Last Friday night the Foster boys basketball knocked off the Fulshear Chargers 53-42 in a district match-up.
VYPE caught the highlights of the game below!
Last Friday night the Foster boys basketball knocked off the Fulshear Chargers 53-42 in a district match-up.
VYPE caught the highlights of the game below!
Class of 2026 four-star linebacker Kosi Okpala has cemented himself as one of the top prospects in the state of Texas — and nationally — after bursting onto the scene just over a year ago.
Now entering a critical stretch of his recruiting journey, the Mayde Creek standout holds over 30 Division I offers and has lined up an impressive list of official visits as summer approaches.
Okpala’s upcoming schedule includes:
One of the most sought-after defenders in the Class of 2026, linebacker Kosi Okpala is locking in official visits ahead of a highly anticipated summer commitment. With a decision expected in July, the four-star prospect is set to visit several major programs, each offering a unique path to the next level.
Penn State has long been known for producing elite linebackers, from Micah Parsons to projected 2025 NFL first-rounder Abdul Carter. For Okpala, that history of development is a major draw.
“Penn State always brings out the best in their players,” Okpala said. “They’ve developed a lot of guys who play a similar style to me. I feel like I can grow a lot there and reach my goal of playing in the NFL.”
The Cougars already hold a commitment from five-star QB Keisean Henderson, and landing Okpala would give new defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong a game-changer on the other side of the ball.
“I set up the visit with Houston because it’s close to home and I’ve been there a lot over the past year,” he said. “I like Coach Armstrong, Coach Fritz, and what they’re doing with the 2026 class. I think they’re building something special.”
Fresh off a strong 2025 class, Baylor has made Okpala a top priority. The bond he’s formed with Coach Aranda and Coach Chaney has made an impact.
“Coach Aranda is a legendary linebacker coach, and Coach Chaney is a player’s coach. You can tell he really cares about his guys,” he said. “It’s a great system for linebackers because of how versatile the defense is.”
The Longhorns have turned up the heat on Okpala since offering him last spring, and the visits to Austin have only fueled his interest.
“Texas has a great culture,” he said. “Everyone there—players and coaches—are elite. Competition breeds greatness, and you get that at a place like Texas. I’ve built a good relationship with Coach Nansen and the staff. They show a lot of love.”
With multiple visits locked in and a clear focus on development and culture, Kosi Okpala’s recruitment will be one to watch this summer as programs make their final pitch for the dynamic defender.
Lake Creek's Madalyn Davis
As the playoffs gets underway, Houston-area fanbases are buzzing with anticipation—and for good reason.
With powerhouse programs and star-studded rosters spread across multiple classifications, the road to Austin promises to be packed with drama, talent, and high-stakes matchups.
But beneath the stats and standings, key questions are on everyone’s mind.
Can Lake Creek, still unbeaten, recapture the magic of its recent title runs and extend its reign as a 5A juggernaut?
Will Kingwood, armed with a battle-tested roster and elite coaching, turn last year’s semifinal heartbreak into a championship breakthrough?
And is this finally the year Katy—backed by one of the most loaded lineups in the state—climbs back to the top of the 6A mountain?
The postseason will provide answers. But for now, these questions set the stage for what could be a historic stretch of softball in the Houston area.
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Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
As the playoffs begin, one question looms large: Can this year’s Lake Creek squad carry on the legacy built by one of Texas’ most dominant dynasties?
All signs point to yes.
With a perfect 27-0 record heading into the postseason, Lake Creek enters the Class 5A playoffs as the No. 1-ranked team in Texas, according to both MaxPreps and VYPE Houston.
While comparisons to the golden era of Ava Brown (Florida), Maddox McKee (LSU), and Kalee Rochinski (UTSA) are inevitable, this year’s team has shown it has the tools to replicate that success.
Under the leadership of Coach Candyce Carter, the Lions boast a deep and dangerous lineup led by standout hitter Madalyn Davis, a North Carolina-commit.
In the circle, the dominant one-two punch of Sara Wiggins (Wichita State) and Chesney Davis (Texas State) has consistently overpowered opposing lineups.
As the Lions begin their march through the 5A-Division II bracket, the expectation isn’t just to contend—it’s to win. With poise, talent, and momentum on their side, Lake Creek looks poised to bring another UIL state title back to Montgomery.
So, if you're wondering that 'Lake Creek is back?', the truth of the matter is...they never left.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Rewind to last spring, when Kingwood Softball made its first UIL State Tournament appearance since 2013, sweeping favored Katy in the Region III Final before falling to eventual state runner-up Midway in the semifinals.
Now, with that experience under their belt, the Mustangs return with nearly every key contributor from that memorable run—setting the stage for another deep postseason charge.
Headlining the roster is a core packed with collegiate-level talent: Addy Sheppard (Stanford-commit), Mia Gagliardi (Virginia Tech), Hunter Quentel (So. P), and Leilani Garcia (Sr. IF).
Their chemistry, poise, and competitive edge form the backbone of a team that knows what it takes to win in the pressure of playoff softball.
Guided by legendary coach Christa Williams-Yates and her experienced staff, Kingwood continues to elevate its program’s standard.
The Mustangs battled through one of the toughest districts in the state—23-6A—earning a co-championship with Summer Creek, and proving they can thrive against elite competition.
With an experienced roster and reliable leadership, Kingwood enters the postseason with a clear goal: return to Austin, and this time, finish the job.
***Kingwood will be competing in the UIL 6A-Division II Bracket
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
It’s no secret that Katy continues to thrive as a softball powerhouse—and 2025 is no exception.
Heading into the postseason with a dominant 31-1 record, the Tigers are ranked No. 3 in Texas by MaxPreps and second in the Houston area by VYPE.
Under first-year head coach Meghan Burrell, the program hasn’t missed a beat, securing its 10th consecutive district title and setting its sights on something even bigger.
Because for Katy, district championships are just the beginning.
Fueled by a roster stacked with top-tier talent, the Tigers are built for a deep run.
Ella Kate “EK” Smith (Oklahoma), Lauryn Soeken (LSU), Montgomery Henderson (Oklahoma State), Hailey Gore (Houston), Avery Porter (Missouri), and Madison Smith (North Carolina State) lead a lineup that boasts both power and poise.
On paper, they look like a team destined for Austin.
Though Katy is no stranger to playoff success, the ultimate prize has eluded them since their 2019 state title. And this year, the hunger to return to the top is evident.
As the Tigers begin their journey through the Class 6A-Division I bracket, the question is simple: Is this the year Katy reclaims the throne?
Nimitz Girls Track & Field Coach Jarryd Gray
For Nimitz Girls Track & Field Head Coach Jarryd Gray, the sport is about more than just winning races -- it's about creating opportunities.
As a former collegiate athlete himself, Gray understands firsthand how track can open doors, and his mission is to instill that same mindset in his athletes.
“I’m trying to instill a sense of secondary opportunity,” Gray said. “The idea is that we can shine in high school, but my goal is to ask, ‘What can you do after that?’ These four years will go by quicker than you might expect, and the real world will hit you quickly. So, I’m trying to help them understand that and provide them with the opportunity to run in college, just like I did.”
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Gray’s journey started at Southwest High School in Fort Worth, Texas, before earning a scholarship to Prairie View A&M University.
His experiences as a collegiate athlete now shape the way he coaches at Nimitz, where he emphasizes not just physical preparation, but also mental resilience.
“Giving them confidence has been a huge part of what I want them to gain,” he said. “They know they’re good, but some of them lack the confidence to go out there and show that each week. So, I try to give them a little bit of my story, but I’m not one of those coaches who tries to live their legacy through their athletes. It’s all about them now and how they can stay consistent with their craft on a daily basis.”
Gray’s path to coaching wasn’t a direct one.
After completing his track career, he initially worked in the oil fields—a common industry in Houston—but quickly realized his true passion lay elsewhere.
“After my track career, I went into the oil fields since we’re in Houston and that’s what they’re partially known for,” Gray said. “But I didn’t feel like that was my passion. So, I got into teaching and coaching, even though I kind of ran from it, because my dad was a teacher for over 30 years. Initially, I didn’t think I would be the one to follow in his footsteps, but I soon realized that this was my passion. I love track, and I’m going to make sure that these kids get 1,000% every day.”
2024-25 Nimitz Girls Track & FieldJamey Wright (VYPE)
That dedication is evident in the way he pushes his athletes, not just to perform at a high level but to believe in themselves and see track & field as a pathway to future success.
Under his leadership, the Nimitz girls’ program continues to grow, with student-athletes gaining not only competitive experience but also the confidence to take their talents beyond high school.
For Gray, the victories on the track are important, but the real reward is seeing his athletes embrace their potential—both in competition and in life.
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