GAMES
RANKINGS
BJ LaFell's much-anticipated launch in high school sports is nearing
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON: Is BJ LaFell the future of H-Town high school athletics?
The Nolan Ryan Junior High student is a rising star in football, basketball, and track & field, and he’s already earned his first college football offer.
Does the name sound familiar?
Back in 2004, Brandon “JoJo” LaFell starred at Lamar High School in HISD, excelling in—yes—football, basketball, and track. BJ’s father went on to play football at LSU, where he earned first-team All-SEC honors and won a BCS National Championship with the Tigers. A third-round draft pick by the Carolina Panthers, Brandon LaFell played nine seasons in the NFL and won a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots, famously catching the game-winning touchdown against the Ravens.
“I remember being on the field after the Super Bowl, playing in all the confetti,” BJ laughed. “I still look back at that video that went viral of me sitting on my dad’s lap, playing with the microphone in the press conference room after the game.”
Fast forward a decade, and now it’s BJ LaFell who’s on the verge of becoming the next big thing in Houston sports.
“My dad is super involved and plays a major role in my success,” he said. “He’s already done all of this. He’s seen everything. He’s been through the recruiting process. He’s able to tell me step-by-step how to handle situations, and that’s huge to lean on.”
"His athleticism is what really reminds me of me," Dad said. "You see him on the field or the court and your thinking, this kid is dog, but off the court he is very quiet and reserve. He reminds me of former Texan Andre Johnson... the are the nicest people but when they flip that switch, it's flipped.
"He has such a competitive nature and wants to dominate and master everything he does. He has an edge to him that sets him apart. His leadership skills are also unmatched."
BJ plans to enroll at Shadow Creek High School, where he has big goals. His future football coach, Tyrone Green, was on staff at Lamar when his father played for the Redskins (now the Texans).
“My goals are to win a football, basketball, and track state championship, graduate, and earn a Division I scholarship,” he said. “I think I’ll stay with my class in football, but I feel like I can be on varsity in basketball and track. We’ll see.”
LaFell has dominated the junior high level and shines on the 7-on-7 football and AAU basketball circuits.
“Football helps me in basketball by making me more physical, especially finishing at the rim against bigger, stronger guys,” he said. “Basketball helps me in football with change of direction, endurance, and speed.”
On the football field, LaFell plays with the poise of someone well beyond his years.
“I love playing quarterback because I’m a really positive guy, take accountability, and am very coachable,” he said. “That’s just my personality.
“These spring 7-on-7 tournaments helped me get ready for high school—just the reps, learning to read defenses pre-snap, and throwing guys open. There’s so much to learn about reading coverages.”
With all that’s on his plate at such a young age, how does this soon-to-be ninth grader unwind?
“I like watching film on some of my favorites—Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Tank Dell, and Jahmyr Gibbs,” he said. “I’m always going to take any opportunity to train, hang out with my friends, play 2K and Madden, watch movies, and go roller skating. I’m pretty good at skating.
“I’m just a regular teenager...”
Ehh, not really.
Dickinson's David Chong
THE PLAYMAKERS: South Houston's most premier ballers of 2025 powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Boys Basketball Athletes of the 2024-25 season, who made key contributions all year long on the south side of H-Town.
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Michael Collins -- Shadow Creek Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Led by Coach David President, Shadow Creek was one of the most imposing squads in Texas—let alone Houston—this season.
After securing their second consecutive undefeated district championship (16-0 in 22-6A), the Sharks then advanced four rounds deep for the first time since 2022. Along the way, they took down Clements (71-60), Kingwood (66-30), and George Ranch (57-47).
However, their postseason journey came to a heartbreaking end in the Region III-6A Final, falling just short in a 60-57 overtime thriller against Katy Jordan—the team now vying for the 6A-DII State Championship.
Despite missing out on their first-ever State Tournament appearance, Shadow Creek’s 32-2 campaign was nothing short of remarkable.
While key players like Bryce Jackson, Aiden Law, and Adin Lewis played vital roles in the team’s success, it was senior point guard Michael Collins who served as the heart and soul of the squad.
In his final season, Collins earned another District MVP nomination, showcasing his ability to light up the scoreboard while creating opportunities for his teammates.
Though he has yet to announce his college commitment, he’s set to take his talents to the next level (offers from George Mason, Penn State, Lamar, etc.), capping off an outstanding high school career.
Dyllan Baker -- Friendswood Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Despite suffering an early exit to the postseason at the hands of Barbers Hill, that result was not indicative of how talented the Friendswood basketball program was this winter.
Under Coach Danny Russell, the Mustangs finished 27-6, securing their first district championship since 2014.
Leading the charge was senior point guard Dyllan Baker, who averaged over 15 points per game while adding 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals per contest.
Beyond his stats, Baker’s leadership was invaluable, setting the tone for Friendswood’s success. His efforts earned him the District 20-5A MVP award, a well-deserved honor after securing first-team all-district selections in each of the previous two seasons.
Capping off a stellar high school career, Baker’s impact on the Mustangs will be felt for years to come.
David Chong -- Dickinson Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
By the time district play arrived, the Dickinson Gators were already battle-tested, having faced top programs like Fort Bend Marshall (5A-DII state finalist), Katy Jordan (6A-DII state finalist), North Crowley, and Ridge Point in the first half of the season.
Despite a strong showing and a second-place district finish, Dickinson (19-13) saw its playoff run cut short by powerhouse Atascocita in the opening round.
Still, the district recognized the Gators’ biggest asset—senior David Chong—naming him the 24-6A Most Valuable Player.
A standout all winter, Chong earned All-Tournament honors at the 2024 VYPE Holiday Invitational and dominated on both ends of the floor. His scoring ability from all ranges, elite ball-handling, and court vision helped him average 20 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals per game.
Though his college destination remains undecided, one of South Houston’s brightest stars is poised to make an immediate impact at the next level.
Madden Hill -- Clear Springs Basketball
Photo provided by Madden Hill (Twitter: @MaddenHill_1)
The term “freshman phenom” isn’t used lightly at VYPE, but it’s the perfect way to describe Clear Springs’ Madden Hill.
Living up to his “Mighty” nickname, Hill made an immediate impact in his high school debut, averaging 18 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal per game. Some already consider him the top-ranked point guard in his class, and his stellar play is proving the doubters wrong.
Hill played a key role in leading Clear Springs to its first district championship since 2011 (shared with Clear Creek), earning Co-District 24-6A Offensive MVP honors along the way.
Though the Chargers suffered an early playoff exit against North Shore, the future remains bright with Hill at the helm.
Julien Barclay -- Clear Lake Basketball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Like their district counterparts, Clear Lake (23-14) ran into trouble in the opening round of the playoffs, falling to C.E. King after finishing fourth in 24-6A (9-5).
While the early exit wasn’t ideal, the Falcons still achieved their goal of making the postseason for a third straight year.
At the heart of their success was senior Julien Barclay, a do-it-all playmaker who set the offensive tone with 16 points per game while contributing across the board with 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals per contest.
His impact didn’t go unnoticed, as he was named the District 24-6A Co-Offensive MVP— a well-earned honor to cap off his stellar high school career.