GAMES
RANKINGS
Faith Guidry, Kylee Kejonen, Trinity Hennigan and Sarah Lankford, Barbers Hill
DARK HORSES: Area teams coming just under the radar
VYPE's next grouping falls just under the radar as it relates to statewide rankings in our Dark Horses category, but don' t be surprised if any of these squads punch their ticket to the state tournament .
Some are bluebloods like Cy-Fair, Memorial and Oak Ridge, while teams like Shadow Creek and Clear Springs are the up - and - comers. Regardless, these 10 programs have a legit shot at state and could play spoiler to the favorites.
Barbers Hill Eagles
(Reached Class 5A Regional Quarterfinals)
In her first year as a head coach, Kristin Goodman led her Barbers Hill Eagles to an 11-1 district record and the District 21-5A crown. Goodman came over to the eastside after being the lead assistant at Friendswood. The Eagles got off to a slow start in a competitive tournament season, but started to peak in the regular season. The competitive scheduling paid off as Barbers Hill reached the third round before falling to Friendswood. So, what will she do for an encore in year two? Gone are the highly-decorated Jessica Hardin and Macy Sumrall to graduation but back is all-state setter Trinity Hennigan, who had 1,179 assists. She has some firepower to set for in Faith Guidry (130 kills), Sarah Lankford (151 kills) and Kylee Kejonen (171 kills). Having those kinds of numbers coming back, the big three outsides make the nest tremendously balanced.
Halle Sanders, Amber Johnson and Alexis Williams, Shadow Creek
Shadow Creek Sharks
(Reached Class 5A Area Round)
Since its opening, Shadow Creek has reached the postseason every year. In fact, the Sharks have won a playoff game each season. More history could be made in 2019 as Shadow Creek returns some serious firepower. Back is District 24-5A Newcomer of the Year Alexis Williams, who had 364 kills, 441 assists and 317 digs a year ago and plays all the way around. The Chicago State-commit can play defense as well as set. Also, back is all-district, first-teamer Halle Sanders (282 kills, 240 digs), who is another lethal Shark that is tremendously versatile on defense and on the edge. Amber Johnson (235 kills, 281 digs) is another first-team, all-district selection back in the fold for coach Whitney Daniel. Arianne Renaud (182 kills) will also be a significant contributor. Shadow Creek fell in the second round to Friendswood after finishing third in district play behind Foster and Manvel. District positioning will be key to the Sharks' playoff progression. They also need to have another ball-handler emerge.
Cy-Fair Bobcats
(Reached Class 6A Area Round)
Cy-Fair cruised through District 17-6A, going 15-1 for another title under the direction of legendary coach Donna Benotti, who earned her 700th career win as a head coach last season. Benotti is happy to welcome back District Hitter of the Year Bekah Portalatin, who is just a junior. She will be one of the city's and state's most lethal offensive weapons. Complementing Portalatin will be first-teamer Lauryn Bourne, who can crush the ball. Second-teamer Faith Jones will also help juice up the offense. In the middle are Sophie Scott and youngster Audura Sogsbean, who will both be better after a varsity and summer club season under their belts. Kara Spice returns as a first-team, all-district libero to anchor the defense. Finding a setter to step in for Elyse Buras will be key to the Bobcats' success.
Emma McWhorter, Mekaila Aupiu, Sarah Rogers and Erin Wyatt, Klein Collins
Klein Collins Tigers
(Reached Class 6A Regioanl Quarterfinals)
The Klein Collins Tigers made school history in 2018, advancing to the Regional Quarters before bowing out to The Woodlands. With realignment last year, the Tigers were tossed into one of the toughest districts in the state joining the likes of The Woodlands, Oak Ridge and College Park. Klein Collins scratched out a fourth-place finish in the district, before going on their historic run. Amanda McMeans leaves the program in great shape as Kingwood Park (Class 5A State Champs) assistant Kasey Price takes over at Klein Collins. The cupboard is certainly not bare, and leading the den for Price will be Emma McWhorter in the middle. The second-teamer has committed to Louisiana-Lafayette. She is joined up front by second-teamer Sarah Rogers. Running the offense is Mekaila Aupiu, who has grown into the setter position. The heavyhanded Erin Wyatt (Georgia State-commit) will lead the hitting attack for the Tigers. With a year of playing together last season, the experience should result in a higher district finish.
Oak Ridge War Eagles
(Reached Class 6A Regional Quarterfinals)
The Oak Ridge War Eagles have some things working against them. The north Houston program graduated four all-state players and the opening of new super school Grand Oaks in Conroe ISD is drastically changing the enrollment. No sweat, right? The team that reached back-to-back state tourneys in 2015 and 2016 returns some serious talent and a big-time coach. Rachel Croley enters her second season at the helm after going 39-10 in year one. Croley was the top assistant at super-power The Woodlands in years past and has always been attached to a state-ranked team. Returning to the fold are middles Savanna Meyer (Western Colorado State-commit), a second-team, alldistrict selection, and New Mexico-commit Emma Smith. The quarterback is Piper Boydstun at setter, while Katie Mullen adds firepower on the outside. Abby Fowler (USAV Beach Nationals Qualifier) will lead the defense. While Oak Ridge plays in a brutal district with The Woodlands, Klein, Klein Collins and College Park, expect the Eagles to soar into the postseason.
Shyia Richardson and Avery Reynolds, Clear Springs
Clear Springs Chargers
(Reached Class 6A Area Round)
The Clear Springs Chargers rolled through District 24-6A undefeated and reached the Regional Quarters. Despite the setback to George Ranch in last year's postseason, the Chargers are back under the direction of coach Shannon McClellen. Entering her eighth year as head coach, McClellen returns a loaded stable of seven all-district athletes. It starts with Shyia Richardson (483 kills), who was the co-Offensive Player of the Year in 2018. Joining her will be first-teamers Mary Alper, Haley Moses and Alana Dawson. Avery Reynolds (Louisiana-Monroe-commit), Erin Rogers and Tori Gehret earned second-team nods. Reynolds (635 assists) runs the offense as the setter, while Dawson and Rogers add hitting support on the edge. Alper anchors the middle. According to McClellen, the team's keys to success includes their "experience, team chemistry and work ethic." With this loaded lineup, the Chargers will return to the postseason for the fourth consecutive year with aspirations of a deep regional run.
Manvel Mavericks
(Reached Class 5A Area Round)
The Manvel Mavericks look to build on their second-place finish, going 14-2, in District 24-5A and their second-round exit in the postseason (Barbers Hill) a year ago as three game-changers return to the locker room. Coach Susan Kennedy and her squad could make school history if they can reach the Regional Finals. Manvel was a step away in 2017 and 2016, bowing out in the semis. Back on the court for the Mavs will be Morgan Smith, who dominated up front and was named the District Blocker MVP. Cecilia Harness enters her senior season with a ton of experience. Harness is the key to Manvel's success as the District's Setter MVP. On the outside is the powerful Aryn Johnson, who was a first-teamer in 2018. Defense will also be integral to Manvel's dream season and Taylor Doan will be responsible for flying around the court digging balls. Foster will be a factor in district play, but Manvel could steal the headlines in Class 5A come November.
Lyla Taylor, Logan LeRoux and Brooke Duncan, Memorial
Memorial Mustangs
(Reached Class 6A Area Round)
After 38 years in coaching, Memorial coach Beth Gammill will not be patrolling the sideline in 2019. Gammill retired after an illustrious career. Stepping in will be Kaddie Platt, which is a huge get for Spring Branch ISD. Platt was the University of Houston volleyball head coach for six seasons and built Houston Baptist University (HBU) for 17 years. Platt has to replace superstar Sanaa' Dotson, who is off to Oklahoma, but she has some pieces returning. Lyla Traylor is the top returning kill artist, followed by Brooke Duncan. Logan LeRoux is the quarterback at setter and had over 550 assists a year ago. The 'Stangs went 14-2, finishing second in District 17-6A. The season came to a screeching halt in the second round as Class 6A State Runner-Up Ridge Point blanked the Mustangs. With Platt and her college coaching pedigree at the helm, the sky could be the limit in 2019.
Cypress Ranch Mustangs
(Reached Class 6A Area Round)
The Ranch is changing hands. Football coach Gene Johnson, the school's only head coach, departed for Waller during the offseason. Volleyball coach Candice Fuchs has also said goodbye to Cypress Ranch. Chrissy Woodward takes over a Mustangs' squad that won district last season; reached the second round of the postseason and has been to the playoffs eight-straight years. Not a bad gig, right? Cypress Ranch also returns some solid, young pieces to a team that should challenge for another District 14-6A crown. While Sabrina Sustala, Peyton Debello and Michelle Klein left tremendous legacies at the Ranch, the baton will be passed to another talented group. Junior outside Maddy Villareal returns after a first-team, all-district selection. Junior Ava Martinolli gives Ranch another power-hitter with credentials. The explosive outside was a second-teamer a year ago and has another year of experience. Distributing the ball will be junior setter Kailey Friedrich, while senior Seerdyn James will also play a larger role in the offense this season.
Annie Antar, Kierstyn McFall and Devan Taylor, Klein
Klein Bearkats
(Reached 6A Regional Semifinals)
It was yet another solid season for the Bearkats. For the second-straight year, Klein reached the Regional Semifinals in the Region II-6A playoffs. A 3-1 loss to Prosper ended Klein's hopes of reaching its first Regional Final since 2002. In the playoffs, Klein beat the likes of Cypress Ranch and Oak Ridge to get to the fourth round, which is good experience for some of its younger players coming back. Klein will have to replace the talents of Nena Mbonu (436 kills) and Baylee Laskoskie (331 kills), who both graduated. Annie Antar returns as the top all-around player after registering 571 assists, 288 kills and 49 aces a year ago. Defensively, Kierstyn McFall comes back after a freshman season where she led the team in blocks with 55. Also, back on defense is Clemson-commit Devan Taylor. Last season, Taylor led the team in digs with 688. The Bearkats will have to get some other stars to step up, especially on the offensive side of the ball if they want to get back to the Regional Semifinals for a third-straight season.
Reagan Rutherford, Claire Jeter and Nia McCardell, Ridge Point
VYPE Class 6A Preseason Volleyball Rankings
1) Ridge Point
Ridge Point was on the cusp of bringing home the hardware in 2018. A loss in the Class 6A Championship game to Flower Mound prevented that, but fueled a team full of juniors to be ready for 2019. Gone is superstar Skylar Fields, who will star this fall at the University of Texas. Coach Lori McLaughlin has also moved on, taking the Cedar Park job. Lauren Bailey will take the coaching reigns and the cupboard is loaded. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON!
2) The Woodlands
Clara Brower, Amanda Ifeanyi and Dylan Maberry, The Woodlands
Photo by Bradley Collier/VYPE
When talking about contenders in Houston, The Woodlands must be in the conversation. The Highlanders reached the Regional Semifinals for a seventh-straight time last season before falling to Plano West. Falling short of reaching the Regional Finals snapped a five-year streak of playing in that round for The Woodlands. Heading into this season – chasing the program's fourth overall state championship and first since 2015 – The Woodlands has some top talent back. Dylan Maberry (LSU-commit) leads the offensive group after racking up an impressive 765 kills last season and was named the District 15-6A Offensive Player of the Year. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
3) Cinco Ranch
Danyle Courtley and Madalyn O'Brien, Cinco Ranch
Photo by Bradley Collier/VYPE
Cinco Ranch was one set victory away from reaching its first Regional Final since 2009 last season. But a five-set loss to Dawson ended the Cougars' season a round short. Cinco Ranch has the pieces coming back to potentially get to a Regional Final this season. First-team, all-district selections Danyle Courtley (410 kills) and Madalyn O'Brien (366 kills) are back and will power the offense. Courtley is committed to Rice, while O'Brien is committed to Texas Tech. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
4) Seven Lakes
Casey Batenhorst, Ally Batenhorst and Gabrielle Collins, Seven Lakes
Photo by Bradley Collier/VYPE
Two years ago, Seven Lakes reached the final game of the season, playing for the Class 6A State Championship. Last year, the Spartans' run to a second-straight state tournament appearance was halted in the Regional Quarterfinals by eventual state runner-up Ridge Point. There's a very good chance that these two powers could collide again in the playoffs in a few months. The Spartans will have to replace the production of Natalie Winter and Morgan Janda, who led the team in kills and assists, respectively. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
5) Pearland Dawson
Madison Deslatte, Aliyah McDonald, Nicole Deslatte, Dahlia Miller and Kamryn Scroggins, Pearland Dawson
Photo By Jamey Wright
The Pearland Dawson Eagles are a power-player in the state of Texas. The Eagles have reached the postseason the past 10 seasons, reaching at least the Regional Semis five times. Dawson advanced to the Regional Finals a year ago under first-year head coach Lauren Leth. While Leth says goodbye to superstar Kynnedi Johnson to Baylor, the nest is still loaded. Back in the huddle will be power-players Nikki Deslatte, Madison Deslatte and Aliyah McDonald. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
6) Deer Park
McKenzie Morvant, Courtney Plocheck, Hannah Baker, Adalyn Cable and Peyton Nance, Deer Park
Tabitha Burnett
The champs are here. Deer Park has made it a habit, tradition, ritual, whatever you want to call it of hoisting a district championship trophy at season's end. The Deer enter this year riding a streak of nine-straight district crowns dating back to the 2010 season. What's even more impressive is over that span of nine seasons, Deer Park has gone 119-1 in district games. Heading into 2019, the Deer are lined up for another run at a district crown and a playoff run. With a talented senior class of Adalyn Cable, Courtney Plocheck, McKenzie Morvant, Hannah Baker and Peyton Nance back, there is plenty of reasons to be excited about this team. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
7) Klein
Annie Antar, Kierstyn McFall and Devan Taylor, Klein
Photo by Lily Cox / VYPE
It was yet another solid season for the Bearkats. For the second-straight year, Klein reached the Regional Semifinals in the Region II-6A playoffs. A 3-1 loss to Prosper ended Klein's hopes of reaching its first Regional Final since 2002. In the playoffs, Klein beat the likes of Cypress Ranch and Oak Ridge to get to the fourth round, which is good experience for some of its younger players coming back. Klein will have to replace the talents of Nena Mbonu (436 kills) and Baylee Laskoskie (331 kills), who both graduated. Annie Antar returns as the top all-around player after registering 571 assists, 288 kills and 49 aces a year ago. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
8) Kingwood
Brea Burrell and Megan Wilson, Kingwood
Photo by Bradley Collier/VYPE
Another year and another playoff berth. Kingwood banked its 29th-straight postseason berth in 2018 after finishing undefeated in District 22-6A. The Mustangs reached the second round before falling to Pearland Dawson. Kingwood does have to replace the production of Camden Gray and Peyton Shamp (District Offensive Player of the Year) after losing the duo to graduation. But back is big hitter Brea Burrell (Northwestern State-commit). Burrell returns after a first-team, all-district season where she had 288 kills and 69 digs. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
9) Memorial
Lyla Taylor, Logan LeRoux and Brooke Duncan, Memorial
Photo by Lily Cox / VYPE
After 38 years in coaching, Memorial coach Beth Gammill will not be patrolling the sideline in 2019. Gammill retired after an illustrious career. Stepping in will be Kaddie Platt, which is a huge get for Spring Branch ISD. Platt was the University of Houston volleyball head coach for six seasons and built Houston Baptist University (HBU) for 17 years. Platt has to replace superstar Sanaa' Dotson, who is off to Oklahoma, but she has some pieces returning. Lyla Traylor is the top returning kill artist, followed by Brooke Duncan. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
10) Klein Collins
Emma McWhorter, Mekaila Aupiu, Sarah Rogers and Erin Wyatt, Klein Collins
Photo by Jamey Wright
The Klein Collins Tigers made school history in 2018, advancing to the Regional Quarters before bowing out to The Woodlands. With realignment last year, the Tigers were tossed into one of the toughest districts in the state joining the likes of The Woodlands, Oak Ridge and College Park. Klein Collins scratched out a fourth-place finish in the district, before going on their historic run. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
11) Cy-Fair
Kara Spice, Lauryn Bourne and Bekah Portalatin, Cy-Fair
Photo by Jamey Wright/VYPE
Cy-Fair cruised through District 17-6A, going 15-1 for another title under the direction of legendary coach Donna Benotti, who earned her 700th career win as a head coach last season. Benotti is happy to welcome back District Hitter of the Year Bekah Portalatin, who is just a junior. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
12) Cypress Ranch
Ava Martinolli, Maddy Villarreal, Kailey Friedrich and Seerdyn James, Cy Ranch
Photo by Jamey Wright
The Ranch is changing hands. Football coach Gene Johnson, the school's only head coach, departed for Waller during the offseason. Volleyball coach Candice Fuchs has also said goodbye to Cypress Ranch. Chrissy Woodward takes over a Mustangs' squad that won district last season; reached the second round of the postseason and has been to the playoffs eight-straight years. Not a bad gig, right? Cypress Ranch also returns some solid, young pieces to a team that should challenge for another District 14-6A crown. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
13) Clear Springs
Shyia Richardson and Avery Reynolds, Clear Springs
Photo by Lily Cox / VYPE
The Clear Springs Chargers rolled through District 24-6A undefeated and reached the Regional Quarters. Despite the setback to George Ranch in last year's postseason, the Chargers are back under the direction of coach Shannon McClellen. Entering her eighth year as head coach, McClellen returns a loaded stable of seven all-district athletes. It starts with Shyia Richardson (483 kills), who was the co-Offensive Player of the Year in 2018. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
14) Oak Ridge
Piper Boydstun, Katie Mullen, Savanna Meyer, Abby Fowler and Emma Smith, Oak Ridge
Photo by Bradley Collier/VYPE
The Oak Ridge War Eagles have some things working against them. The north Houston program graduated four all-state players and the opening of new super school Grand Oaks in Conroe ISD is drastically changing the enrollment. No sweat, right? The team that reached back-to-back state tourneys in 2015 and 2016 returns some serious talent and a big-time coach. Rachel Croley enters her second season at the helm after going 39-10 in year one. Croley was the top assistant at super-power The Woodlands in years past and has always been attached to a state-ranked team. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
15) Baytown Sterling
Brooke Benoit, Kaitlyn Stork, Jasmine Moore, Bailee St. Romain, Alexandria Lee and Kayla Jones, Baytown Sterling
Photo by Bradley Collier/VYPE
Baytown Sterling was on the cusp of being on top of the district last year. In 2018, the Rangers were two wins away from being District 21-6A Champions. Because of that, they made it into the playoffs for a secondstraight season. Baytown Sterling brings back five first-team, all-district selections; two postseason award winners and a majority of its offensive and defensive firepower. Kayla Jones and Bailee St. Romain return as two of the main centerpieces for the team. Jones was the District 21-6A Defensive Player of the Year and was named first-team, all-district. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
16) Cypress Creek
Alexandra Evans-Brooks, Paige Underbrink, Lindsey Kriendler and Kiara Thomas, Cypress Creek
Photo by Jamey Wright
Just over 20 years ago, Cypress Creek was THE volleyball power in the Greater Houstonarea. The Cougars won state titles in 1997, 1993 and 1989. Under the direction of coach Reagan Smith, Cypress Creek was back in the postseason last year for the first time in five years, earning the fourth seed. The Cougars knocked off Westside, before losing to Katy. Gone are four decorated seniors, but the Cougar den is full of hungry volleyballers ready to leave their own legacy. A pair of first-teamers return in setter Paige Underbrink and junior hitter Linnea McClendon. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
17) Pearland
April Conant, Jacqueline Arrington and Chloe Jordan, Pearland
Photo by Bradley Collier / VYPE
The Pearland Oilers return to the hardwood in August after a third-place finish in District 23- 6A and a first-round exit by Clear Falls. Coach Christian Dunn is ready to see what his 2019 squad has in store after a solid offseason. The Rig is full of solid "hands" ready to get back in the citywide conversation. The strength of the Oilers is at the net. First-team, all-district selections Jacqueline Arrington and April Conant return and should have over 250 kills apiece. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
18) Summer Creek
McKay Wilson, Tauryn Cummings, Bailey Bryant, BreAnna McDonald, Alaryss Medina and Jozie Dhayer, Summer Creek
Photo By Bradley Collier/VYPE
Coach Sarah Aguilar has completely changed the culture within the Summer Creek volleyball program. There is a buzz around the team in the community and within the school. The Bulldogs reached the second round of the playoffs last year after a second-place finish in a tough district. Aguilar says goodbye to five seniors, but the third-year head coach has some young game-changers. The leader of the pack is sophomore setter Jozie Dhayer, who burst onto the scene as a freshman leader. She is joined by junior Bailey Bryant in running the offense. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
19) Clear Falls
Blakely Montgomery, Mia Johnson and Rachel Brown, Clear Falls
Photo by Bradley Collier / VYPE
The Lyndsay Hodges-era at Clear Falls is over. For nearly a decade, Hodges was a force at the helm building a record of 243-101 and reaching a state title game in 2014. Alison Kley Williams takes over at Clear Falls, which has been a power program down south since it opened. The Knights are coming off a second-place district finish, led by four seniors. Clear Falls then went three rounds deep before falling to Dawson in the Regional Quarters. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
20) Katy
Maddie Waak, Hannah Hoover and Maddie Thayer, Katy
Photo by Bradley Collier/VYPE
The Tigers are in a highly-competitive volleyball district with the likes of Seven Lakes, Cinco Ranch and Tompkins. Katy is in the conversation as a district title contender after finishing second in the conference a year ago. The Tigers went three rounds deep, falling in the Regional Quarters to district-mate Cinco Ranch, of course. Back to run the offense for coach Karen Paxton after a first-team, all-district selection as a freshman is Maddie Waak, who has verbally committed to LSU. She has a tremendous court IQ and will never leave the floor. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.