With the Winter season coming to its end, so too does the private school soccer scene reach its grand finale.
The TAPPS State Soccer Tournament takes place this week, which means it's time to detail what's to come on the pitch, as the best of the best go head-to-head in order to claim a coveted state title.
Here is the run-down of the key match-ups of the TAPPS Final Four.
...
St. Pius X Panthers vs. John Paul II Cardinals (Boys)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Preston Kyle of St. Pius X Soccer
What a year it has been on the pitch for St. Pius X.
Following a tremendous regular season, which saw the Panthers take second in TAPPS-I District II, SPX carried over that momentum into the postseason, where they currently hold a record of 15-6.
Coach Gerardo Lopez's squad is loaded with talent. From the team's leading goal-scorer Thomas McGowan (30 goals), to senior midfielder Preston Kyle (13 assists), and the young man in goal Diego Guandique (13 saves), it has become clear that St. Pius is a force worth reckoning.
After defeating Nolan Catholic in a 1-0 nail-biter last week, the Panthers now look to face off against Plano's John Paul II on Thursday.
The Cardinals (15-1-3) are coming off a 1-0 victory of their own, against Antonian College Prep.
Coach Fred Kaiser's group has plenty of depth in their own right, anchored by the experience of senior Collin McCormick.
The winner of this pivotal exhibition will advance to Friday's Final, and could very likely be crowned the TAPPS-I champion.
St. John XXIII Lions vs. Grace Community Cougars (Girls)
Doug Brown (VYPE)
2023-24 St. John XXIII Girls Soccer
Coach Zayne Ramirez and company return to the TAPPS-II State Tourney, on the heels of defeating St. Anthony Catholic (3-0), Emery/Weiner (1-0), and most recently Fort Bend Christian (6-0).
Those score-lines are indicative of the stifling defense that St. John XXIII employs, which is anchored by senior team-captain Liz Roncal, who is coming off a 2023 TAPPS first-team, all-state nod.
Additionally, the Lions are highlighted by the performances of fellow all-state honorees -- Ana Caldentey (Jr. MF) and Andrea Morales (Sr. F) -- as they prepare to take on Grace Community School in Wednesday's State Final.
The Cougars are somewhat of surprise team this Winter, given the considerable youth they have on the roster, however that hasn't stopped them from defying expectations through each round of the postseason.
Coach Chris Hemphill's roster features the talents of Ellie Durham, Addison Eli, Julia Feliciano, and senior goalie Jena Stoermer, as they are coming a crucial 3-2 victory over Regents.
The TAPPS-II Title is on the line. This is a matchup you won't want to miss.
British International Bulldogs vs. St. Thomas Episcopal Saints (Boys)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2023-24 British International School of Houston Soccer
British International School has had yet another exemplary showing this Winter, under the direction of coach Klaus Schoelman.
Following key wins versus Geneva School (4-0) and Cypress Christian (1-0) through the first two rounds of the playoffs, the Bulldogs now have the opportunity to advance to the TAPPS-III Final, when they face St. Thomas Episcopal on Thursday.
Some of the BISH players to watch include 2023 TAPPS All-State honorees, Felix Gonzalez and Mateo Oliveira.
On the STE-side, the Saints are coming off victories against Incarnate Word Academy (4-0), Brazos Christian (4-0), and most recently John Paul II Catholic (4-2), as they enter the state tournament.
Coach Wilberth Araujo will look to the veterans -- such as all-district selections Hunter Puryear and Joshua Eysseric -- of his young squad to propel St. Thomas Episcopal forward, with a trip to Friday's state final on the line.