CLICK THE LINK BELOW OR "KEEP READING" TO WATCH THIS MATCHUP ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 11:
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CLICK THE LINK BELOW OR "KEEP READING" TO WATCH THIS MATCHUP ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 11:
The south Houston area is loaded with talented athletes who give it their all in their respective fields of play.
Welcome to the VYPE Playmakers powered by UTMB Health, where we’re highlighting five standouts from the previous week who stole the headlines.
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, as the Fall season begins to wrap up.
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With the UIL Cross Country State Meet taking place this weekend, hundreds of athletes throughout Texas are convening at Old Settler's Park in Round Rock to determine who stands above the rest.
Among the numerous Houston-area competitors preparing at the starting line, there might just be one out of Friendswood who can win it all in Class 5A.
It comes as no surprise to see Aiden Fitzgerald back at this stage, after he finished 11th overall in last year's final which resulted in him being named to the 2023 All-VYPE XC Team.
Most recently, the junior Mustang took gold at the UIL-5A Region III Meet, with an astounding time of 15:19.73 in the 5K race.
Don't be surprised if you see Fitzgerald wind up on the winner's podium by the end of the Saturday's event.
Alex Hinson (VYPE)
Despite facing some tougher competition -- particularly district counterparts Pearland, Dawson, and Shadow Creek -- since moving up to Class 6A in the UIL realignment, Manvel has continued to embody their traditional sense of excellence.
The Mavs (27-13; 10-6 in District 22-6A) recently secured a playoff spot with their sweep over Dobie, marking the 12th straight season that they will enter the postseason.
We've spoken plenty of the offensive threat this team poses, with the likes of Nevaeh English, Kenedy Massie, and Kaycee Pennie keeping opponents on their toes.
But, as we all know, this is team game, meaning there should be some credit to bestow upon the other integral role players.
Speaking of, junior DS Emerson Chang has been a dynamic force on the defensive side of the net.
As it stands, she has registered 328 digs during the regular season, in addition to contributing 49 assists, which has allowed her teammates to flourish.
All the pieces are coming together for Manvel. This will be a group worth watching in November.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
The Knights enter the tenth week of the season with an impressive record of 5-3, most recently trouncing district opponent Clear Brook by the score of 70-14.
Naturally, one might assume that the team's offense (39.5 points scored per game) has been its greatest asset, based on that score-line -- and one would be correct.
However, throughout the majority of the Fall, Clear Falls' defense has played exceptional complementary ball, which doesn't always show up on a stat-sheet.
The fact that they've held opponents to under 17 points a game has provided their teammates with ample opportunity to secure wins.
Among the several key contributors on the defensive side of the ball for CFHS, junior Hunter Lehman continues to be the rock of the group.
Lehman has already tallied 89 tackles (roughly 11 per game) on the year -- 7 of which were for loss -- which is a testament to the drive he incorporates from the MLB position.
Paired with fellow junior linebacker Preston Pitts (83 tackles, 22 TFL, 6 sacks), the Clear Falls D gets scarier with each week that passes.
Some of the stars of 2024-25 Shadow Creek Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Shadow Creek has been one of the more quietly dynamic clubs in the Houston-area for the vast majority of this year.
With the playoffs looming, the Sharks (32-10) remain in our Class 6A Top-25 after sealing the third place spot in District 22-6A and now have their sights set on more.
As expected, Texas A&M-commit Mackenzie Collins (533 kills) is the team's nucleus, elevating an already-talented group that features the likes of Aspen Brown (319 kills), Lauryn Wiley (419 digs), Kennedy Proctor (104 blocks), Tamarria Mitchell (283 kills), and Kelly Kelsick (393 receptions).
The one orchestrating the whole operation, however, is none other than Bella Law.
From the setter position, the Shadow Creek junior has facilitated every possession, evidenced by the fact that she has accrued a whopping 1,151 assists during the regular season, in addition to securing 337 digs.
If the offense was an arrow, Law is the bow, which will be made perfectly clear when SCHS embarks upon what could be a lengthy run in the postseason.
As mentioned earlier, the final meet in the UIL Cross Country season will begin this Friday, bringing all the hard work each individual has put forth to a thrilling conclusion.
Clear Creek's Chris Creedon has plenty of experience in this arena, considering he competed in the State Meet just one year ago.
Creedon punched his ticket this past week, when he produced a remarkable 5K time of 15:27.96 to place fourth overall at the UIL-6A Region III race.
He'll have some stiff competition to match up with, given the circumstances. However, the achievements he's already tallied are worth acknowledging.
VYPE's Matt Malatesta caught up with Coach Shaun Stephens and some of his top playmakers before this week's game.
The squad runs deep as Stephens lays the foundation of his program in year one.
Check out this week's Coach's Show!
Also, check out the VYPE Weekly Podcast, where we talk about to high school and college football landscape.
CLICK HERE... to Listen IN...
It’s not often that you see a freshman playing varsity in 6A Texas high school football.
Klein Oak running back Micah Rhodes came into the 2024 season with aspirations of playing on varsity after picking up offers from Baylor, Oklahoma and Boise State before ever touching the field.
Since starting on varsity, the "Freshman Phenom" has picked up 14 offers from some of the biggest schools in college football.
The expectation were high for Rhodes coming into this fall and he has been nothing short of phenomenal. Though many may let the pressure of high expectations get to them, the young running back has never wavered.
“I didn’t see it as pressure at all,” Rhodes said. “I’ve been training and worked hard all offseason for this. I just want show everyone why I picked up my offers early.”
Micah has rushed for 786 yards on 153 carries and eight touchdowns in only nine games. The early playing time and trust by his team has helped make the transition from junior high football an easy transition.
“It means a lot to me that my team trusts me to go out there and play my game," he said. "I'm just staying composed and keeping the main thing, the main thing. Coach (Brandon) Carpenter’s play calls have made it easier for a smooth transition as well.”
His play on the field has garnered offers from some of the biggest D1 programs in the country like Oregon, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Ohio State and Penn State to name a few.
“It has been a great experience,” he said. “My classmates and teammates have showed me a lot of love. I got the Ohio State, Penn State and Ole Miss offer during athletic period and it was crazy after I got the news. Then to top it off, it was it was game day!”
The recruiting process is starting early for Rhodes but it's always been apart of the plan.
"It has been great," Rhodes said. "I have been in contact with all the coaches that offered me and even the ones who haven’t offered me. Building relationships with the coaches has been exciting and interesting at the same time."
Micah Rhodes is becoming one of the hottest names in recruitment already as a freshman. He will be a player to keep an eye over the next three years.
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