Aldine Davis' Jeremiah Terrell
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
When Terrell reflects on his time in the Davis program, it’s clear that humility has become one of his most valuable traits.
“I want to start off by thanking my team,” he said. “If it wasn’t for them and the guys who came before me, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to learn as much as I have. Of course, I’m still learning as I continue to play the game.”
He continues, expressing deep gratitude for his coaches and mentors.
The stars of 2024-25 Davis High School BasketballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“Coach (Chris) Packer has been a great leader for us. He always tells us, ‘It’s not just about basketball. It’s about everyone working towards a common goal.’ Basketball keeps me mentally stable in a way. When I play, I can put aside anything I’m stressed about for a while. But it’s great to do it for my family and my team, and I really appreciate their support.”
As the current season unfolds, the starting lineup for Davis may look slightly different.
With the graduation of two-time District MVP Deadric Fikes (who now plays for Newman University), one or more players will need to step up to maintain the level of play that fans have come to expect from Davis.
Terrell is certainly a candidate. After earning an all-district honorable mention last year, he’s poised to play a key role.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“There’s really no replacing Deadric,” he said. “He was a great role model, and I still talk to him from time to time. I know I’m not going to be able to fill his shoes, but I’m just going to wear my own shoes. I’m going to do whatever I can to help the team succeed, and hopefully help us reach the playoffs again.”
With the help of Fikes and fellow 2024 graduate Jonathan Gray (a first-team, all-district selection), the Falcons finished with an impressive 22-10 record last season, eventually making a postseason appearance.
Although the roster looks different this year, Terrell and his teammates aren’t letting that stop them from building on last season’s success.
“It’s going to take a lot,” Terrell said. “Communication, boxing out—doing the simple things on a consistent basis will be important. It’s not going to be easy, but if we can come together as a team, we’re going to be able to end things our way.”
This season may present challenges, especially in a district that includes powerhouse teams like Nimitz and Westfield.
However, if the Falcons can lock in and sync up during the latter half of their schedule, fans may very well see them back in the playoffs come February.
Beyond that, Terrell will likely move on to the next stage of his life, carrying wisdom that far exceeds his years.
Alief Hastings' Emily Portillo
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
“When I was a freshman, I received my schedule and it had swim on it,” she laughed. “I didn’t remember signing up for swim, but I went to the class, saw the pool and just jumped into the program. I didn’t even know we had a natatorium at school. I’ve stuck with it ever since and just love being in the water.”
Last season, she took a bit of a break from the actual pool and served as the team manager.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
“I was taking so many dual-credit, accelerated classes and had a job, so I couldn’t commit to practice,” she said. “I asked coach to be the manager where I could keep the team organized, help out at meets and I also swim when my team needed me.
“I’m a very committed person so when I start something, I finish it. I’m proud to be a part of something like swim for four years. It’s one of my biggest passions.”
Outside of the pool, Portillo has another passion that she hopes to make a career out of.
“I love to sketch,” she said. “It allows my mind to go wild. Whenever I get an extra minute, I’m drawing. I want to go to UT (Texas) or UTSA and study architecture. I am very headstrong, so I feel like that will be my future.”
With an unmatched work ethic in place, nurtured by her time in the pool, Portillo is on her way to building her future.
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