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Alief Taylor's Emily Chavez (Sr. GK)
Matt Powell (VYPE)
Being a keeper naturally comes with intense pressure and responsibility, and Chavez has shown a steady aptitude for both.
When speaking with her, Chavez discusses how she approaches her role and maintains focus through the changes that Taylor hopes to bring about on the field – giving a glimpse into the mindset that has made her such a dependable figure for ATHS.
Matt Powell (VYPE)
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VYPE: When did you first start playing soccer? Who or what got you involved, and what motivates you to compete?
CHAVEZ: “I was six years old when I initially got into soccer. It wasn’t long after that when I began to really understand that it was the game for me. From there, I became the goalie and I’ve just loved being in that spot since.”
VYPE: That’s a tough spot to be in, right? I say that from experience.
CHAVEZ: “Definitely. There’s plenty of pressure on a keeper during games. But, you learn how to respond to those situations and find ways to love those moments, then it gets easier.”
VYPE: What goes through your mind when you’re faced with that kind of challenge?
CHAVEZ: “I focus on the end – the way we can eventually win or what we can accomplish in the next game. You’ve got to stay positive and look on the bright side at times.”
VYPE: How has it been for you and the team to start working with a new coach? What’s been the impression so far?
CHAVEZ: “Meeting Coach (El-Bjeirmi) for the first time, I think we could all see that she brought a good vibe. We have more confidence going into the season, and there’s a better sense of how we can match up against teams in the district and go farther.”
Some of the stars of 2025-26 Alief Taylor Girls SoccerMatt Powell (VYPE)
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE 2025-26 ALIEF ISD WINTER MAGAZINE
Dickinson's TroyNelle Belle (Jr. F)
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, featuring a plethora of all-around performers who have continued to light up the scoreboard.
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Jermaine Thomas -- Iowa Colony Basketball
Matt Powell (VYPE)
The Pioneers are off to a hot start this winter, proving they can compete beyond their classification. Iowa Colony opened the season by going 3–1 at last week’s Cedar Hill Tournament, narrowly falling to Red Oak in the championship game while holding their own against several 6A programs.
Head coach Trent Olivier and company quickly pivoted to an intriguing matchup with Fort Bend Crawford on Monday, dispatching an exceptionally athletic Chargers squad by an 87–56 margin. The win improved the Pioneers to 12–5 overall, with Stratford next up on the schedule.
Much of the credit belongs to senior combo guard Jermaine Thomas, who continues to elevate his play as 2026 approaches. Thomas has embraced an expanded role and then some, routinely pouring in upwards of 20 points while serving as a steady offensive engine.
That added boost should pay dividends for ICHS as district play looms in the new year, with Thomas helping set the tone for a team trending firmly in the right direction.
Jakayla Glover -- La Porte Girls Basketball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
What a way to get things rolling in 20-5A. The Lady Dawgs opened their district slate with an overtime thriller Tuesday night, edging rival Friendswood 47–43 to improve to 16–5 on the season.
Depth and solidarity have long been calling cards for head coach Elisha Thompson’s La Porte program, and this winter is no exception. Still, it’s difficult to overlook the influence of senior point guard Jakayla Glover, who continues to serve as the team’s primary catalyst.
Equally adept at creating for others and setting the tempo, Glover recently reached a significant milestone, surpassing 1,000 career points during the Navasota Rattlers Tournament earlier this month.
Add in the consistency of fellow senior and junior Kaia Greenawalt, and it’s increasingly evident this La Porte squad has the makings of something special.
TroyNelle Belle -- Dickinson Basketball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Dickinson made a statement a week ago, capping off the Cy-Hoops Invitational as the tournament runner-up. While the Gators fell to Mansfield Summit, 55–51, in the championship game, wins over H-Town heavyweights such as Fort Bend Marshall (41–37) and Cy Falls (72–65) underscored that this group should still be considered legitimate contenders.
At the conclusion of the event, junior TroyNelle Belle was named the De’Aaron Fox Most Outstanding Player—an early indication of the impact he’s already made at DHS. Some may have expected the Gators to take a step back following the graduation of District 24-6A MVP David Chong. Instead, Dickinson has hardly missed a beat.
Operating primarily from the wing, Belle is averaging nearly 24 points and seven rebounds per game, helping guide the Gators to a 12–4 start. With Belle setting the tone, Dickinson has made one thing clear: it’s here to stay.
Anita Nwosu -- Pearland Girls Basketball
Matt Powell (VYPE)
Pearland has opened the winter with a 13–5 record, including a 3–1 mark against district competition. Friday night’s matchup with rival Dawson looms as an important measuring stick as the Oilers continue to define their ambitions within 22-6A.
Through the early portion of the season, sophomore Anita Nwosu has steadily emerged as the focal point of head coach Jere’ Adams’ offense. Operating primarily from the post, Nwosu provides an imposing physical presence, particularly in the paint, where her strength and positioning set the tone. She currently leads the team, averaging 13 points and six rebounds per game.
Against district opponents such as Dawson, Manvel, and Shadow Creek, having size and interior control can prove decisive—and Nwosu’s growing impact gives Pearlanda valuable edge.Madden Hill -- Clear Springs Basketball
Sophomore sensation Madden Hill has shown no signs of a “sophomore slump” through the opening stretch of 2025. After an eye-opening debut season that earned him District 24-6A Offensive MVP honors, Hill has picked up right where he left off.
Amid Clear Springs’ 10–5 start to the new campaign, the 5-foot-10 point guard has made scoring 25 points or more seem customary, consistently showcasing his ability to connect from beyond the arc. Just as impactful is his command of the offense, setting the tone with confidence and pace.
With district play right around the corner, expect Hill to continue building a strong case for another run at 24-6A MVP recognition.
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