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THE PLAYMAKERS: Alumni Edition powered by UTMB Health
The Houston area is loaded with talented athletes, who give it their all on their respective fields of play.
Welcome to the VYPE Playmakers, powered by UTMB Health, where we highlight five standouts who have advanced their playing careers to the collegiate level. Here are the UTMB Alumni Standouts.
Tramon Mark -- Dickinson HS Grad (Plays for UH Basketball)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Dickinson’s-own Tramon Mark enjoyed a stellar high school career, averaging nearly 30 points and leading the Gators to the State Tournmanet during his undefeated senior year -- before COVID-19 forced the rest of the season to be canceled. The 6-foot-5 point guard then moved on to play for the Houston Cougars, where he is currently a starter and is having his best collegiate season yet.
Brooke McCarty-Williams -- Clear Springs HS Grad (Played for UT & WNBA)
Clear Springs alum McCarty-Williams was a beast for the Chargers averaging over 25 points per game, and establishing her school as a major player in Texas girls basketball. Following her graduation in 2014, she would continue to make headlines at the University of Texas, helping the Longhorns reach the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament each year she played. From there, she advanced to the WNBA to play guard for the Los Angeles Sparks (2018) and the Dallas Wings (2019).
Chad Lindberg -- Clear Creek HS Grad (Plays for Georgia Football)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Lindberg was a four-star offensive tackle for the Wildcats before graduating in 2020, and was a monster in drive-blocking situations. So much so, that his excellence on and off the field, earned him the chance to play for the current National Champions -- the Georgia Bulldogs. While only a sophomore, he was able to play some snaps in Georgia’s 65-7 win over TCU. He will make even more of an impact in the coming years.
Dylan Maxcey -- Friendswood HS Grad (Plays for Texas Tech Baseball)
Friendswood alum Dylan Maxcey played a major role in the Mustangs’ five-round playoff run during his senior year (2021). With a .371 batting average and leading the team in home runs and RBIs, he was a lock for his recruitment to Texas Tech. He currently plays catcher for the Red Raiders and is seeking to establish himself as a potential professional.
Brooke Botkin--Pearland HS Grad (Played for USC Volleyball)
One of Pearland’s greatest outside hitters, Botkin was a significant part of the Lady Oilers’ consistent postseason appearances throughout her high school career (2014-2017). Her extraordinary talent led to her playing for USC, where she earned Pac-12 All-Conference Team honors each year she played. Currently, Botkin is embarking on her professional volleyball career in Switzerland’s A1 League, where she plays for Geneve Volley.
JOHNSON: On the Brink of a Big Decision
As Houston Christian’s star combo-guard Loghan Johnson prepares to make her college choice next week, the senior reflects on her basketball journey dating back over a decade.
“I really started with tennis and soccer as a little kid,” she laughed. “Tennis really developed my hand-eye coordination and soccer helped me with my footwork at an early age. Then my parents signed me up for Katy Youth Basketball and that was it.”
She dominated the league and just like that, tennis and soccer took a backseat to the hardwood.
“My brother, Nick Osborne, played for Cinco Ranch, so I was always hanging around the gym,” she said. “I had some God-given talent and I just dedicated all my time to basketball. I loved the team-aspect of the sport and wanted basketball to be my future.”
So, Johnson went to work.
“There was a gym by my house,” she said. “I stayed on these cone drills to get my handles right. I could score, I had a feel for the game at an early age and just started demolishing people. I started getting a lot of notice.”
Johnson entered Tompkins High School, where she played for two years, before transferring to Houston Christian. In her first season, she helped lead the Mustangs to a 33-0 record and an SPC Title last year. In the title game, she scored 28 points to lead the team.
“It was a great move for me,” she said. “Houston Christian grew me as a student-athlete… really the student part. I was just provided so much support in the classroom. Here, the classes are smaller and there is more one-on-one instruction from the teachers.”
As she was getting the support in the classroom, Johnson was exploding on the showcase circuit with Cy-Fair Elite.
“I can’t measure the impact that Cy-Fair Elite had on my game,” she said. “They have been a huge part of my journey. They put me on a stage and taught me how to compete. Coach Earl Allen and the team really care about you and put you on the right platform.”
She helped lead Elite to a Nike National Championship this summer, which was featured on ESPNU.
Now, Johnson has a decision to make. Signing Day is rapidly approaching, and Johnson is down to Texas Tech, Alabama, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt.
“Texas Tech has been recruiting me the longest,” she said. “The campus and facilities are top-notch. When people think about Lubbock, Texas, they don’t thing much. But it’s the people who make it such a cool place.”
She is also drawn to Vanderbilt, coached by Shea Ralph – a UCONN descendent.
“Coach Ralph has been to all the places I want to go. She was a great player and won NCAA Titles. She has coached at the highest level could develop me into a high-level player.”
Texas A&M welcomes new coach Joni Taylor from Georgia, who has also made an impression on the versatile guard.
“Texas A&M has done some great things in the past and is in great hands with Coach Taylor. She’s a wonderful person and comes with high praise.”
Also in the SEC West is Alabama – coached be Kristy Curry. Her husband Kelly is her assistant.
“Everyone thinks about football when you mention Alabama,” she said. “But the basketball team is on the rise. I love the staff, which has produced several WNBA players. They have their culture down pat.”
Johnson admits that she is excited to make her college decision – to lift a heavy weight from her shoulders and get back to basketball at Houston Christian.
“I’m really looking forward to playing freely and relaxed,” she said. “I’m not chasing scholarships and have nothing to prove. It’s going to take my game to another level and I hope it results in another ring.”