The South Houston area is loaded with talented athletes who give it there all in their respective fields of play.
Welcome to the VYPE Playmakers powered by UTMB Health, where we’re highlighting five standouts from this month who stole the headlines.
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Month, as the Winter season commences.
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Chardel Terrell, Clear Brook Girls Basketball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
As they enter the district portion of their schedule, the Wolverines (currently 10-8) look poised to earn their third straight undefeated district championship.
While Rezia Castillo has remained consistent, as both a scorer and offensive facilitator from the point guard spot, junior guard Chardel Terrell has really come into her own as a shooter.
In the first three district matchups, in which Clear Brook won all three, Terrell lead the team in scoring with 54 points.
Given how dominant she and the Wolverines have been against their divisional counterparts, it shouldn't be too difficult to assume that trend continues.
Charles Anderson, Pearland Dawson Basketball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Dawson has started the season in solid fashion, currently maintaining an 11-6 record.
Coach Mark Barre and Eagles have leaned on their younger talent -- namely sophomores Maleek Simeus and Bryce Davis -- for the majority of the points, however, Charles Anderson (Texas Tech football commit) is undoubtedly the team's rock.
Not long after stepping off the football field and onto the court, the senior center has been a key factor in Dawson's early success thus far.
Given Anderson's 6-foot-7 frame, it's easy to see why he's so proficient at crashing the boards while offering a major presence on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.
Helen Byrd, Friendswood Girls Basketball
While they may have had a somewhat shaky start to the year, the Mustangs are capable of making a steep recovery past the mid-season point, considering the talent they feature on the court.
Speaking of which, Helen Byrd (Jr. G) is back at it again.
The reigning District 18-5A Offensive Player of the Year is on pace to repeat that achievement, averaging just over 19 points a game to power Friendswood's offense.
If last year was any indication, the Mustangs could easily turn things around and make another run for the postseason.
Elijah Sherwood, Hitchcock Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Prior to the season, coach Christopher Jordan-Foster anticipated an elevated role for Elijah Sherwood (Jr. G), and it would seem that has paid dividends for the 2023 Class 3A State Champs.
The Bulldogs are off to a 12-2 start, with Sherwood in particular showing rapid development, despite already being a key piece in last year's championship squad.
Given his 6-foot-6 frame and tremendous athleticism to complement that of several of his teammates, coach Jordan-Foster and company could very well be hoisting another state title in the coming months.
Makynna Robbins, LSA Girls Basketball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Although Lutheran South Academy may have fallen to Second Baptist (2022-23 TAPPS-5A State Finalist) to begin the district portion of their schedule, don't let that fool you.
With first-team all-state selection Makynna Robbins at the helm, the Pioneers are certainly capable of punching another ticket to the playoffs.
The senior guard currently averages over 16 points and 13 rebounds per game and is just warming up. With the remaining district matches coming up, LSA should experience a surge after finishing second (9-3) a year ago.