GAMES
RANKINGS
VYPE and Phlox Unite to Elevate High School Sports Storytelling
Houston, TX (March 1, 2026) - VYPE Media has completed its merger with Phlox Photography, bringing together two powerful brands focused on one mission: helping schools and families tell their stories through capturing and preserving unforgettable moments.
Effective March 1, the integration expands VYPE’s action photography and video coverage across Texas and into new markets, while strengthening booster club fundraising programs that directly support athletic communities.
For athletic administrators, coaches, athletes and families:
- Expanded Coverage Across Sports and Events
- Certified Professional Storytellers on the Sidelines
- More High-Quality Action Photography and Videography
- More Memories Preserved Long After the Season Ends
- A Wider Range of Media Photography Offerings
- More Opportunities for Booster Club Partnerships
“Phlox is the missing piece,” said Derek Dusek, CEO of VYPE Media. “Together, we are building a platform that delivers elite visual storytelling for schools and families at scale.”
Phlox Founder Tom Dendy added, “Partnering with VYPE allows us to expand our action sports photography and fundraising programs across hundreds of schools, enhancing the experience for athletes and families.”
The merger brings national-level photography leadership under Director of Photography Todd Shurtleff, who served for 18 years as Director of Photography at MaxPreps, building its Professional Photographers Network as the gold standard for high school sports coverage nationwide.
Also joining the photography team is Photo Editor Jim Redman. Following Todd’s tenure, Jim Redman was promoted to Director of Photography at MaxPreps in late 2021, serving in that role for two years before retiring.
Now returning to the industry as VYPE Photo Editor, Jim brings decades of professional and national-level sports photography experience back to high school athletics, further strengthening VYPE’s commitment to elite standards and championship-level storytelling.
At its core, this partnership is about storytellers capturing the moments that matter most.
For VYPE Chief Content Officer Matt Malatesta, the integration strengthens both sides of the business.
“Bringing in Phlox cross-cuts both lines of our business,” Malatesta said. “We can offer spotlight coverage to parents of their student-athletes while bolstering our action photography for our media content department.”
To learn more or request coverage in your market, visit https://vypemedia.com or https://vype.com.
Schools not currently served are encouraged to submit a request through thewebsite.
VYPE Media continues to redefine how high school sports stories are told and remembered.
MEDIA CONTACT: VYPE Media713-969-7105
info@vypemedia.com
Can Lake Creek claim State Title No. 3 and complete their perfect season?
THE FINAL INNINGS: 2025 UIL State Softball Preview -- Lake Creek v. Hallsville (5A-D2)
A new chapter in UIL Softball will be written Friday afternoon at Red & Charline McCombs Field in Austin, as Lake Creek and Hallsville square off for the 5A-Division II title, with the first pitch being set for 4:00 PM.
For Lake Creek, it’s no secret that this trip to the State Final is familiar territory.
The undefeated Lions (36-0) have advanced to the championship game for the third time in four years, looking to claim their third consecutive title after dominant performances in 2022 and 2023.
But this year's squad looks different.

Gone are the marquee names from the Lions' recent dynasty—Ava Brown (Florida), Maddie McKee (LSU), and Kalee Rochinski (UTSA)—who led Lake Creek through back-to-back title runs. In their place, a new wave of talent has stepped up and carried the torch.
Junior pitcher Sara Wiggins, a Wichita State-commit, has emerged as one of the premier arms in Texas and a cornerstone of Lake Creek’s flawless season. Senior Chesney Davis (Texas State), who contributes both in the circle and at the plate, offers versatility and power.
The lineup remains dangerous with juniors Madalyn Davis (North Carolina) and Gracee Brewer (McNeese State), as well as seniors Kloie Futch and Maggie Hayward (Hillsdale College), all bringing postseason experience and production.
Lake Creek most recently swept Rouse in the state semifinals, winning 4-3 and 8-4, continuing their unblemished run.
On the other side, Hallsville (36-5-1) enters the final with plenty of motivation and momentum. The Bobcats edged Grapevine 3-2 in a decisive Game 3 last weekend to punch their ticket to Austin.

While this is Hallsville’s first appearance in the championship since 2001, the program is no stranger to the state stage, having last made the tournament in 2021.
Led by head coach Kayla Whatley, Hallsville is anchored by senior right-hander Lindsey Dubberly, a Southeastern Oklahoma State-signee who has delivered all season.
Senior outfielder Hope Miles brings leadership and consistency, while young stars like sophomore Miller Goswick and freshman Ella Baird (RHP/UTL) have played key roles throughout the postseason run.
With a dynasty on one side and a program chasing its first title in over two decades on the other, Friday’s final promises to be a compelling clash of experience, talent, and hunger.






























