CLICK THE LINK BELOW OR "KEEP READING" TO WATCH THIS MATCHUP ON THURSDAY, MAY 12:
Photo provided by Lloyd Banks
It’s no secret that Fort Bend Marshall Track & Field is one of the top-tier programs in the state, which was evidenced by their recent UIL championship, this past Spring.
2022-23 FB Marhsall Track & Field Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
With that logic, wouldn’t it make sense that the Buffs would have one of the best coaches around?
Coach Lloyd Banks was recently recognized by his peers in the Texas Track and Field Coaches Association (TTFCA) as the Class 5A Coach of the Year.
Despite getting the recognition, Banks remained modest in his response.
Photo provided by Lloyd Banks
“At the end of the day, we all have a hand in it,” said Banks. “I truly believe that I have one of the best coaching staffs in the nation, and I have a great group of kids to work with. So, I can’t take all of the credit. I put it all in their lap, because nothing moves without them.
“I’ll say it all the time, ‘I run my mouth, and they just run.’ When we’re successful, the guy who manages it gets the love, but I know better. We all have a hand in it, when it comes to developing our kids. Fortunately, I’ve been blessed with having so many successful athletes.”
Photo provided by Lloyd Banks
Given how competitive the atmosphere is in the world of Texas high school T&F, how has Banks been able to maximize the potential of his athletes to a championship-caliber team?
“You’ll never be able to bank on your talent level every year because we’re in Texas -- it’s going to be difficult because everybody is talented,” he said. “The one thing I hang my hat on is that I have a tough group of kids.
“They’re resilient and dependable. When the lights come on, I know they won’t fold because we emphasize toughness over talent. I tell them having that mental 'will to win' weighs more than talent when it comes to winning a championship. They’ve bought into that, and they’ve been able to separate themselves that way.”
Of course, practicing day in and day out can weigh on a young student-athlete, which is something that Banks recognizes as a coach and an influencer.
Photo provided by Lloyd Banks
“We keep it light -- we don’t take ourselves too seriously as far as practice goes,” Banks said. “We’ll be playing music, enjoying ourselves, laughing with each other. We have a good rapport with each other and that goes further than track.
“Coaching track is easy, but what’s important is that we develop better young men and women for the community and society. They lock in when they need to be, but I feel that joking, fun atmosphere is what helps to build relationships and make this program distinct.”
It’s no wonder that his athletes put so much faith in Banks. Expect that trend to continue as the Buffs gear up for another school year.
Read More...Read Less
coach of the yearfort bend isdfort bend isd athleticsfort bend marshallhouston high school sportslloyd banksmarshall buffalosmarshall buffsmarshall high schoolmarshall track and fieldtexas high school track & fieldtexas high school track and fieldtxhstfuil state championsuil trackuil track and fieldvype houston high school sports
Fort Bend Marshall has become a powerhouse in 5A Texas High School football, always in contention for a State Championship run and having athletes develop into college prospects.
With a new season approaching fast, there’s a new young Buff who’s looking to add his name on the list of FB Marshall greats.
Class of 2026 defensive back Isaiah Williams burst on the scene last Fall, playing snaps on varsity as a freshman. Though his snaps were limited, you could see the potential right away.
Williams journey in football started from playing the game when he was young.
“I started playing at a young age,” he said. “It just stuck with me ever since.”
Like most young athletes, Williams' dream was to play for a big-time program like Alabama and it didn’t take long for those programs to start taking notice of his talent.
After the end of his freshman season, Williams has become a rising recruit picking up offers from the likes of Texas, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Baylor, LSU, Nebraska, Oregon, Oklahoma and others.
So what’s the rise to becoming a top recruit been like?
“It’s been great, it’s been a lot,” Williams said. “It’s what I’ve worked for and all the work is paying off with all of these offers.”
Williams mentioned Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas A&M, and LSU have been in the contact the most early on in his recruitment.
The recruiting process has started early for the talented DB, which for many young players can be crazy and hectic, but Williams focuses more on the love of the game.
“You know it’s not all about offers,” Williams said. “If you love football, you just go out and play. The offers are great but you’ve got to just love the game and the rest will come.”
Who does the young star model his game after?
“I model my game after Derwin James. I like the way he’s the general out on the field for the defense and how he approaches the game mentally.”
Primed for a big sophomore year, Isaiah Williams is ready to become the general of the Buffs' defense and make an impact early.
“We’ve got a young team this year and I’m ready to come in on this secondary to help out do what I can as a player and as a leader,” he said.
Read More...Read Less
fb marshallfb marshall buffsfb marshall footballfb marshall high schoolfbisdfbisd athleticsfort bend isdfort bend isd athleticshouston high school sportshouston recruitingisaiah williamsrecruit scooptexas high school footballtexas houston recruitingtxhsfbusa recruitingusa texas houston recruitingusa texas recruitingvype houston high school sports
THE SECOND BAPTIST SCHOOL HAD A TREMENDOUS YEAR AS MOST EVERY TEAM REACHED THE PLAYOFFS.
Football, baseball and girls basketball each advanced the State Final Four, but only one team hoisted the TAPPS State Title… girls sand volleyball.
The team of Riley Tackett and Madi Hobbs defended their State Title, knocking off Bay Area Christian Academy 25-18 to go win consecutive championships.
“We were so excited to win it again. We were just so proud of ourselves for going back-to-back,” Tackett said. “Sand volleyball just keeps evolving as a sport and it’s just going to keep growing in popularity. What is cool is that we can say we started something big here at Second Baptist School.”
Tackett knows about winning, having played on the girls basketball team that has reached the State Tournament four times. She also starred for the Eagles’ volleyball teams. Hobbs was playmaker for the volleyball team in her own right, earning first team, all-district honors.
“I was playing indoor when I was growing up in Florida,” Hobbs said.
“Then Covid hit and we couldn’t play, so we hit the beach. I fell in love with beach and now it’s my primary sport. My goal is to play beach in the future, and I am playing this summer with college players to get me prepared.”
So, how does sand volleyball differ from playing on the hardwood?
“It’s a different sport. Being able to play in the wind takes some time getting used to,” Hobbs laughed.
“You have so much more responsibility in beach,” Tackett said. “It’s just the two of you. You have to communicate so much more and be more versatile. It makes me a better indoor volleyball player and really helps with endurance for girls basketball.”
So, what else do you need to know about the dynamic duo?
VYPE: Where can you see yourself in the next 10 years?
TACKETT: I’m highly focused on academics and want to be a corporate lawyer. I’m looking at Clemson and Tulane for my undergraduate.
VYPE: What is your nickname?
HOBBS: Well, you may hear my Dad calling me “Madi Jean” when he is in the stands.
VYPE: If you could be on Reality TV, what show would you be on?
TACKETT: No doubt, Survivor. I think my physical game and social game would be solid.
VYPE: What do you listen to before a big match?
HOBBS: This sounds weird, but I like to listen to the wind and waves before play. It just relaxes me.
VYPE: What is your favorite vacation spot?
TACKETT: Maine
VYPE: What is your favorite board game?
HOBBS: Life
Read More...Read Less
TRENDING
GAMES
Join the #VYPETEAM
Get up to date news from all over the country!
FROM THE WEB