Some of the stars of 2023-24 Clear Springs Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
THIS CLEAR SPRINGS TEAM COMES BACK LOADED FOR 2023.
The Chargers have reached the Regional Semifinals for three-straight seasons and look to break through the ceiling to make the program’s first-ever Regional Finals match.
Shannon McClellan enters year 12 of leading the Chargers and sits just 17 wins away from career victory No. 300 (283-159).
Clear Springs went 39-9 a year ago and returns six starters off that squad, including District 24-6A MVP Ashley Richardson (479 kills, 741 assists, 379 digs).
The Chargers also bring back District 24-6A Setter of the Year Morgen Durgens (853 assists, 277 digs) and first-team, all-district selections Abby Fuller (577 digs) and Anzley Rinard (308 kills, 128 digs, 79 blocks).
Keys for success for McClellan’s crew in 2023 include having team chemistry and ball control.
Recently, our team traveled to Montgomery High School for their exclusive Winter Media Day.
We caught up with Montgomery GBB Coach Kelly Savoy, detailing how he and the Bears aim to repeat their success from last year, and make another run for the playoffs.
SHELTON HENDERSON IS REPRESENTING HOUSTON MUCH LIKE TJ FORD, DANIEL EWING, DE’AARON FOX, JUSTISE WINSLOW, THE HARRISON TWINS, JARRED VANDERBILT AND QUENTIN GRIMES DID BEFORE HIM.
The aforementioned were all kingpins of Hoopston.
Now, it’s his turn as he holds Bellaire’s dreams in the palm of his hand.
“I remember my first varsity game as a freshman here and all the jitters I had,” he said. “Now, I’m the leader. The time has gone by so fast.”
The national 5-star recruit recently committed to Duke, similar to how Ewing and Winslow did previuosly.
“Honestly, it’s Duke at the end of the day,” he said. “It’s that place where every kid dreams of going when they are young. I was looking for a place with a staff that is going to really push me to be great on and off the court. I think Coach (Jon) Scheyer and his staff will get me prepared.”
Before he heads to hoop heaven, Henderson has some unfinished business.
“I know I could have left to play at a prep school anywhere in the country,” he said. “I wanted to stay home and play with the guys I’ve grown up with for so long. I want to bring a State Championship to the HISD and Bellaire.”
Basketball has taken him outside of the confines of Harris County, most recently this summer.
“I was selected to play for Team USA in Argentina,” he said. “It was a life-changing experience. I met and played with so many cool people and we brought home the gold. Everyone says it, but it is special wearing the USA across your chest.”
The laid-back floor general has a chill persona... off the court.
“Everyone really knows each other when you get to this level of AAU and varsity basketball,” he laughed. “These are all my best friends, but when the game starts and we
are between the lines, that all goes away. I’m trying to win... trying to kill. After the game, we are right back to being cool.”
If he brings home the gold this winter, Henderson will be etched in the city’s Mt. Rushmore of basketball... just the next great ambassador of Houston.
