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Whataburger Team of the Week: Memorial VB claims undefeated district title ahead of ensuing playoffs
For the first time since 2020, the Memorial Mustangs sit atop District 17-6A — and they didn’t just get there quietly.
Behind a convincing series sweep of Stratford, last year’s 6A-DII State Finalist, Memorial emphatically secured the district championship while improving to 27-10 overall and an unblemished 14-0 in district play.
The victory capped a dominant regular season that’s seen the Mustangs blend balance, composure, and energy at every turn — all hallmarks of a team built for the postseason.
Under head coach Kaddie Platt, Memorial has thrived behind one of the area’s most complete lineups.
Junior Mary Margaret Schwieder has been a driving force on both ends, leading the team in kills (237) and serve receptions (604) while contributing nearly 400 digs. Fellow junior Tesa Solis has complemented her on the attack, approaching the 200-kill mark as another key piece in the Mustangs’ offense.

Setting the tone for that offensive rhythm has been senior Ella Ross, who’s tallied more than 450 assists while giving her hitters opportunities to capitalize in transition. On the defensive end, senior libero Kassia Tan has been the anchor, registering 483 digs and consistently stabilizing the back row.
Perhaps the biggest X-factor, though, has been sophomore Taylor Harting, whose versatility has made her indispensable. Moving fluidly between setter and right-side hitter, Harting has filled multiple roles with poise — racking up 388 assists, 229 digs, and 157 kills in the process.
Collectively, Memorial has found its stride at the perfect time.
With a district crown in hand and a confident rotation clicking on both sides of the net, the Mustangs now turn their focus toward a playoff run that promises to be as competitive as any in Class 6A — and they look every bit the part of a team ready to make noise when it matters most
Whataburger Team of the Week: C.E. King surges to victory in District-opener vs. Atascocita
In his first season as head coach, Cory Laxen is quickly making his mark at C.E. King. Since being promoted in January, Laxen has helped guide the Panthers toward fulfilling their championship potential—a trajectory that feels fitting given his coaching pedigree.
Before taking over at King, Laxen spent a decade on the staff at powerhouse North Shore, where he served as the Offensive Line Coach and Strength & Conditioning Coordinator under John Kay (now the defensive coordinator at Rice University). During his time there, the Mustangs captured four state titles, a testament to the winning culture Laxen has now instilled in his own program.
That vision seems to be taking shape early.
The Panthers have opened the 2025 season with a 3-1 record, including dominant wins over Westfield (32-14) and Dekaney (58-7). But it was last Friday's shootout against district rival Atascocita that truly turned heads.
In a high-octane 70-55 Homecoming win, C.E. King delivered a statement in front of its home crowd.
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CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PHOTOS FROM THE C.E. KING VS. ATASCOCITA GAME

While Atascocita’s star quarterback Cardae Mack—last season’s District 23-6A MVP—put on a show with seven total touchdowns, the night ultimately belonged to the Panthers, thanks in large part to senior running back Dionne Sims.
Sims, a Stephen F. Austin-commit, was electric every time he touched the ball. He racked up well over 400 yards of total offense and scored six times, including a receiving touchdown on a connection with quarterback Timothy Potts just before halftime. Behind a dominant offensive line, Sims showcased his elite speed and vision, repeatedly slicing through the defense with ease.
Complementing Sims’ standout performance were sophomore wideout Dillon Mitchell, who scored twice—once on an end-around and again on an 80-yard kickoff return—and junior running back Antwon Sanders, whose physical style made an impact in short-yardage situations.
Though defense wasn’t the story of the night, C.E. King’s unit came through in the clutch, forcing two pivotal turnovers that helped tilt the momentum at key moments.
The win not only gives the Panthers a strong start in district contention, but it could also carry long-term implications in the race for the District 23-6A title. With momentum on their side, C.E. King now shifts focus to a road matchup against Goose Creek Memorial this Friday.
Under Laxen’s leadership, paired with Sims' dynamic play, the Panthers have hit their stride—and the rest of 23-6A is officially on notice.


















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