GAMES
RANKINGS
THE RANKINGS: UH-commit Dworaczyk quarterbacks No. 23 Magnolia West
MAGNOLIA WEST REACHED THE AREA ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS IN 2024 AFTER GOING 28-12 OVERALL.
Fourth-year coach Kristin Lemoine returns four starters as the Mustangs try to make it three-straight trips to the playoffs in 2025.
University of Houston-commit Shannon Dworaczyk will lead the crew after being named District 15-6A Setter of the Year, AVCA All-Region and first-team, all-district. Dworaczyk racked up 1,391 assists, 314 digs and 125 kills a year ago.
Also returning are first-team, all-district picks in outside hitter Hayden Stebbins (441kills, 437 digs, 35 aces) and right-side hitter Alex Kerman (277 kills,93 digs, 20 blocks 17 aces). Other key returners include middle-hitter Rubie Mullens (second-team, all-district), who had 107 kills with 71digs, 51 blocks and 39 aces and Alexis Massey.
“We have a strong returning group that has been playing together for a while,” Lemoine said. “Leadership, chemistry, and game knowledge will help be our strong attributes.”
DIRTBOYS: Magnolia West Ready To Do Damage In First Year In 6A
Despite a slow start to the season, largely due to injuries, the Mustangs found their groove as playoff time approached and never looked back. After capturing the 5A Title in 2023, Mag West would end up reaching the State Semis for the second time in program history last June.
Unfortunately, their hopes for a repeat were dashed by Lovejoy in a 4-0 loss. Now, as the Dirt Boys ascend to District 15-6A in the realignment, they’ll face new competition, including defending State Champions Tomball, as well as Klein Cain, Klein Oak, Klein Collins, and others.
It won’t take long for coach Travis Earles and his team to make their presence felt, thanks to a roster brimming with talent. Baylor-commit Caldwell McFaddin returns to lead the batting order and will anchor the infield from third base.
He’ll be joined by junior shortstop Lukas Huff. The outfield will feature a rotation of seniors Cody Palacios (San Jacinto JC), Carson Dunaway, Cooper Wilkinson, and Carson Parker. On the mound, senior Nolan Cruz is expected to take on a leading role this spring.