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PLAY BALL: VYPE Preseason Top 5 Private School Softball Teams; Others to Watch
The Prospectus
Episcopal has ran the show in SPC for a long time when it comes to softball. Last season, the Knights brought home yet another SPC crown - the 20th in program history. FBCA finished as State Runner-Ups in 2022 in TAPPS Division II, while Cypress Christian reached the TAPPS Final Four in TAPPS Division III.
Here is a preview of the top teams in the private school landscape in 2023.
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Preseason Top 5
No. 1 Episcopal Knights
No. 2 Fort Bend Christian Academy Eagles
No. 3 St. John’s Mavericks
No. 4 St. Pius X Panthers
No. 5 Lutheran South Academy Pioneers
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Others To Watch
St. Agnes Academy Tigers - The Tigers will be looking towards pitcher Avery Jung, second baseman Kate Sullo, outfielder Julia Sullo and shortstop Mia Valenzuela to get the Tigers into the big dance and reach at least the TAPPS Division I Final Four.
Cypress Christian Warriors - Cypress Christian reached the TAPPS Final Four in Division III a year ago after going 20-3-2 overall, according to MaxPreps. The Warriors are set to return some big bats to the lineup including Lucy Davis (.578, 15 2B, 30 RBIs) and Chloe Robinson (.532, 24 RBIs). Davis was also the ace in the circle for Cypress Christian with 62 strikeouts in 50 ⅔ innings. Can Cypress Christian make the run back to the Final Four again? They have the senior leadership to do it.
Second Baptist School Eagles - It wasn’t that long ago that SBS was hoisting the TAPPS Division II State Championship trophy. In fact, it was just back in 2021 that they did just that. Now, the Eagles are going to try and add another piece of hardware to the case and a ring to their finger and this senior class will be key. Led by Ella Ryan, Kate Marshall and Emily Rogers (Colorado School of Mines), this trio of seniors will be the cornerstones to the Eagles’ success in 2023. Mackenzie Schmidt will be the ace in the circle for SBS as the Eagles look to take back their title this season.
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SHOOTING THEIR SHOT: Which TAPPS girls hoop teams have best shot at winning State?
The TAPPS girls tournament tips off today as teams across the state of Texas shoot their shots for the coveted titles.
Houston is loaded with challengers.
See who has best shot at bringing home gold.
Class 6A
The battle to beat Antonian College Prep in the TAPPS 6A playoff begins today. The Village School is on the other side of the bracket and could be a good challenge. St. Agnes, Concordia Lutheran, Incarnate Word and St. Pius X will also represent Houston this postseason.
Class 5A
In Class 5A TAPPS, Second Baptist School is trying to get to the mountain top after getting to the State Final Four the last few years. Olivia Walker, Ella Ryan, Liv Sauvageau and Kate Marshall have great basketball IQ and chemistry. Expect the Eagles to be back at State in late February. Lutheran South and FBCA will also challenge.
Class 4A
Legacy Prep Christian Academy is in the same boat at Second Baptist School. So close, but not able to snatch the gold. Could this be the year? Cypress Christian and Bay Area Christian are other Greater Houston schools in the mix.
Class 3A
Houston’s best chance for a State Title could be Rosehill Christian School up in Tomball. The Eagles can hoop with Mercy Freeman and Klein Cain transfers Caitlin and Madison Wilson, who are twins. The Eagles are 18-2 on the season.