GAMES
RANKINGS
Summer Creek Sr. G Kennedy Simpson (Tulane-signee)
RISING TO THE CHALLENGE: Summer Creek's Simpson personifies the relentless drive of defending State Champs
Simpson’s 21-point performance in the title game earned her State MVP honors, complementing her District 23-6A MVP recognition. Now a senior, the guard officially announced her commitment to Tulane University in early September, and recently signed as she prepares to take her game to the next level.
Simpson shows off the 2025 championship ring at the team's presentation ceremony in OctoberMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
The championship marked the culmination of a 29-11 season and the program’s first-ever state title. But what exactly makes Summer Creek such a consistent force in Texas?
“It starts with our work ethic and mindset,” Simpson said. “We don’t give up and that showed at last year’s championship. With all the work we put in and dedication to each other and this game – we weren’t gonna be denied. The same applies to this year. We put in too much to expect anything less.”
It was also a milestone debut for head coach Kiara Marshall, who guided Summer Creek to history in her first year at the helm.
2025-26 Summer Creek Girls BasketballMatt Powell (VYPE)
“She (Coach Marshall) wanted it just as much as we did, if not more,” Simpson said. “Since there’s usually a lot of attention that comes with this team, she had something to prove too. So, there was definitely a level of trust and respect that we exchanged. But, at the end of the day, she lets us do what we do best.”
Simpson has also embraced her role with open arms.
“I’ve learned to find new ways to be a leader over the years,” she said. “Before, I was usually on the younger side. Now, I’m one of the oldest on the team – people look to me to stand up and be vocal in situations. It’s been an adjustment, but I know what I’m capable of and it’s still my turn to be a mentor for the younger girls.”
Her adaptability and composure have become staples of Summer Creek’s identity, especially during high-stakes moments like last year’s title run.
A closer look at the Summer Creek championship ringMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
Looking ahead, the Lady Bulldogs aim to return to the State Tournament for the fifth time overall, and as many times dating back to 2019.
Before making the transition to New Orleans upon graduation, Simpson still has one more response to make with Summer Creek—a chance to build on last year’s historic triumph and solidify her standing among the school’s all-time elite.
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2025-26 Summer Creek Girls Basketball & Head Coach Kiara Marshall
THE LAYUP LINE: Marshall, No. 1 Summer Creek intent on upholding 6A State title
In her debut, head coach Kiara Marshall took the Texas basketball world by storm — leading a fearless, fast-paced team that refused to fold when the chips were down.
Now, with nearly every key piece returning, the Bulldogs have their sights set on something even bigger: a repeat.
It all starts with Kennedy Simpson (Tulane-signee), the reigning State MVP, who scored 21 points in the title game and continues to set the tone on both ends of the floor.
Matt Powell (VYPE)
Supporting her is a deep and talented cast that includes Addison Martin (Jr. G), Erin Newsom (Jr. F), Kay’Len Alexander (Jr. F), and Ty’Asia Young (So. G) — all proven winners who know what it takes to climb the mountain.
“What I love about this program is that it’s about the work,” said Coach Marshall. “I know it sounds like coach-speak, but we just focus on ourselves and don’t pay attention to the noise. We’re just trying to get better every day — and our kids are bought into that.”
That no-nonsense approach might sound simple, but it’s the formula that built a champion —and could very well deliver them to a repeat.
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