GAMES
RANKINGS
Clear Creek's Khamari Hall
THE PLAYMAKERS: 2025 Softball Superstars of the South, powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Softball Players of the 2024-25 season, who represented South Houston with style this Spring!
Lily Calderon -- Angleton Softball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
A powerful presence in the heart of the lineup helped propel Angleton to one of its most memorable seasons in recent years.
With timely hitting and steady leadership, the Ladycats advanced all the way to the UIL 5A-Division I Region III Final, where they were narrowly edged out by eventual State Finalist Barbers Hill.
At the center of that success was senior first baseman Lily Calderon, who posted a .347 batting average, drove in a team-leading 24 RBIs, and tied for the team lead with three home runs.
Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed, as she was named the District 20-5A Offensive Player of the Year following her standout season.
Now turning the page to the next chapter, Calderon is set to continue her softball career at Alabama A&M University.
Makenzie Thomas -- Clear Springs Softball
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
In her debut season with the Clear Springs Chargers, freshman shortstop Makenzie Thomas made an immediate and lasting impact.
Batting .368 with 44 RBIs and a team-leading 15 home runs, she quickly emerged as one of the most explosive and dangerous hitters — not just in District 24-6A, but across the state. Her standout performance earned her Newcomer of the Year honors and helped set the tone for a historic trek through the playoffs.
Backed by a loaded roster that included Erianna Garcia (Sr. C), Eryn Polite (Sr. 3B), Alana Strever (Jr. OF), and fellow standout freshman Elisa Garcia, Thomas helped propel the Chargers all the way to the UIL 6A-Division I State Championship game — a first for any Clear Creek ISD softball program.
Their journey to Red & Charline McCombs Field in Austin was a milestone moment for the district and a testament to the team's depth and resilience.
Although Clear Springs ultimately fell to Midway in the final, the Chargers’ impressive core — including Thomas — signals that this historic season may just be the beginning.
Khamari Hall -- Clear Creek Softball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Clear Creek senior Khamari Hall left an indelible mark on the Wildcats’ softball program in 2025, leading the team to its first Regional Finals appearance since 2009. Competing in the highly competitive 6A-Division II bracket, Hall was a driving force both at the plate and in the outfield, helping guide Clear Creek through a historic playoff run.
The Wildcats’ season came to a close against eventual state champions Kingwood, but Hall’s leadership and impact were undeniable throughout the postseason stretch. Her efforts were recognized at the district level, as she was named the District 24-6A Most Valuable Player at the conclusion of the season.
Hall now prepares to continue her softball career at the University of Arkansas. There, she will join a growing list of H-Town standouts who are already making their mark on the national stage, including Ella McDowell (Foster), Cameryn Harrison (Katy), and Ashtyn Reichardt (Katy).
Layla Bennett -- Pearland Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
As a key weapon in Pearland’s exceptional campaign this spring, Layla Bennett (Jr. 2B) proved to be one of the Oilers’ most consistent and impactful performers.
The Central Florida-commit played a pivotal role in leading the club to an impressive 27-8 overall record, highlighted by a perfect 16-0 run through 22-6A play that secured yet another district title, prior to advancing to the Area Round of the UIL 6A-Division I playoffs.
Her standout performance throughout the season earned her first-team all-district honors, solidifying her place among the area’s elite.
Further recognition came with her selection to the prestigious Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) All-Star team — an honor that reflects her growing reputation across the state.
With another year of high school softball still ahead, Bennett will look to build on this year’s success as she continues her path toward the collegiate level and beyond.
Addison Smith -- Lutheran South Academy Softball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Despite a season marked by its share of challenges, Lutheran South Academy found success when it mattered most — in the postseason.
Behind the leadership of head coach Nicole Andrade, the Pioneers surged past Saint Mary’s Hall in dominant fashion to open TAPPS-Division II playoff action, advancing to the Regional Round before falling to perennial contender The Woodlands Christian Academy.
At the heart of LSA’s postseason push was junior shortstop Addison Smith, a Wichita State-commit who proved to be a steady force on both sides of the ball. Her consistency and presence in the infield helped anchor the team through its highs and lows, ultimately earning her first-team all-state honors to cap off a standout season.
Smith is expected to continue her upward trajectory as she prepares for the next phase of her career. Her work this summer will no doubt be pivotal, as she looks to further sharpen her game before returning for a senior season filled with high expectations.
The 2025 TAPPS-D2 State MVP, Lutheran South Academy's Grant Burns
THE PLAYMAKERS: Victory Season, powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, following a thrilling display on the state's grandest stage.
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Eryn Polite -- Clear Springs Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
As we touched on in our recent Whataburger Team of the Week article, Clear Springs did the unthinkable this past weekend.
By upsetting the Class 6A-D1 State favorites Katy (previously 36-1), in what became an instant classic, the Chargers’ 7-5 victory over the Tigers serves as a reminder that anything can happen in the UIL postseason.
At the heart of the drama was senior standout Eryn Polite.
With two runners on and one out left in the final inning of a one-game playoff, Clear Springs trailed 5-4.
The season hung in the balance as Polite stepped to the plate—and delivered the moment of her career. The Florida A&M commit crushed a walk-off, three-run homer, sealing the win and sending her team to the 6A-D1 Region III Final.
In a game packed with intensity, Polite’s clutch swing showed everyone why she’s one of the most dangerous bats in Texas high school softball. Her poise under pressure and ability to rise in the biggest moment elevated Clear Springs into the next round—and into program lore.
No matter what unfolds in their upcoming matchup against Atascocita, Polite’s walk-off will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the postseason.
Grant Burns -- Lutheran South Academy Baseball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
They came. They saw. They conquered.
Lutheran South Academy solidified its standing as one of the top private school baseball programs in Texas with a commanding 11-0 win over Grapevine Faith to clinch the TAPPS Division II State Championship on Tuesday—their first title since 2021 and fifth overall.
Under head coach Aaron Schneider, the Pioneers have been loaded with talent all season, boasting high-profile names like Victor Coronado (Texas State-commit), Brody Smith (St. Thomas), Marcus Cantu (Texas), Omar Serna (LSU), Wyatt Powell, and Jaylen Walker.
But on the biggest stage, it was senior Grant Burns who rose above the rest.
Named the TAPPS-D2 State MVP, Burns delivered a masterclass from the mound. The Wharton County JC-commit pitched a complete game shutout, allowing just four hits and striking out nine in seven dominant innings. His poise and precision neutralized a strong Grapevine Faith lineup and set the tone from the first pitch.
With the victory, LSA not only adds another trophy to its case but also positions itself as a continued force in Texas high school baseball. And at the heart of it all stood Grant Burns—calm, commanding, and undeniably clutch.
Lily Soliz -- Angleton Softball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
With Coach Cindy Rubio leading the way, the Angleton Ladycats continued their dominant playoff run, most recently sweeping Hendrickson in the UIL 5A-D1 Regional Semifinals (Game 1: 11-0, Game 2: 14-2), improving to 21-3 on the season.
Leading the way for the series victory was senior standout Lily Soliz.
The McNeese State-commit delivered a commanding performance from the shortstop position, anchoring the defense while making her presence felt at the plate. Soliz went 4-for-5 across the two-game sweep, driving in five runs, scoring four of her own, and launching a home run in the opener.
Her leadership and consistency continue to set the tone for an Angleton squad with eyes on a deep postseason push.
Next up for the Ladycats is a tough Regional Final matchup against perennial powerhouse Barbers Hill.
The challenge is steep, but with momentum on their side—and Soliz firing on all cylinders—Angleton remains a team to watch.
Evan Mihaly -- Clear Lake Baseball
Against the odds, Clear Lake has battled its way to a spot in the UIL 6A-D2 Region III Semifinals.
Under the leadership of sixth-year head coach Josh Bromberg, the Falcons (23-10-3) captured the District 24-6A title before sweeping Goose Creek Memorial and Dawson in dominant playoff fashion.
Next up: a clash with Katy Taylor, with a trip to the Regional Final on the line—and a potential return to the State Final-Four for the first time since 1988.
A key force behind Clear Lake’s postseason success has been junior pitcher Evan Mihaly.
The left-hander, who recently committed to Texas A&M, has emerged as a dependable presence on the mound. His command, poise under pressure, and ability to deliver in big moments have solidified his role as a cornerstone of Bromberg’s playoff rotation.
Though Clear Lake boasts a deep and balanced roster, Mihaly’s breakout performance has been impossible to overlook.
As the Falcons prepare for their toughest challenge yet, Mihaly’s continued excellence will be critical. If he stays in form, Clear Lake’s dream of a long-awaited state tournament berth could very well become a reality
Jeremy Garner -- Iowa Colony Boys Track & Field
Photo provided by Iowa Colony Head Coach Aundra Long
Despite the challenge of moving up to Class 5A competition, the Iowa Colony Boys Track & Field team rose to the occasion without hesitation.
At the UIL State Meet held at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin, the Pioneers delivered a dominant showing to capture the 5A Boys State Championship.
Central to that victory was the performance of the relay teams, which claimed gold in the 4x100m (39.74), 4x200m (1:23.34), and 4x400m (3:11.62) events—an impressive sweep on the sport’s biggest stage.
Junior Jeremy Garner was a key figure in all three of those championship relays. His consistency and explosiveness on the track made him an indispensable part of Iowa Colony’s title run, anchoring a team effort with individual excellence.
Garner’s athletic talent isn’t limited to track. After earning second-team, all-district honors as a contributor on the ICHS football team, his profile as a multi-sport athlete continues to grow.
With a state title now on his résumé and more eligibility ahead, Jeremy Garner has firmly established himself as a rising star—one whose future in collegiate athletics looks increasingly bright.