GAMES
RANKINGS
Caroline Adams of Friendswood Mustangs Volleyball
THE PLAYMAKERS: Flexing on the competition powered by UTMB Health
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
Some of the stars of 2023-24 Pearland Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
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
Some of the stars of 2023-24 Dickinson Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
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).
Friendswood's Andi Vaught
LET'S RIDE: Friendswood Mustangs Standing Tall
The message – no one is bigger than the team. It’s about leadership, love and the brotherhood of a team.
The movie hit.
“It was the perfect movie at the perfect time for the perfect team,” coach Sarah Paulk said. “We have had adversity this year and the girls keep stepping up. We played a tournament in Florida and it was a great team-building experience for us. It was then when I could see this team really coming together.”
The team suffered a set-back in the preseason, however, losing Meghan Donoughue to an Achilles injury. She will be lost for the season. Sophomore outside Sydney Gibson has been out all season but will return in the next week, and junior DS Anna Melgren should be back in a few weeks with another injury.
The Mustangs reached the State Tournament as recent as 2019 and have had continued success in the postseason since, but they have been tripped up by Fulshear of late.
“We haven’t won district in two years (Manvel) and we’ve hit some road blocks late in the season,” she said. “But this team really works hard and has great chemistry.”
The ‘Stangs are currently 16-9 overall and 3-0 in district play with a young and talented team.
Vaught keeps the youngsters on track… and they are really talented.
Sophomore Nadi’Ya Shelby is hammering balls at a violent pace and she is set up by sophomore setter Caroline Adams.
“Nadi’Ya does some things athletically that I’ve never seen before. She is special,” Paulk said. “Caroline has stepped up huge running the offense. She has allowed us to run a 5-1 instead of a 6-2.”
Other sophomores Haley Patton (DS) and Tallah Benson (OH) have played expanded roles, along with juniors Jordyn Sims (right side) and Preslee Alaniz (MB).
“It has been true team effort,” she said. “Everyone plays a role.”
Next Tuesday will be very telling. The Manvel Mavs are looming, who have been a thorn in the hooves of the Mustangs the past two seasons.
Will the “Stand Tall”?
Vaught will see to it.