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RECRUIT SCOOP: The Woodlands Barker Commits to Penn State
Kiandrea Barker transferred from Bebee, Arkansas to The Woodlands High School this Spring. He was the No. 1 prospect in Arkansas for the Class of 2025. Since moving, he has earned a Top 10 ranking in the Lone Star State.
He dropped his Top 5 last month, consisting of Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Miami, Florida State and Penn State.
After a visit to Happy Valley last weekend, Barker committed to Penn State and coach James Franklin.
The talented running back made one of the biggest decisions of his life. After getting back from his visit, VYPE caught up with him about his commitment and more.
“Penn State is RBU (Running Back University)!” he said. “The love they've been showing since they offered already had me. When I stepped on campus, it was nothing short of what I imagined. It felt like home naturally.”
Speaking of being "RBU", the Nittany Lions have seen plenty of talent succeed at the next level most notably Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants and Miles Sanders of the Carolina Panthers.
“I feel like being a running back and going to Penn State will get me to where I want to be... playing football in the NFL and being a future first rounder.”
Now that Barker is committed and a key piece to the 2025 Nittany Lions class, expect him to start recruiting others in the Houston area.
“The plan is to build and keep adding to the family," he said. "Keep the cycle going to build a National Championship competing team.”
Kiandrea Barker is primed for a big junior year at The Woodlands and is looking forward to his first season of Texas High School Football.
“I'm looking forward to building chemistry with the guys,” Barker said, “Building those relationships and working hard. We’re going to make a statement. The Woodlands is on top now, not later!!”
TWHS' Gabby and Alannah Leach
THE TALE OF TWO SEASONS: Leach twins lead TWHS to staggering turnaround
Never count out The Woodlands Highlander softball.
After starting off district play with an 0-4 record, the Highlanders defied expectations and flipped the script to win 11 consecutive district games, clinching a playoff spot in the process.
2022-23 TWHS SoftballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Just how did The Woodlands pull a 180 midway through the season?
“We were in a tough position to begin with, so we had to shake up how we were going about it,” said senior OF Alannah Leach. “We changed the way we approached practice and our mindset going into games. We reminded ourselves that we cannot win these games individually, but only by playing as a team.”
As their regular season concludes with today’s matchup against Willis, TWHS could potentially finish the season in a three-way tie (with Conroe and New Caney) for the District 13-6A Title, which is a testament to the level of competition the girls face on an annual basis.
“Our mindset going into our last district game is to not change anything up and face it just like all the other games we’ve played before,” said TWHS senior OF Gabby Leach. “We plan to make quick adjustments, rely on our positive attitude and continuous communication, which has gotten us to this point.”
TWHS' Gabby LeachBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Despite their slow start, the star-power on the loaded Woodlands' roster has showcased their resiliency throughout the second half of the Spring season.
The one-two knockout of Gabby and Alannah Leach has proven to be one of TWHS’ most valuable assets on the diamond. While their defense has been exceptional, it’s their respective batting ability (Gabby: .421 BA, 48 H, 1 HR, 25 SB/Alannah: .505 BA, 49 H, 4 HR, 22 SB) that truly sets the soon-to-be Tennessee Vols apart.
Their leadership will be essential as they prepare for the postseason.
“Now that nearly all of us have multiple years of playoff experience, we know what it takes to go far,” Alannah said. “We plan to continue playing Highlander softball and staying focused, one game at a time, as we head into the playoffs. We have high expectations to make it further than last year (Regional Finals) and make it to State.”
TWHS' Alannah Leach (VYPE)Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Given that this will be their final stretch of their high school careers, it stands to reason that the Leach sisters, along with numerous other seniors on the TWHS ballclub, intend to go out with a bang.
“Getting the opportunity to play with such amazing girls these past four years has been so much fun,” said Gabby. “We all have great chemistry and love playing together. It’s going to be difficult to say goodbye to a program that has meant so much to us. But as this chapter of our lives inevitably comes to an end, my sister and I cherish every moment we make with this team. This final season is a time for us to give it our all and finish strong.”
The Highlanders are heating up at the best possible time with the playoffs on the horizon. Considering the tremendous upswing they’re on, anticipate TWHS carrying over this momentum into the coming weeks.