The south Houston area is loaded with talented athletes who give it their all in their respective fields of play.
Welcome to the VYPE Playmakers powered by UTMB Health, where we’re highlighting five standouts from the previous week who stole the headlines.
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, as the Fall season continues to heat up.
Bri Dunn, Clear Falls Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
While they have experienced their ups and downs through the Fall thus far, Clear Falls has begun to make headway as the district portion of their schedule unfolds. After a respectable 3-2 start in district, the credit needs to go some of the stars of the Knights crew -- Keira Jones (team kill-leader) and libero Capri Strombach (team dig-leader).
However, Bri Dunn (Jr. S) has been stepping up in grand fashion to help guide Clear Falls to a strong finish in district. Dunn currently ranks in the top-three of all the team’s major stat categories, including the top spot in assists, which is nearing 400 on the season.
Jaden Wincher, Pearland Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Some of the stars of 2023-24 Pearland Football
Pearland’s definitive 20-13 victory against district rival Shadow Creek was a sight to behold, which easily propelled them up our weekly rankings. Credit where credit is due. Jr. RB Ladamion McDowell put the offense on his back to score twice for the Oilers with 74 yards on the ground against a stingy Shadow Creek defense.
On that note, I think it’s time we show the Pearland defense some love considering they were the difference-maker in this intense matchup. That’s where team captain Jaden Wincher (Sr. DE) comes in. Wincher was a nightmare for the Sharks’ offense all night, compiling 10 total tackles, including three sacks, four TFL’s and two QB hurries. That statline indicates that this man is a game-wrecker.
Caroline Adams, Friendswood Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
It’s no secret that Friendswood has been on a tear recently. After coming off a decisive 3-2 victory against district-competitor Manvel, it’s clear that the Mustangs (18-9; 5-0 in district) are a group worth recognizing as the playoffs approach. So. OH Nadi’Ya Shelby has been a force on her side of the net, alongside Taliah Benson (So. OH) and Jordyn Sims (Jr. RS).
But who has been feeding this offensive machine throughout the Fall? Why, Friendswood’s Caroline Adams, of course. In just 27 games this season, the Mustangs’ sophomore setter has nearly 800 assists to her name, and should easily eclipse the 1K-mark in the coming weeks.
Rodney Bimage, Dickinson Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Some of the stars of 2023-24 Dickinson Football
The Gators’ district opener against Clear Springs was a doozy. While both sides of the ball were clicking with senior QB John Solomon leading the offense and Nicholas Peace (Sr. DB) leading the tackling effort on defense, it was senior DB Rodney Bimage who was the true difference-maker in last week’s 35-14 win. In addition to making four tackles (including one sack), Bimage was the special teams guru for Dickinson. On just two kick returns, the senior Gator racked up 188 return yards for two decisive touchdowns to help his squad breeze past a tough Chargers team.
Ashley Richardson, Clear Springs Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Clear Springs stampede continues, as they have galloped to a quick 6-0 (24-12 overall) start in the district competition. After toppling both Clear Creek and Clear Brook in their recent matches, it’s been made perfectly clear (pun intended) that the Chargers are the team to beat in District 24-6A.
We’ve spoken plenty about the performance of Anzley Rinard (Sr. OH) and Abby Fuller (Sr. L), but senior Ashley Richardson has really come into her own from the setter spot. Richardson currently leads the team in blocks (60) and aces (45), while ranking in the top-two for Clear Springs in kills (266), assists (494) and digs (350).