GAMES
RANKINGS
THE LAYUP LINE: No. 8 Memorial Mustangs
Over the past several years, the Memorial Mustangs have solidified themselves as one of Houston’s perennial programs.
In 2025, they finished 22-16 and advanced to the Area Round of the playoffs, marking the seventh consecutive postseason appearance under Jyusef Larry, who enters his 16th year as head coach.
Memorial returns much of its central rotation, led by Princeton-commit Draden Moss. The senior — an All-Region selection and 17-6A Offensive Player of theYear — averaged roughly 17 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals per game, giving the Mustangs a proven weapon on both ends of the floor.
Sophomore Sa’Niyah Paulus, last year’s District Newcomer of the Year, comes back after averaging 4.9 points and 3.7 rebounds in her debut campaign.
Furthermore, veterans like Allison Moss (Sr. G), Ivy Oliver (Sr. G) — returning from injury after a sophomore season that produced 9.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game — and Brooke Kearns (Sr. G) provide additional depth and stability.
Whataburger Team of the Week: Memorial VB claims undefeated district title ahead of ensuing playoffs
For the first time since 2020, the Memorial Mustangs sit atop District 17-6A — and they didn’t just get there quietly.
Behind a convincing series sweep of Stratford, last year’s 6A-DII State Finalist, Memorial emphatically secured the district championship while improving to 27-10 overall and an unblemished 14-0 in district play.
The victory capped a dominant regular season that’s seen the Mustangs blend balance, composure, and energy at every turn — all hallmarks of a team built for the postseason.
Under head coach Kaddie Platt, Memorial has thrived behind one of the area’s most complete lineups.
Junior Mary Margaret Schwieder has been a driving force on both ends, leading the team in kills (237) and serve receptions (604) while contributing nearly 400 digs. Fellow junior Tesa Solis has complemented her on the attack, approaching the 200-kill mark as another key piece in the Mustangs’ offense.

Setting the tone for that offensive rhythm has been senior Ella Ross, who’s tallied more than 450 assists while giving her hitters opportunities to capitalize in transition. On the defensive end, senior libero Kassia Tan has been the anchor, registering 483 digs and consistently stabilizing the back row.
Perhaps the biggest X-factor, though, has been sophomore Taylor Harting, whose versatility has made her indispensable. Moving fluidly between setter and right-side hitter, Harting has filled multiple roles with poise — racking up 388 assists, 229 digs, and 157 kills in the process.
Collectively, Memorial has found its stride at the perfect time.
With a district crown in hand and a confident rotation clicking on both sides of the net, the Mustangs now turn their focus toward a playoff run that promises to be as competitive as any in Class 6A — and they look every bit the part of a team ready to make noise when it matters most
































