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SPX's Victoria Hunter
LEAVING A LEGACY: SPX's Hunter intends to be the best
WITH HER SHADES FIRMLY IN PLACE AND HER BRAIDS ON POINT, ST. PIUS X’S VICTORIA HUNTER HAS SOME SERIOUS SWAG... AND CONFIDENCE.
She is the driving force behind the Panthers as they battle for supremacy in the arduous TAPPSD1-District 4. The 5-foot-10 shortstop is the undisputed leader of the orange and black. And she’s of the most feared hitters in the country.
“I want to be the best that’s ever walked through the door [of SPX],” said Hunter. “I want to lead this team somewhere that we’ve never been before, to make a lasting impression for future players.”
Hunter’s performance at SPX has received widespread acclaim, making her a hot commodity in the world of college softball. Hence, her recent signing with the University of Texas, which she will join at the conclusion of this school year.
“I was really drawn to UT because of the coaches, the education, and the campus is beautiful,” she said. “Honestly, it just felt like home to me. I intend to be an All-American when I start playing there.”
TAPPS softball has a surplus of top-tier players. However, Hunter feels she possesses an attribute that makes her stand out.
“Honestly at this level, everybody can throw, everybody can pitch, and everybody can catch,” Hunter said. “But, not everybody can think critically. So, I think a big part of my development was figuring out how to improve my mental aspect of the game.”
Anticipate Hunter and the SPX Panthers to make some noise on the diamond before she turns in her St. Pius’ orange for the burnt orange of the Texas Longhorns
PLAY BALL: VYPE Preseason Top 5 Private School Baseball Teams; Others to Watch
The Prospectus
Private school baseball in Houston is a blood bath. Second Baptist School won TAPPS-DII, Bay Area Christian won TAPPS-III, and Kinkaid beat Episcopal to win the Southwest Preparatory Conference title. Private school baseball state-wide comes through Houston. So, who will get through murderer’s row in 2023?
Stay tuned!
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Preseason Top 5
No. 1- Second Baptist School Eagles
No. 2- Concordia Lutheran Crusaders
No. 3- Kinkaid Falcons
No. 4- Lutheran South Pioneers
No. 5- St. Pius X Panthers
Others to Watch:
Bay Area Christian Broncos- The Broncos of Bay Area Christian are really the Bullies of TAPPS Division III. The Broncos are the defending back-to-back State Champions under the direction of coach Kyle Kennedy and aren’t slowing down. Junior Reese Brewer returns after a first-team, all-state selection and will pitch and roam the outfield. Behind the plate is senior Luke Moses, while Colton Chavis returns to the bump after being named a first-team, all-district selection in 2022. The Broncos will be back in the mix.
Episcopal Knights- Coach Matt Fox has one goal every year… win the SPC Title. Kinkaid knocked off the Knights in the SPC Finals in 2022, so Episcopal is fueled to get the trophy back. Adam Katz and Andrew Thornton will provide the offense, while Ashton Lassiter and Logan Phillips will provide the pitching. Katz will also toe the rubber for the Knights as they venture on their 2023 crusade to the title.
St. Thomas Eagles- The Eagles are in a tough spot in a ruthless district with the likes of Concordia Lutheran, St. Pius X, Antonian Prep, and Central Catholic. Coach Adam Massiatte brings back some star-power in first-teamer Caleb Davis and second-teamers Luke Edgecombe, Jack Mathis, and Jaden Deshautelle. Edgecombe, Mathis, and Luke Jameison will deal from the mound, while Davis will set the table on offense.
Fort Bend Christian Academy Eagles- Can FBCA build off of the successes of the football, volleyball, and girls' track teams – who have all won State Titles in the past few seasons? Quarterback Brady Dever returns to the dugout, bringing his leadership ability in tow. Ben Elizondo is the most decorated Eagle after earning first-team, all-district honors as an infielder. The Eagles finished third in the district in 2022 and reached the Area Round and could be a sleeper.