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THE PLAYMAKERS: Bringing the heat powered by UTMB Health
The south Houston area is loaded with talented athletes who give it their all in their respective fields of play.
Welcome to the VYPE Playmakers powered by UTMB Health, where we’re highlighting five standouts from the previous week who stole the headlines.
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, as the Fall season continues to heat up.
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Nadi'ya Shelby -- Friendswood Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Mustangs are off to an impressive 14-8 start as they enter the district portion of their schedule. Friendswood’s success can be heavily attributed to the performance of star OH Nadi’ya Shelby. Through the first half of her sophomore campaign, Shelby has already racked up over 250 kills, while also leading the team in digs with nearly 300. If she and her teammates keep up this rate, a district championship won’t be far off.
Xai'shaun Edwards -- Clear Springs Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
After a pair of close losses to powerhouses – Katy and Shadow Creek – the Chargers are back on track with their recent victory over Klein Forest. As district-play nears for Clear Springs, the offense will continue to be powered by senior RB Xai’shaun Edwards, who leads the team in scores and is currently averaging over 100 yards rushing per game. There’s nowhere to go but up.
Addison Moss -- Pearland Dawson Volleyball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Pearland Dawson has been on a tear thus far. While they may be in a tough district, the Eagles appear to be the team to beat as they currently boast a record of 23-8. Boise State-commit Addison Moss has been a key component on Dawson’s talented roster. The senior Eagle is nearing 500 assists, and is among the kill leaders on the squad, alongside Dominique Phills (Sr. OH) and Kennedy Jones (Jr. MH).
Patrick Bridges -- Pearland Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
The Oilers have been putting on a clinic on the offensive side of the ball through the first three weeks of the Fall season. While RB Ladamion McDowell leads the team in scoring on the ground, Pearland’s biggest threat through the air has come courtesy of Central Arkansas-commit Patrick Bridges. The senior wideout is averaging nearly 120 receiving yards per game with three scores to boot. Bridges will certainly play a key role in the upcoming race for the district.
Taylor Crain -- Lutheran South Academy Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Alongside fellow playmaker Kirra Musgrove, senior libero Taylor Crain has been essential to LSA’s exemplary start to the season. The Baylor-commit has already racked up over 300 digs, in addition to being a team leader in assists and aces. Lutheran South has the appearance of a championship-caliber team in the TAPPS race, and Crain is definitely one of the reasons for that.
MUSTANG NATION: No. 2 Friendswood primed to rep Class 5A
FRIENDSWOOD FITS THE YOUTH MOVEMENT BILL UNDER SARAH PAULK (293-130), WHO ENTERS HER EIGHTH SEASON LEADING THE MUSTANGS.
Friendswood went 34-12 a year ago and reached the Regional Quarterfinals. Seven of the nine starters for Paulk return in 2023, led by sophomore Nadi’Ya Shelby, who was named the District 18-5A MVP and the Greater Houston Volleyball Coaches Association Newcomer of the Year. Shelby led the team in kills with 300 a year ago and vertically can reach 10-feet-6-inches.
Caroline Adams is the other sophomore, who had an impact as a freshman. Adams (432 assists) was moved up to varsity last year after the tournament season and started every match at setter from that point on.
Other players to take note of include Meghan Donoughue (443 assists, 222 digs), Sydney Gibson (316 digs, 284 kills), Jordyn Sims (230 kills), Isabella Thompson (194 kills, 102 blocks) and Andi Vaught (155 digs), who is a captain and “calming spark plug” on the court.