Welcome to the 2020 football season. What a weird offseason it was for everyone. There was not a summer camp circuit for player to go showcase their talents at. In-person recruiting came to a screeching halt and the COVID-19 Pandemic has affected everyone.
But VYPE has still done what we have always done when it comes to previewing Texas high school football here in Houston. With that said - here is the District 15-6A Preview!
Most Valuable Player: Jaydon Blue, Klein Cain Offensive MVP: Colton Marwill, Tomball Memorial Defensive MVP: Kason Tullos, Klein Oak Breakout Player of the Year: Ahmonte Watkins, Klein Forest Sleeper Team: Tomball Memorial
Trent Ward, Klein Collins
The Anchor of District 15-6A are the power programs of Klein ISD. Who has partnered up with Tomball to combine for a formidable district in Region II. The emergence of Cain and Tomball Memorial makes the competition for playoff position ultra-competitive. Jason Wilson comes home to take over a Klein Forest program that has struggled of late.
Klein Collins Tigers
The Klein Collins Tigers have been the kings of Klein ISD the past decade and things don't look they are going to change in 2020. The Tigers fell in the Regional Semis after winning their district a year ago. Back in the mix on offense are QB Colby Powers, RB Jonathan Lewis and receivers Frank Hickerson and Ethan Wyatt. Powers is an Arizona-commit at TE but has a great football IQ to move the ball around on offense at QB. Defensively, Trent Ward (UNT-commit) is a terror on the line, while Donald Lee (Tulane-commit) is a tremendous cover corner. Klein Collins is sound in all three facets of the game and makes its living with a solid run game and a stingy defense.
Klein Oak Panthers
Coach Jason Glenn led the Klein Oak Panthers to the Region Semis last season, the farthest it's been in five years. QB Drew Berra has waited patiently to be the man at Oak and he'll have his chance in 2020. He has a pair of talented RBs in Jamal Stephens and Charles Garrett, who can bludgeon defenses behind the line of PJ Tabor, Mason James and Mack Mergenhagen. Carrying the baton for the defense at each level are DT Jacob Scrutchin, 6-foot-2 LB Kason Tullos, DB AJ Broussard – who was the District 15-6A Defensive Newcomer of the Year – and middle linebacker Max Roberts. The game to determine the district title will be the Collins vs Oak contest.
Klein Cain Hurricanes
Coach James Clancy made school history by reaching the postseason for the first time in 2019. The Hurricanes are emerging as a district power and are loaded with young talent. The best one-two offensive punch outside of North Shore could be RB Jaydon Blue and WR Matthew Golden, who are national recruits. The OL is solid with Byron Dreary, John Dos Santos, Johrdan Howard and Keaton Schultz. A QB must emerge and Carson Roper, Jalen Smith and Chris Gilbert Jr., will battle it out. The key will be the defense, which will be led by Lukia Rawls and Isaac Hudson. Rawls has DI talent as a 6-foot-2 junior DE and Hudson is an experienced DB. Making the playoffs is one thing, but can they build on their success and take the next step as a program?
Tomball Memorial Wildcats
Coach Sam Parker is one the best offensive minds in the city. Tomball Memorial returns QB Colton Marwill, who threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 30 TDs as a junior. Marwill has weapons in RBs Richard Rodriguez and Carbray Barnes and receiver Joseph Manjack. Rodriguez rushed for over 1,200 yards and Manjack is committed to SMU. The OL is led by Josiah Rodriguez and Cameron Cook. Defensively, Memorial has to get some stops. The Wildcats are led by DL Daniel Grobe, LB Hayden Davis and DB Tre Jordan. They are great leaders on each level of the defense. The move to this new district will be a challenge, but the 'Cats are a playoff team.
Klein Bearkats
The Klein Bearkats are the meat and potatoes of the district. Coach Shane Hallmark is as steady as they come and has
a State Title Game appearance under his belt while at Hightower. His formula works. The 'Kats will do it on the ground with Kenzo Viteri toting the rock for over 1,000 yards. Texas Tech-commit Mason Tharp is a great blocking tight end and can be a safety valve for the incoming QB. The OL will also need some work. The defense should be the strength in 2020 with Darius Peterson patrolling the back end. Michael Bowling will need to pressure the QB, while Mac Bowie, Roderick Martin and Quentin Curtis anchor the LBs.
Klein Forest Eagles
The upside at Klein Forest is one of the biggest storylines in the district. Not having spring ball hurt incoming coach Jason Wilson, who returns home to lead his alma mater back to prominence. Wilson is breathing energy into the fieldhouse with the ability to relate to the neighborhood kids. The game-changer could be Ahmonte Watkins, a four-star RB, who moved in from Louisiana. If he goes off, the Eagles will break its 19-game losing streak. Kendrick Bradley will also see some time in the backfield as well. The OL is led by Tyler Pippen and Roberto Rios, while the DL needs some work. Jereme Ombogo and Otis Berry will lead the defense. In the secondary watch for Jaydon Flowers at safety. It's all about the numbers. Can Wilson get more kids to come out for football?
Tomball Cougars
Here come the Cougars of Tomball, who move up from Class 5A. Coach Kevin Flanigan will have his guys ready and will be led by a stingy defense. Travis Bates, Jordan During and Cavan Tuley make up a formidable front, giving LBs Turney Lentrip, Mickey Nolan and Jacob Peterson the ability to run free. The offense is a bit of a mystery at QB and on the OL, but Jayden Grey can stretch the field as a rangy WR.
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO BECOMING ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY-RECRUITED ATHLETES IN THE NATION, SEBASTIAN WILLIAMS-ADAMS HAS NEVER LOST SIGHT OF HIS VALUES.
The leading figure of the St. John’s School program has the skill to back his reputation. But it’s Williams-Adams’ mind that will shape his impending collegiate career.
“It’s definitely a blessing to be in the position that I am,” he said. “Third grade-me, who just started AAU basketball, could never imagine where I’d be at right now, and the things I’ve been able to experience through this game.
“When it comes to a school, I’m looking for a home environment that has a similar mindset to what I’ve been brought up in. Family has always been really important to me, so having some type of ‘home-base’ with a like-minded staff and team is what I’m looking for. I want to be challenged in order to get better, but I want it to come from a good place.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
He’ll have the pick of the litter, considering he recently narrowed down his choices to Auburn, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma State, and Purdue.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. His mother Kareema Williams was a college hooper herself, playing for both Wichita State and North Carolina in addition to being named a McDonald’s All-American.
Suffice it to say, she’s had a significant impact on her son.
“Obviously, I’ve always been in the gym since she’s been a coach (at St. Agnes) as well,” said Williams- Adams. “As I got a little older, I’d play with the team when I was allowed. Because of that, I’ve always had a ‘basketball- mind’.
“She’s always encouraged me. She would tell me, ‘if you stop playing basketball today, I’ll still love you the same. I’ve played my basketball. It’s time for you to follow your calling’. That frame of mind has made me feel liberated in a way. Even though we may argue at times over certain things, I know that I’ll have someone in my corner.”
Despite what his physical stature and talent may indicate, it hasn’t necessarily been easy for him.
As a role model, the 6-foot- 8 power forward had an insightful message to relay.
“You’re going to get frustrated,” he said. “People around you are going to get better, and it’ll feel like your days are really stacked. I’ve had that experience multiple times. Some people’s growths are step-by-step and others are more explosive.
“I wouldn’t say knock out all outside distractions because they’re going to get in, especially when you’re in high school. Stay the course and have faith in yourself to prove the doubters wrong.”
That mentality will certainly pay dividends as Williams-Adams and his fellow Mavericks pursue an SPC championship this winter.
More so than that, his well- adjusted determination is sure to come into play when he ultimately advances to the next stage.
There is nothing like being in an over-crowded hot basketball gym in January when the weather is crisp outside. It’s like a muggy summer afternoon after a rain shower in the inner city.
Fans feel like they are an arms- length away from the action, as coaches struggle to shout instructions over the cheerleaders and bustling student sections.
Ooos and ahhhs fill the air with every ankle-breaking move, dunk and three-pointer. Whether it’s the Campbell Center in Aldine ISD, College Park in north Houston or Seven Lakes in Katy ISD, Houston boys and girls basketball is a vibe. It’s gritty and tough. On a Friday night, it’s friends and family hanging on every dribble. It’s playing for Houston... it’s playing for the community.
So, here’s a valid question. Why in the heck are some of Houston’s top talent LEAVING for prep schools, in Houston or out-of-state?
Recent names like John Clark of Klein Cain, Nasir Price of Seven Lakes, Chris Johnson of Elkins, Byrce Griggs of Hightower, Tyler Smith of Bush, Zion Pipkin of Westfield, Montana Wheeler of Houston Christian, Logan Alexander of CE King, Luke Cochran, Tompkins, Ashtyn Smith of Nimitz, Bryson Wheatfall of Summer Creek and Tyrus Rathan-Mayes of Langham Creek have left for so-called greener pastures.
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Should I keep going?
You wouldn’t want to leave a legacy or be the ultimate Big Man on Campus at your respective school... or play in front of no one with zero pomp and circumstance?
Look at Zion Williamson’s mix tape. Did that look like any fun?
As the girls’ game continues to grow in popularity at a historic rate, it won’t be long until H-Town’s finest start looking around at a landing spot that promises recruiting relationships with college coaches.
You are recruited at the AAU level. The high school game is for making life-long memories and relationships.
Some of the stars of 2024-25 Grand Oaks Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
It all comes down to this.
We've reached the pinnacle of the Texas high school volleyball season, as teams around the state prepare to punch their ticket to the the state championship.
Regarding the Houston-area, there is a plethora of clashes that are sure to entice audiences...
Grand Oaks vs. The Woodlands
Cinco Ranch vs. Fulshear
Stratford vs. Shadow Creek
College Park vs. Royse City (Dallas)
Friendswood vs. Georgetown (Austin)
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Meanwhile, on the private school-side, FBCA prepares to take on LPCA with a trip to the TAPPS-5A State Final on the line.
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This is the moment that fans dream of. Given the immense stakes, here is our synopsis of each pivotal match-up taking place to close out the week.
Sarcasm aside, the Grizzlies picked up right where they left off last season (UIL-6A Champs if you didn't know), and are in prime position to make their second-straight appearance at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, TX.
Coach Morgan Rogers' squad is firing on all cylinders, just as they have been all of this Fall -- most recently sweeping Wylie on Tuesday.
The combination of Pittsburgh-signee Samara Coleman (505 kills, 241 digs) and Wisconsin-commit Halle Thompson (440 kills, 247 digs) equates to an offensive barrage that opponents can't seem to contain.
Meanwhile, juniors Samantha Sampson (1,018 assists) and Cali Reece (378 digs) have taken care of the rest, making Grand Oaks a favorite to reach State.
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However, that doesn't mean you should count The Woodlands out just yet.
The Highlanders (37-9) are coming of huge wins against Cy Ranch (3-1) and Rockwall (3-1), to have another crack at defeating one of their most formidable district rivals.
Arizona State-signee Ella Lewis (504 kills, 473 digs) commands coach Terri Wade's stellar roster, with her sister, Abby Lewis (450 kills), providing additional support in the scoring department.
On the back-side of the formation, liberos Cameron McDaniel (831 digs) and Ava Gibbs (318 digs), as well as setters Megan Johnson (710 assists) and Payton Stroud (480 assists), round out one of the scariest rotations in Texas.
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Grand Oaks has a 2-0 advantage against The Woodlands -- albeit in close contests (Game 1: 3-2, Game 2: 3-1) -- but this will still be anyone's game when the two clash at Delmar Fieldhouse Friday night (7:00 pm).
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Cinco Ranch Cougars vs. Fulshear Chargers (6A-D1 Region III)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Following an undefeated (16-0) District 19-6A championship, Cinco Ranch proceeded to sweep Alief Taylor, Cy-Fair, and most recently Ridge Point throughout the 2024 playoffs, improving their record to 35-5 on the year.
Under the direction of coach Danielle Wells, the Cougars have flourished in every facet of the game, and it all begins with super-star setter Kassie O'Brien.
The Kentucky-signee is the unquestionable catalyst behind the team's attack, as she has contributed a whopping 1,125 assists and 254 digs thus far, giving play-makers such as California Baptist-signee Gabriella Martinez (515 kills, 293 digs), Nicole Teerman (240 kills), and Addison Goertz (235 kills) ample opportunity to rack up points.
Senior libero Maggie Finnegan has been busy as well, with 444 digs and 109 assists to her name this Fall.
They'll have their work cut out for them when facing the team across the net, though.
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Fulshear (37-6) enjoyed an undefeated (10-0) district title as well, before trouncing Houston heavy-weights such as Seven Lakes (3-1), Bellaire (3-0), and Pearland (3-0) to reach the Region III-6A-D1 Final.
It doesn't come as a shock to see that Wake Forest-signee Bailey Warren (519 kills) continues to play at such a high degree for coach Sydney Zimmerman.
Of course, she's not alone in making a tremendous impact.
Howard-signee Alexys James (1,324 assists, 334 digs) and Colorado State-signee Sydney Black (655 digs, 110 assists) have been playing on a whole other level.
Don't sleep on DBU-signee Lauren Witte (357 kills) or sophomore Arayah Watson (235 kills) either.
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Both of these squads reached the State Tournament last year -- with Fulshear still being in Class 5A at that point -- which makes this match-up all the more enticing.
Stop by the Merrell Center at 5:30 pm on Friday to see who punches their ticket.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Stratford Spartans vs. Shadow Creek Sharks (6A-D2 Region III)
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Easily the biggest surprise of the 2024 season, the Stratford Spartans have ascended into the upper echelon of Texas high school volleyball, currently touting an immaculate record of 40-2.
Coach Jenny Adcock's crew have had a somewhat favorable schedule throughout the postseason -- handily defeating Westside (3-0) and Tompkins (3-0), before claiming a five-set win over Manvel on Tuesday -- but that doesn't dismiss the threat the team poses.
Despite having a relatively younger set of play-makers, the Spartans just keep cooking.
Pun-intended for my previous statement, junior setter Audrey Cook (1,170 assists, 332 digs) has efficiently distributed the ball to Adcock's offensive weapons -- namely fellow juniors Gwen Koss (429 kills, 380 digs) and Sarah Hickman (339 kills).
Furthermore, seniors Rachel Ashby (479 digs, 121 assists) and Avery Kent (280 kills) provide the additional veteran leadership that has propelled Stratford this far.
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What a difference a year makes.
After being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last Fall, Shadow Creek (35-11) rallied within a ruthless district and excelled to the tune of advancing four rounds deep into this postseason.
Regardless of that remarkable achievement, they won't be content with letting the buck stop here.
As expected, dual-sport super-star Mackenzie Collins (recent Texas-signee) is the puzzle piece that was missing for coach Whitney Daniel's crew to truly excel -- having registered 583 kills in 2024.
Juniors Bella Law (1,262 assists, 368 digs) and Lauryn Wiley (475 digs, 135 assists), combined with sophomores Aspen Brown (365 kills) and Tamarria Mitchell (304 kills), provide a healthy mix of upper and underclassmen on this squad.
Don't forget about senior Kelly Kelsick (305 digs, 433 receptions) either, as she has come in the clutch on more than one occasion.
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These two H-Town heavy-weights will battle it out at Delmar Fieldhouse this Friday at 5:00 pm, for the right to go to State.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
College Park Cavaliers vs. Royse City Bulldogs (6A-D2 Region II)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
College Park enters the 6A-D2 Region II Final on the heels of dominating Spring (3-0), Magnolia West (3-1), and Wylie East (3-0) over the past two weeks.
It hasn't always been easy sledding for the Cavaliers, given the fact that they compete with Grand Oaks and The Woodlands on an annual basis in District 13-6A. But, by all accounts and purposes, they get things done!
Coach Candice Collins-Gibson's squad is sitting pretty at 33-11 and have reached the Regional Finals for the first time since 2017.
Star libero Morgan Madison (Baylor-signee) locks down the defensive side of the net, evidenced by her impressive stat-line (640 digs, 177 assists).
Meanwhile, juniors such as Baylor-commit Lacy Tinnell (328 kills) and Reese Ellen (208 kills) -- in addition to sophomore Sadie Kendrick (205 kills) -- keep lighting up the scoreboard, with junior setter Caroline Prihoda (585 assists, 283 digs) also playing a pivotal role.
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Royse City (40-8), on the other hand, recently took down DeSoto (3-0) and Oak Ridge (3-1) to advance to this point, and is no stranger to this stage.
Head Coach Amanda Gonzales has a bona fide super-star within her ranks, as Tulsa-commit Kylee McCoy (812 kills, 408 digs) has elevated the entire team on an astronomical level.
Abigail Maldonado (258 kills) and Patience Gibson (204 kills, 376 digs) chip in on the offensive side, while senior setter Alayna Howard (1,373 assists, 345 digs) shores up the back-end.
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This should be a showdown when the Cavs face the Bulldogs this Friday (6:00 pm) at Fairfield High School.
Friendswood Mustangs vs. Georgetown Eagles (5A-D2 Region III)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
It wasn't a huge secret that Friendswood was going to be a Class 5A title-contender come playoff-time.
With coach Sarah Paulk at the helm, the Mustangs -- who are now 38-8 on the year -- went undefeated (12-0) in District 20-5A, prior to outlasting PNG (3-0), Montgomery (3-2), and Wiess (3-0) through three rounds of the postseason.
Their bread and butter has been their attacking game, led by Florida-commit Nadi'ya Shelby, who has tallied 531 kills in 2024. She's complemented by the likes of seniors Jordyn Sims (The Citadel-signee//321 kills) and Preslee Alaniz (Southwestern Oklahoma-signee//195 kills).
Shelby and her offensive counterparts have had plenty of help, though.
Juniors Caroline Adams (979 assists, 237 digs) and Haley Patton (524 digs, 87 assists) have been the architects when it comes to the team's production.
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Out of the Austin-area, Georgetown (41-8) has enjoyed its best run in years, and look to keep their Cinderella-story alive when facing Houston power-house Friendswood.
Under the direction of coach Jenny Richardson-- who surpassed the 500-win career mark in September -- the Eagles have been propelled by the efforts of Texas-commit Addison Gaido, indicated by the stats she procured (580 kills, 353 digs) thus far.
Additionally, seniors Raegan Ramirez (798 digs), Allison O'Shaughnessy (781 assists, 336 digs), Molly O'Shaughnessy (274 kills), and McKenzie Bernard (233 kills) have provided significant contributions to Georgetown's exemplary performance this Fall.
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This is one fans won't want to miss, as the Mustangs and Eagles face off at Rudder High School, this Friday at 6:30 pm.
Fort Bend Christian Academy Eagles vs. Legacy Prep Christian Academy Lions (TAPPS-5A)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Despite going through a rough patch throughout this Fall, due to nagging injuries and other factors taking place behind the scenes, FBCA (30-12) now has the opportunity to return to the TAPPS-5A State Championship, with hopes of taking back their 2022 crown.
Ascended head coach David Reeves has seemingly breathed new life and morale into a program that has dealt with its fair share of hardships throughout the season, giving the team the boost it needed to produce this kind of run.
After defeating St. Joseph (3-2), all eyes will be on the Eagles' most proficient leaders to bring them to the promised land.
Super-stars Bayleigh Minor (a highly sought-after track star if you didn't know) and Bryant-signee Ruth Ochelli are the hammers of the group, combining for well over 500 kills on the year.
Setters Lauren Leroux (695 assists) and Channing Low (386 assists) spread the wealth, while Daniela Ramirez (302 digs), Laycee McGrady (224 digs), and senior Layne Bulow (212 digs) clean up on the defensive side.
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Meanwhile, LPCA is coming off, perhaps, the biggest upset of the season -- defeating perennial contender Lutheran South Academy in four sets.
Granted, Texas A&M-signee Kirra Musgrove was dealing with an illness at the time, but that shouldn't dismiss all that this team has accomplished this year.
The Lions are legit, evidenced by their 26-8-1 record.
Coach Dustin Dunlavy's roster is elevated by the talents of seniors Ashlynn Hollis (271 kills), Emerson Lilja (267 kills, 288 digs), and Taylor Alarid (216 kills).
Furthermore, fellow senior Sydney McNeil (625 assists, 195 digs) and junior Keira Schroeder (326 digs) prove just how Legacy Prep has reached this point.
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The right to compete for TAPPS glory is on the line. These two programs will compete at Robinson High School at 7:00 pm on Thursday to determine who advances.
Concordia Lutheran Crusaders vs. Antonian College Prep Apaches
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Crusaders (32-14) went on a tear throughout the vast majority of the regular season, which naturally carried over into the TAPPS-6A playoffs -- breezing past TMI Episcopal (3-0) and SA Incarnate Word (3-1) to reach this point.
What makes this group so special relates to the considerable depth they possess across the board.
From Florida Internationl-signee Haley Herndon (Sr. OH), McKinzie Riley (Sr. OH), and Imerie Jones (Sr. MB), to Sam Houston State-signee Carleigh Schluter (Sr. S), Sara Sellers (Sr. L), and Rivers Lee (Sr. DS), coach Kim Odinga's senior-laden squad has been sharpened to an even finer point in the back half of the year.
Concordia Lutheran now has the opportunity to reach the State Final for the first time since 2018, when facing familiar opponent Antonian College Prep.
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The Apaches (34-15) recently swept both St. Pius X and St. Agnes to enter the final-four, and have plenty of talent to propel them even further.
Led by coach Samantha McLure, Antonian is headlined by individuals such as Olivia Hernandez (340 kills), Faith Overby (331 kills), Danielle Seabern (1,258 assists, 345 digs), and 2023 second-team, all-state selection Anna Arceneaux (740 digs).
They reached this same round a year ago, so there's no shortage of experience when it comes to its critical stages.
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Both of these private school power-houses will be going head-to-head Friday night (7:00 pm) at University High School in Waco.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
