GAMES
RANKINGS
2022-23 Concordia Lutheran Boys Basketball
THE WRAP: Concordia Lutheran's best of the Winter
With the season finally wrapped up, it was time for TAPPS to dole out the private school props throughout the state of Texas, and as expected, several key figures of ‘Sader Nation Winter Athletics were credited with the season recognition they deserve.
CLHS Boys Basketball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Recreating Concordia’s 2021-22 season, which saw the Crusaders breeze to an undefeated (10-0) District Championship en route to a TAPPS final-four appearance, is easier said than done.
Regardless, ‘Sader Nation enjoyed an impressive Winter, going 21-11 with an Area Round appearance.
Concordia hoops was headlined by senior SG/SF Jesse Fuller, who earned a First-Team All-State and All-District selections for his dominance on the court.
With several key pieces returning next Winter, including breakout sophomore Guard Howie Keene (Second-Team All-State/First-Team All-District), who will pair nicely with standout junior PG Jace Jeffries, expect ‘Sader Nation to surprise the doubters.
More Winter Honorees:
Jace Jeffries (Jr. PG): Second-Team All-District
Grant Saxton (Sr. G): Second-Team All-District
Ben Fears (Jr. SF/PF): Second-Team All-District
Donovan Holcombe (Sr. SF): All-District Honorable Mention
Raken Vargas (So. G): All-District Honorable Mention
CLHS Girls Basketball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
The Crusaders experienced another profitable Winter on the court, maintaining a winning record of 18-16 against some tough district competition.
2022-23 also saw Concordia Lutheran Girls hoops extend their streak of playoff appearances to 25, advancing to the Area Round of the TAPPS postseason.
However, most notable was the list of accolades the team earned at the conclusion of the Winter season.
Leading CLHS was senior Kayley Brennan (Second-Team All-State/First-Team All-District) who finalized her high school career in style.
With junior C/PF Adele Neuhaus (All-State Honorable Mention/First-Team All-District) and co. returning next year, ‘Sader Nation will be aiming for a resurgence.
More Winter Honorees:
Kenley Benson (So. F): Second-Team All-District
Carly Winkler (Sr.): Second-Team All-District
Karalyn Rich (Sr. SG): All-District Honorable Mention
CLHS Boys Soccer
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Despite facing a few setbacks throughout the season, the Crusaders managed to show some resiliency on the pitch, especially in the TAPPS-D1 postseason.
CLHS advanced to the Area Round where they narrowly fell to Nolan Catholic by a score of 2-3.
However, the boys should remain optimistic considering this season procured some bright spots. Particularly, the All-State Honorable Mentions of their anchor of the backline, senior Caleb Symons, and senior Forward/Midfielder Evan Kastenschmidt, will be a nice sendoff.
Furthermore, the return of fellow All-State Honorable Mention, sophomore Forward/Midfielder Trent Culver, along with the team’s further experience should provide the push that Concordia needs to take their game to the next level, a year from now.
More Winter Honorees:
Grant Pickrel (Jr. F/M): All-District Honorable Mention
Matthew Marsh (Sr. M): All-District Honorable Mention
Jack Marsh (So. M/D): All-District Honorable Mention
Josh Henson (Sr. GK): All-District Honorable Mention
CLHS Girls Soccer
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Similar to the Boys’ team, CLHS Girls Soccer experienced its fair share of ups and downs.
However, in spite of losing nine seniors in last year’s offseason, the Crusaders maintained a respectable 9-9 (5-7 in district) record en route to a TAPPS postseason appearance.
This could not have been achieved without their captain, senior CB Katelyn Denley, who capped off her final season at Concordia with a Second-Team All-State and First-Team All-District selections for her leadership on the pitch.
In addition, senior Forward Allesandra Dewenter received an All-State Honorable Mention and First-Team All-District selections for her goal-scoring proficiency.
In 2022, she combined for 26 goals and 12 assists with sophomore Gretchen Kastenschmidt (Second-Team All-District), who will look to lead the CLHS attack, next season.
More Winter Honorees
Emerson Blevins (Jr. M): All-District Honorable Mention
Avery McIntyre (Sr. CDM): All-District Honorable Mention
Jesse Fuller
Houston Christian's Maddie Pickett
TRUE PASSION: Houston Christian's Pickett a rising star on multiple fields
Despite the fact that she’s only a sophomore, Pickett has become fully immersed in the Mustang culture.
She not only has excelled academically at the SPC school, but she has already progressed to become a rising star on Houston Christian’s varsity softball, soccer, and field hockey teams.
“I’ve always loved sports deeply and enjoyed adventuring out and trying new things,” said Pickett. “Being at a school where I can be versatile in that way and be able to participate in so many things is such a blessing. It gives me the ability to see and appreciate the differences in each sport and test myself in many ways.”
2022-23 Houston Christian SoftballJuan De Leon (VYPE)
Despite her adaptive tendencies in Houston Christian athletics, Pickett’s primary sport is on the diamond. Along with playing shortstop for Mustangs' softball, she also bolsters her game on the HTX Heat Elite Fastpitch team. She will be one of the marquis pieces in the future of Coach Cassidy Bowen’s team.
"Softball is definitely the sport I enjoy most and hope to be able to continue to play in college,” she said. “For me, I enjoy the sport because it incorporates life lessons we can learn from. It challenges me on a daily basis and forces me to be tough, both physically and mentally. Being raised in a baseball-loving family, softball is my way of enjoying and carrying on that tradition of America’s pastime.”
According to her peers and teachers, the young multi-sport athlete has something of a “je ne sais quoi” in regard to the impact she has on Houston Christian. Pickett intends to further reinforce that narrative in the remaining time she spends as a Mustang.
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
“As a student here [HCHS], I just want to be a reminder to anyone that, with God, you can do anything and you shouldn’t let anyone say otherwise,” Pickett said. “My hope is that I can be remembered as someone who paved the way for each student to be able to pursue their dreams, without fear of the obstacles in their path.”
With the TAPPS Softball season just beginning, and two years to continue performing for Houston Chrisitan, anticipate hearing more from the up-and-comer, Maddie Pickett.
“As a team player, my goal is to always give my all in order to put my team in the best position for success, while pushing myself to do the same,” said Pickett. “I think we can achieve great things if we set our minds to it, and if God wills, we have the ability to go all the way. Ultimately, my hope is that as long as I put on a uniform, I’ll be a team player, a hard worker and play with true passion while glorifying God. If all this is true, then my career as an athlete will be a success.”