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Rebecca Deragon (VYPE Media)
The Parish Episcopal Panthers are headed to the TAPPS State Semifinals after a successful season on the court. Looking forward to a great game, coach Heather Jones talked to VYPE DFW about her team and the dedication that it took to make it to this round. Check out our exclusive interview below!
This Season
After making a playoff appearance last season, the Panthers were prepared to do whatever it took to get there again and this time go further. This season, the team opened up preseason play with a strong five game win-streak. Using the highs and lows to power themselves through to each next moment, the Panthers continued to battle on the court against the opponents they would face leading up to district play; posting victories over the likes of Aledo (61-45), Pantego (63-21), Carrollton Prince of Peace (67-22), Denison (66-48), and more.
In district play, the Panthers were ready for anything. With strong victories over the likes of Ursuline Academy (52-35), Prestonwood Christian Academy (48-33), Fort Worth Nolan Catholic (49-47), and more the Panthers finished district play fourth place in their standings with a 7-5 district record. Knowing they had to focus on the court if they wanted to push further than last season, Parish put in dedication every day to be great through playoffs.
Ending the seasons of Concordia Lutheran (42-19) and Antonian Prep (57-45), Parish has made it to the final four in the TAPPS girls basketball playoffs. Ahead of the semifinals, VYPE DFW was able to talk to coach Jones about this special group of athletes:
What would you say has made the biggest impact for your team's success this season?
"The biggest impact for our team's success this season has been having nine team members who contribute- offensively and defensively- in one way or another in every game. Moreover, all nine team members recognize that no one person is bigger than the team."
Do you have a mantra that you consistently use to help motivate your athletes?
"The first thing that comes to mind here is when I tell my team to finish- finish everything. Every spring, every layup, every missed shot... finish everything. Because when you start developing that muscle memory, to just finish everything becomes more simple. Not just on the basketball court, but in life."
Tell me a little bit about your senior. How has her leadership played a role in your team's success?
"This season we have one senior- Brooke Dial. Brooke is the matriarch of our team and the team follows her lead and simply adores her. I could not be more proud of her. She works hard every practice and game and it shows by way of the numbers she has put up this season:
Brooke has surpassed the 1,000 point scoring this season. Her overall season stats are: 20 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 apg, 3 spg. In district play, she averaged 18 ppg, 7 rpg, and 3 spg. In playoffs Brooke has averaged 19 ppg."
Are you doing anything special to help prepare the team for semifinals?
"We are following the same routine we have used all season. We are watching film, and working on key principles (such as defense, box out and rebound, and shooting). We are focusing more on having a 'scout' team help us prepare for our matchup."
What has been one of the best thing you have learned about your athletes this season?
" One of the best things I have learned about my athletes this season is that they are all fighters. We have had some tough games this season (regular season, tournaments, district, and playoffs). In some of those battles, the team could have given up but they did not. They never go away- they fight until the final buzzer sounds. I am very proud of them for that."
Filled with passion and ready to continue getting the job done for their program, the Panthers are gearing up to face off against Bishop Lynch in the semifinals. The game is set for Thursday, February 23 at University High School with a 6 p.m. tip-off time.
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MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS HAS BECOME SYNONYMOUS WITH EXCELLENCE UNDER THE DIRECTION OF COACH BUDD BOOTH.
One of the premier tennis programs the state of Texas has to offer, the Mustangs have advanced through the UIL postseason on a consistent basis and has a pair of State Titles (2017, 2019) to show for their hard work. Their most recent season was no different, as Memorial finished their campaign as the 6A State Runner-Ups.
The standout of the Mustangs’ talented tennis team in 2022 was senior Sofia Mazzucato —a 5-Star recruit who is the tenth-ranked player in Texas according to Tennis Recruiting. She, along with senior Steven Scholz , was a critical piece in Memorial’s success this fall.
Tennis is in her blood, dating back two generations.
“My dad and grandpa are really supportive of my tennis,” Mazzucato said. “They both played tennis and have really inspired me to reach my goals and keep pushing myself to accomplish whatever I set my mind to.”
The tennis stalwart recently signed to play her college tennis at Xavier University in Cincinnati (OH) and is looking forward to her next step.
“I love that Xavier wins their conference a lot… the Big East ,” she said. “I really love the team, the coaches and the school environment . I’m sure to improve my game with the talented program they have there.”
Mazzucato returned to Memorial for her senior year after concentrating on her academics and her game.
“Being home-schooled really helped me with a lot of my schoolwork ,” said Mazzucato. “It was pretty fun, since I was travelling more and playing international tournaments. It just helped me have more court time to practice and play elite competition. But, I’m really happy to be back at Memorial for my senior year with my friends.”
With the team tennis season behind her, she now is focused on the spring.
“I really like that tennis can be a team sport with doubles, as well as an individual one for singles,” said Mazzucato. “I know I can have more control of what I’m doing in singles, but with team play, the outcome can be really amazing with good chemistry. I can’t wait to get started.”
As one of the best to have played for the Red and White, Mazzucato is a great representation of what coach Booth has built over the years… humble confidence and class.
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Photo provided by Sam Reynolds
Winning state is an accomplishment that many teams strive for. However, in individual sports, winning state is something that is even more rare among athletes. At Lovejoy, junior wrestler Sam Reynolds not only won state during his sophomore season, but this season he went back-to-back and secured his second state title. VYPE DFW was able to catch up with him in an exclusive interview following his second victory:
After winning state during his sophomore season, Reynolds continued to put in hard work and dedication to the sport to ensure his ability to go far. With a focus on doing great, Reynolds was able to do just that while winning a second consecutive title.
Winning a state championship is an incredible achievement, but winning back-to-back state championships is even more incredible! How does it feel knowing you've helped set a standard of excellence within your school's program?
"It feels pretty cool knowing that I have set a standard that the younger kids at Lovejoy will strive for and see what it takes to be a two timer."
What would you say has been the secret to your success?
"There is no secret, I just will work harder and out-tough anyone I wrestle."
How long have you been wrestling? Who got you into the sport?
"I have been wrestling since fourth grade. Our 215 Payton Pierce and his dad got me into wrestling after I joined their little league football team."
As an uncommitted athlete, what are you hoping to find in a college program?
"I am looking for a school and a program that aligns with my values and beliefs that also has a small town feel to it."
Who do you look up to? Why?
"I look up to my dad because no matter what happens to me in sports or life he is always there for me and reminds me that my identity is in my faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
What has been your favorite memory wrestling at Lovejoy?
"My favorite memories wrestling are definitely winning two state championships."
What are your goals as you head into the offseason?
"To get stronger and faster and help build my football team into a state championship team."
What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment?
"Being back-to-back state champion."
What sort of legacy do you hope to leave with Lovejoy wrestling?
"The legacy I hope to leave for Lovejoy wrestling is to show the younger kids what it takes to be a champion on and off the mat. How to live life in a way that honors God, family, and coaches."
With another season ahead for Reynolds, you can expect to see him back on the field for football and back on the mat for wrestling playing a leadership role and guiding the younger athletes. Be sure you keep your eyes on him next season!
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