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THE PLAYMAKERS: Bringing the heat powered by UTMB Health
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.
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Nadi'ya Shelby -- Friendswood Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Mustangs are off to an impressive 14-8 start as they enter the district portion of their schedule. Friendswood’s success can be heavily attributed to the performance of star OH Nadi’ya Shelby. Through the first half of her sophomore campaign, Shelby has already racked up over 250 kills, while also leading the team in digs with nearly 300. If she and her teammates keep up this rate, a district championship won’t be far off.
Xai'shaun Edwards -- Clear Springs Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
After a pair of close losses to powerhouses – Katy and Shadow Creek – the Chargers are back on track with their recent victory over Klein Forest. As district-play nears for Clear Springs, the offense will continue to be powered by senior RB Xai’shaun Edwards, who leads the team in scores and is currently averaging over 100 yards rushing per game. There’s nowhere to go but up.
Addison Moss -- Pearland Dawson Volleyball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Pearland Dawson has been on a tear thus far. While they may be in a tough district, the Eagles appear to be the team to beat as they currently boast a record of 23-8. Boise State-commit Addison Moss has been a key component on Dawson’s talented roster. The senior Eagle is nearing 500 assists, and is among the kill leaders on the squad, alongside Dominique Phills (Sr. OH) and Kennedy Jones (Jr. MH).
Patrick Bridges -- Pearland Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
The Oilers have been putting on a clinic on the offensive side of the ball through the first three weeks of the Fall season. While RB Ladamion McDowell leads the team in scoring on the ground, Pearland’s biggest threat through the air has come courtesy of Central Arkansas-commit Patrick Bridges. The senior wideout is averaging nearly 120 receiving yards per game with three scores to boot. Bridges will certainly play a key role in the upcoming race for the district.
Taylor Crain -- Lutheran South Academy Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Alongside fellow playmaker Kirra Musgrove, senior libero Taylor Crain has been essential to LSA’s exemplary start to the season. The Baylor-commit has already racked up over 300 digs, in addition to being a team leader in assists and aces. Lutheran South has the appearance of a championship-caliber team in the TAPPS race, and Crain is definitely one of the reasons for that.
TIME IS NOW: No. 15 Dawson wants to punch first-ever ticket to State
PEARLAND DAWSON IS THAT PROGRAM IN HOUSTON THAT MAKES DEEP PLAYOFF RUNS YEAR AFTER YEAR.
Entering the 2023 campaign, the Eagles are on a streak of six-straight Regional Tournament appearances. Pearland Dawson last reached the Regional Finals in 2018 and look to get back there this Fall as it tries to punch its first-ever ticket to the UIL State Tournament.
Lauren Leth (345 career wins) enters her sixth season (180-37) of leading Pearland Dawson. This year, Leth returns just four starters.
Addison Moss (Boise State – Beach) will run the offense from the setter position. Moss was named the District 23-6A co-Newcomer of the Year after registering 890 assists, 281 digs and 167 kills in 2022 for the Eagles.
First-team, all-district outside hitter Kennedy Jones is also back after clocking 196 kills and 84 blocks a year ago.
Other names to remember include Lauren Kerr (134 kills), Makenzie Petten, Reese Loyd (39 aces) and Emmarie McFarland.