 762 receptions, and 62 blocks throughout the Fall, which naturally resulted in her being named the Co-District 24-6A MVP.
While the season might have ended sooner than she might have hoped, Loyd should feel pride in her achievement as she finishes out the remainder of her senior year before moving on to Stonehill College.
Avery Koonsen -- Pearland
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
With coach Jamie Gill at the helm, the Oilers were widely regarded as one of the most dominant forces to come out of the Houston-area entering the postseason.
After claiming the District 22-6A title, Pearland proceeded to reach the third round of the playoffs, where they were ultimately bested by eventual State Finalist Fulshear, ending the year 40-6 overall.
Despite that fact, it can be argued that this was one of the state's most balanced rosters.
Among its numerous stars -- primarily Kimanni Rugley, Cora Wolford, Adrienne Enriguez, Emily Brock, Aaryn Brown, and Britney Solomon -- the one that seemingly shined brightest for the Oilers was none other than Avery Koonsen.
While the same could be said for Rugley (North Dakota-signee), who was named the District MVP, Koonsen was the spark that ignited the team's considerable run.
She went on to obtain the single-season 500-kill milestone as a junior, and received first-team, all-district honors.
Koonsen is still uncommitted, but if she keeps up this level of play, she could easily find herself on a D1 college program one day.
Caylee Young -- Clear Springs
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Although they compete in one of the city's toughest districts, Clear Springs still managed to secure their third-straight 24-6A title before advancing to the Area Round of the playoffs.
The Chargers (29-17) proved that they could compete with the best of them, as they were only narrowly eliminated by Shadow Creek in a five-set thriller.
Offense was certainly the team's strong-suit, as sophomore Caylee Young flourished in an expanded role this campaign, to the tune of 496 kills. 345 digs, 676 receptions, and 53 blocks.
Given that impressive stat-line, it's no wonder that she was given a first-team, all-district nod.
There will be plenty of cause for optimism for coach Shannon McClellan and co. heading into next year, as a significant portion of their play-makers -- including Young, Lianna Kearns, and Karmen O'Quinn -- will be back in action.
Kirra Musgrove -- Lutheran South Academy
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
When it came to private school ball in 2024, there were few teams quite as dynamic as LSA.
The Pioneers were a juggernaut throughout the regular season, as they cruised to a TAPPS-5A District 5 championship (10-1) before reaching the postseason once again.
However, given some unfortunate illnesses and/or injuries, Lutheran South would fall 3-1 to Legacy Prep in the Regional round, which cut short their mission to reach State again.
Regardless of how the season ended, the impact that senior Kirra Musgrove has had on the program throughout her career will not go unnoticed.
The Texas A&M-signee earned herself a first-team, all-state selection after racking up 380 kills, 451 assists, and 228 digs during her swan-song year.
Given all that she's done with the team, Musgrove has cemented her status as a legend at Lutheran South Academy, before she moves on to Aggieland less than a year from now.
That doesn't mean LSA (31-7 finish) won't remain a contender next Fall.
Expect younger sister, Addison Musgrove (Fr. OH) and junior setter Aniston Collins to maintain the status.
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Manvel's Kenedy Massie
THE PLAYMAKERS: Just Getting Started powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, as the Fall season begins to heat up.
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Avery Koonsen -- Pearland Volleyball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Following an exceptionally productive tournament season, Pearland has emerged as one of Houston's most threatening squads, as was expected.
As district-play commences, the Oilers currently tout a record of 23-4 -- most recently coming off a three-set sweep over Alvin.
While it is difficult to single out one particular player on coach Jamie Gill's roster, it's hard to argue the sudden impact Avery Koonsen has made after being named the District 23-6A Newcomer of the Year in 2022.
As it stands, the, now, junior outside hitter is averaging over 4 kills per set, and she's already nearing 300 kills on the season.
Alongside other key individuals -- such as Kimanni Rugley (North Dakota-commit), Cora Wolford, Emily Brock, and Adrienne Enriquez -- Koonsen and co. are going to be an undeniable force in the imminent postseason.
Dylan Proctor -- Clear Falls Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
The Knights opened the new season against an elite unit in Hightower.
While the Hurricanes would ultimately prevail by the narrow score of 19-14, Clear Falls certainly gave them a run for their money which bodes well for the foreseeable future.
This was clearly a defensive battle -- Hightower's specialty -- but that doesn't mean there weren't flashes of offensive prowess.
Senior WR/ATH Dylan Proctor was the bright spot for CFHS, having racked up 100 receiving yards on the night, including a 64-yard touchdown grab he secured after outpacing the opponent's secondary.
Additionally, Proctor contributed in the run-game on more than one occasion, which is nothing new for the dual-threat wideout/slot-back.
If last week was any indication, Clear Falls is not a team to be underestimated, as they look to compete for a District 24-6A title in the coming months.
Kenedy Massie -- Manvel Volleyball
Alex Hinson (VYPE)
Throughout the first half of the 2024 season, Manvel has showcased a barrage of talent that makes them one of the well-balanced teams since entering Class 6A.
There have been a few close losses against equally formidable groups such as Friendswood, Shadow Creek, and Montgomery along the way. But, the Mavs enter the district portion of their schedule with a notable record of 14-6.
Any one of the players on their starting rotation could be deemed this week's "play-maker" -- whether it be Nevaeh English (Jr. OH), Kaycee Pennie (Jr. MB), or Sami Guikema (Jr. DS).
However, it feels appropriate to give Kenedy Massie (PVAM-commit) this distinction for now, considering she's one of the lone seniors on coach Susan Kennedy's squad.
Let me be clear. I'm not just giving her seniority for the sake of it. She has definitely been balling.
From the setter position, Massie leads the team with well over 400 assists already, in addition to registering upwards of 100 digs thus far.
With the way she has elevated her teammates, the Mavs should be one of Houston's most noteworthy teams moving forward.
Jonah Williams -- Galveston Ball Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
What a way to kick off the season -- and I mean that quite literally!
Jonah Williams put the city on notice when he returned the opening kick-off for six points against Manvel, which was only the beginning.
The recent Texas-commit proceeded to score a total of five times in last Thursday's battle against the Mavs, in which Galveston Ball would secure the W by a 54-26 margin.
Williams has already established himself as one of, if not THE top recruit to come out of the Greater Houston-area in the class of 2025, and should only continue to build on that reputation as the Tornadoes progress this Fall.
Jamie Faseler -- Lutheran South Academy Volleyball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
It was no secret that LSA was going to a handful for the opposition to contend with in 2024, given that they reached the TAPPS-5A State Final a year ago.
Evidently, they haven't skipped a beat, now that they approach their district with a 13-3 record.
Texas A&M-commit Kirra Musgrove is performing as expected, as she leads the team in kills. But what's even scarier is the fact that her younger sister, Addison (Fr. OH), is right behind her in the stat-line. Of course, the assist-leader Aniston Collins is a worthy mention, as well.
However, one player who has subtly excelled among the crowded Pioneers court is senior Jamie Faseler.
From the DS spot, she has contributed over 110 digs in just 16 games, averaging north of 3 per set.
Suffice it to say, Lutheran South is back with a vengeance.