Join our VYPE Live crew for this Texas High School Field Hockey match-up on Tuesday, October 19 - exclusively on FloSports:
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Join our VYPE Live crew for this Texas High School Field Hockey match-up on Tuesday, October 19 - exclusively on FloSports:
There is so much fun to be had at a VYPE Media Days!
From team and individual pictures, social media shout-outs and video interviews, it is all there for the student-athletes to feel like a superstar.
Our team traveled to Lamar High School for their 2024 Winter Media Day recently. Check out the behind-the-scenes hype video below!
This Saturday’s highly anticipated playoff match-up between the North Crowley Panthers and the Duncanville Panthers is set to be a thrilling rematch of last year’s State Semifinals, where D'Ville emerged victorious.
Both teams are in top form and ready to battle it out for a spot in the State Championship.
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North Crowley enters this game riding high on a 14-game win streak after dominating Allen 35-7 last week in the Region I-6A-D1 Finals.
The victory secured their spot in the State Semifinals, and they are now more determined than ever to take the next step.
Under the leadership of head coach Ray Gates, North Crowley boasts one of the most complete rosters in the state.
Offensively, they are loaded with talent, led by the dynamic senior trio of WR Quentin Gibson (Colorado-signee), dual-threat QB Chris Jimerson (North Texas), and running back Cornelius Warren III (UNLV).
But it doesn’t stop there.
The Panthers also have an impressive supporting cast with running back Daniel Bray (Utah), senior wideout Kevin Moore, and sophomore running back Kiante Ingram, all of whom can make explosive plays at any moment.
On defense, the Panthers are anchored by a group of play-makers.
Senior linebackers Jonathan Cunningham (Texas) and Ja’Brelle Asberry, along with safety Gaylon McNeal (Washington State), are the key leaders on the field.
Sophomore linebacker Avery Dotson and senior defensive end Neuntae Cassey have also been huge contributors to a defense that has been stifling all season long.
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On the other side of the field, Duncanville comes into this game as the No. 1-ranked team in the state and the two-time defending state champions.
Under head coach Reginald Samples, the Panthers are undefeated with a 13-0 record, extending their overall win streak to 20 games after a 31-13 victory over Bridgeland in the Region II-6A-D1 Finals.
Duncanville’s offense revolves around their superstar quarterback, Keelon Russell (Alabama-signee).
Russell has had a monster year, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and 53 touchdowns against just four interceptions, earning him the Gatorade National Player of the Year award earlier this week.
Although primarily a pocket passer, Russell can still hurt defenses with his legs, adding 255 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.
The ground game is further bolstered by senior Jaqualon Armstrong, who has rushed for nearly 700 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.
Duncanville’s receiving corps is nothing short of terrifying, led by five-star wide receiver Dakorien Moore (Oregon), who has caught 67 passes for 1,322 yards and 18 touchdowns.
The Panthers also have two other standout receivers in juniors Ayson Theus (53 receptions, 996 yards, 10 touchdowns) and Zach Turner (56 receptions, 905 yards, 14 touchdowns), making this trio a nightmare for any defense.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Panthers are just as formidable.
Senior safety Nehemiah Borner (Lamar) and middle linebacker Jaylyn Manning lead a unit that has held opponents to under 13 points per game.
The defensive backfield features two SMU signees, Javion Holiday and Tyren Polley Jr., while linebackers Mason Williams, Antwon Brown (North Texas signee), and junior defensive lineman KJ Ford round out a well-rounded and aggressive defense.
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This could easily be one of the most memorable games of the year, in a State Semis rematch that takes place this Saturday (3:00 pm) at Eagle Stadium in Allen, TX.
Of all the names that make up Alief ISD Hoops, one stands alone...Nataliyah Gray.
Taylor’s senior forward is a generational talent. No doubt about it.
Gray’s proficiency as a scorer is unmatched in the district, as she surpassed the 2000-point and 1000-rebound milestones in 2023, to earn herself the distinction of being crowned the 23-6A Offensive Player of the Year once again.
Furthermore, she was named to the TABC All-Region team for the third consecutive year.
Most would assume that she aspires to be like WNBA sensations Angel Reese (Chicago Sky) or Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever), just as many young athletes do.
Think again.
“If anybody else wants to say it, most would say (Angel) Reese or (Caitlin) Clark,” Gray said. “But for me, I love A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces). I think she impacts the game in so many ways. She’s a three-level scorer and that’s what I strive to do.
“I try to be more consistent in every single column – shooting threes, finding the mid-range points, and being able to drive to the basket. So, I definitely model my game after her.”
Gray also takes after her mother, Chontel Reynolds, who played for the University of Houston before reaching the WNBA.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Speaking of universities, Taylor’s leading scorer (20.8 ppg in 2023) finally announced where she’ll call home in the foreseeable future, as she signed with Mississippi State in November
“Going on my official visit there gave me a lot of perspective – how I can physically see myself going into that program. I feel like I have a real connection with Coach (Sam) Purcell and his staff, and I think they can help guide me towards my goal of joining the WNBA one day."
Her imminent collegiate career aside, Gray will soon embark on the final stretch of her time with the Lions.
Coach Brandy Jones’ squad went 20-15 last winter, which included an appearance in the Area Round of the postseason.
Now that they move into a new district (20-6A), what’s it going to take for Gray and company to reach that next step?
“I think it’s going to relate to our confidence and trust,” she said. “We need to be able to trust in each other in order to go far. Consistency will come through the work we put in at practice, for when we actually get going in the season.
“Our schedule is going to be a little harder this year. So, we’re going to match up against some good competition, which is definitely going to have us ready for the playoffs.”
Given her reputation and unquestionable talent, fans might very well see Gray on a professional court one day.
As a team, Taylor has the depth to make a considerable run into 2025, when the season heats up in December.
Although, regardless of what may come, she’s already solidified her standing as an all-time great to emerge from Alief ISD.
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