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Photo Credit: Maya Ortiz of KP TImes (kptimes.com)
Kingwood Park girls soccer is home to a legend in the making.
With star forward senior Emma Yeager setting a new all-time career goal-scoring record (108) for the Panthers this past Valentine’s Day, fans and teammates were showing plenty of love for the young athlete who might be the GOAT of K-Park.
When KPHS took the field against Lufkin Tuesday night, the Panthers faithful were on the edge of their seats, awaiting for the standout scorer to finally break the record that was previously held by Vannesa Valadez during her 2011-2014 tenure (106).
Almost inevitably within the first half, Yeager rocketed the ball into the back of the net, subsequently compelling her teammates to race down the pitch to congratulate the Missouri State-signee for her incredible accomplishment.
“It [breaking the record] wasn’t necessarily something I focused all of my efforts on,” said Yeager. “I played more on a game-to-game basis, trying to dig out a win with the team. It’s a great feeling to have that effort rewarded and praised in the way it has been.”
The Panthers proceeded to defeat Lufkin (5-0) with Yeager adding another score. Furthermore, this victory propels the Kingwood team to an 11-1 record (4-0 district), improving their division rank to the first-place spot with their final game of district play taking place tonight against Dayton.
Immediately after goal No. 107, coach Jess White exchanged the game ball in order to later present it to the two-time District MVP and first-team, all-state recipient. The senior team captain will be adding it to the one she earned during her sophomore year when she broke the single-season scoring record (44).
“Several fantastic players have blessed our program,” said White. “The standards they set are being elevated by those that come after. Emma’s given someone else in the future something to go after. The ball will remind her of the record and the teammates who supported her the entire way… One of the most enjoyable parts of our profession is seeing young athletes develop. Emma has become more confident and vocal each year. She’s gone through adversity and has become a more complete athlete. It’s a pleasure.”
Said teammates include the likes of MF Bailey Ricker (Sr.-Captain), MF Brynn Baldon (Jr.-Captain), Olivia Roach (Sr.), and Nadia Lawrence (Sr.), just to name a few. Each complements the other’s talents in the team’s perennial push for the playoffs.
“With team success comes individual recognition,” Yeager said. “I’m lucky to have played with a talented team all four years at K-Park. Without having those teammates to support me on and off the field, none of this would have been possible. It’s a team game, and I’m blessed with teammates that have skill, soccer IQ, and heart.”
In recent years, KPHS girls soccer has consistently dominated, earning five consecutive district titles (2018-22), most recently, advancing to the Regional Quarterfinals. Due to several injuries, the closest K-Park has come to a State Championship is when they fell to Highland Park (4-1) in the 2019 State Semifinals.
However, this year feels different for the talented Panthers' roster.
“I think one of the main differences this year is us having a healthy group,” said Yeager. “We had a handful of injuries with various recovery times, and we have them back this season. We've also had several young players step up last season, so they are returning more skilled and experienced…We want to continue to go into the rest of the district with the same connection and intensity. It’s hard to top a performance like that [vs. Lufkin], but if we match it or top it, we’ll continue to find success.”Read More...Read Less
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Denton Ryan girls' basketball program had a season to be proud of after finishing second in their district and making a playoff appearance. Despite a hard-fought 58-45 loss to Midlothian Heritage, the Lady Raiders left everything on the court and have everything to be proud of this season. VYPE DFW was at the playoff game to catch all the great highlights of the Lady Raiders!
Beginning in preseason play, the team posted incredible victories this season. With big moments against Frisco Wakeland, Frisco, Aubrey, and more, the Lady Raiders worked hard to break into their district play ready for any challenge. Through district play, the Lady Raiders posted a 11-3 record while defeating the likes of Denton, Richland, Grapevine, Colleyville Heritage, and more. Check out highlights from their playoff game against Midlothian Heritage now!
Highlight video by Will Laterza and Ibifiri Jamabo.
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One of the most coveted jobs in all of Houston came open when David Raffield retired from his post at Bridgeland High School.
Raffield opened Bridgeland in 2017 and went 40-19 in six seasons. The Bears went to the postseason four times and to the Regional Final in 2021.
Raffield did a tremendous job building the culture at Bridgeland and passes the baton to… College Park’s Lonnie Madison.
“It’s been wonderful to be at College Park the last six years, going back to a community that I grew up in and accomplish what we were able to accomplish,” Madison said. “It was a great opportunity at College Park.
“Bridgeland is a great opportunity as well. What they have been able to do in a short period of time and the kind of program that coach Raffield has established there, is a testament to their culture. I’m excited to take over there and continue the success.”
Madison took over the Cavs’ program in 2017 and reached the postseason twice. He owns College Park’s only playoff win in 2021. He played at McCullough (The Woodlands) High School and at Texas A&M before getting into coaching.
He was the defensive coordinator for several seasons at Klein Collins under the direction of Drew Svoboda (University of North Texas).
Madison has ties to Cy-Fair ISD as his wife Leslie was inducted into the Cy-Fair Hall of Fame for her play on the volleyball court for the Bobcats. She coached The Woodlands High School to back-to-back State Titles in 2013 and 2014..
Madison’s father also attended Cy-Fair High.
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