By Bradley Collier
By Bradley Collier
This is exactly the match-up that audiences were itching to see in the Title game.
On one end, we have the defending UIL-6A champions Grand Oaks, who are dead-set on adding another plaque to their trophy case.
The Grizzlies (41-7) have yet to drop a set throughout the postseason, having swept Nimitz, Bridgeland, Wylie, The Woodlands, and most recently Allen to return to the show.
Coach Morgan Rogers' squad has been playing clean, efficient ball in each phase of the game, which is a testament to the unquestionable talent her roster consists of.
Pittsburgh-signee Samara Coleman (505 kills, 241 digs) and Wisconsin-commit Halle Thompson (440 kills, 247 digs) can meticulously pick apart opposing defenses, whether that be via a punishing spike, or with a touch of finesse.
If that isn't enough, juniors Cali Reece (378 digs) and Samantha Sampson (1,018 assists) are some A-list supporting weapons, while sophomore Peyton Wiley (51 blocks) has made some significant contributions as well.
Although the team across the net is 2-0 against them in 2024, everyone knows that the playoffs are a different animal entirely.
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Fulshear is another power-program that's experienced a meteoric rise.
Since being established in 2016, the Chargers have appeared in four state tournaments -- winning it all in 2019 (4A), finishing second in 2020 (5A), third in 2023 (5A), and now approaching the Final in their Class 6A debut.
Reaching this level of greatness in rapid succession is commendable enough as it is. But, this team is after rings, not compliments.
Under the direction of coach Sydney Zimmerman, Fulshear (39-6) possesses, easily, one of the most balanced rosters in the state, if not the country.
Wake Forest-commit Bailey Warren is the main catalyst behind the team's production, as she's racked up 551 kills on the year, thus far.
DBU-commit Lauren Witte (372 kills) and sophomore Arayah Watson (248 kills) complete the three-headed monster responsible for the Chargers' offensive barrage, while senior setter Alexys James (Howard-commit // 1,391 assists, 349 digs) continues to spread the wealth.
Don't sleep on Colorado State-commit Sydney Black (674 digs) from the libero spot, either.
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Representing H-Town at the state's highest level, this will truly be a clash of the Titans when these two meet in Garland this Saturday (6:00 pm)
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In the midst of the most preeminent season their program has ever seen, Stratford (42-2) has never stopped believing in what they can accomplish.
After defeating Shadow Creek (3-1) in the Region III Final, the Spartans followed that up with another win in four sets against Vandegrift on Tuesday -- securing their place in the state championship for the first time since 2002.
Now, can they take it a step further and finally clinch the title?
Coach Jenny Adcock, the staff, the players, and their loyal fan-base certainly seem to think so.
What makes this group so threatening -- aside from their noticeable size -- is the fact that they're so well-balanced across the board.
Gwen Koss (465 kills, 423 digs), Sarah Hickman (361 kills), and Avery Kent (312 kills) provide the offensive production, thanks to Audrey Cook (1,259 assists, 363 digs) working her setter's magic.
Additionally, senior libero Rachel Ashby (527 digs) is all over the floor, while sophomore Milena Miladinovic (118 blocks) has stepped into a larger role.
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However, Stratford will have their work cut out for them when facing the monster out of Dallas-Fort Worth -- Byron Nelson.
Making their first State appearance since 2019 -- a year in which they took the UIL-6A Title -- the Bobcats are the No. 1-ranked team in the nation, according to MaxPreps.
They could give legitimately compete with college teams, given their considerable stature and capability.
With coach Brianne Groth at the helm, Byron Nelson has lost a mere 8 sets in 40 games this Fall, most recently sweeping College Park in the State Semis, to bring their record to a near-perfect 39-1.
Washington-commit Kylie Kleckner (573 kills, 297 digs) and Rice-commit Ashlyn Seay (468 kills, 304 digs) form a dynamic duo in the kill-department, while sophomore Sophee Peterson (1,432 assists, 194 kills), Kaitlyn Francis (385 digs), and Emily Houskneht (323 digs) further bolster a loaded Bobcats roster.
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Both these programs are enjoying monumental seasons. But, who will ultimately be crowned champion? Tune in Saturday (4:00 pm) at the Curtis Culwell Center to find out.
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2024-25 Grand Oaks Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
16 -- GRAND OAKS GRIZZLIES
Grand Oaks and coach Anthony Stephens return three experienced starters off of a 23-17 team that reached the third round of the postseason. The newest Conroe ISD school will have a legit shot at a district title this season and a historic run in the playoffs.
The Grizzlies’ back-court of Trae Lewis, Mike Rosario and Kevin Waddell are their “big three” and are interchangeable.
“We had a good run last year and the guys are hungry to get back there,” Stephens said. “We want to make a run to San Antonio and make our own footprint in this district.”
Jadyn Murray and Ben Garett will be key factors in their ultimate success.
“They are the bigs, who are the ‘X-factors’ to our season,” Stephens said. “They give us length and the ability to defend the paint. We really need them to play big.”
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