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THE PLAYMAKERS: Lighting it up powered by UTMB Health
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.
HITCHCOCK, AMERICA: Small town on verge of exploding on state map
Who is the hottest sports program in Greater Houston right now?
Some might think North Shore… Katy… or The Woodlands because those are the big brands.
But, what if I said Hitchcock High School? The Class 3A public school, wedged between historic powers La Marque, Texas City and Galveston Ball, has stolen the headlines in south Houston and the state of Texas.
The Bulldogs won the State Basketball Title in March and followed that up with a tremendous track and field season, sending the most athletes to State in school history. This summer, Hitchcock defended their 7-on-7 State Title as well.
Now, it’s State or Bust for the football team after winning district a year ago and going three rounds deep.
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This is a story of community.
In this new world of high school transfers, positioning for college recruiters and playing-time, Hitchcock is counter-culture. Their families went to Hitchcock, their coaches played at Hitchcock. It’s a bond between Bulldogs.
“We are surrounded by big Class 6A schools and in the past, most of our good athletes would transfer for what they thought were better opportunities,” defensive coordinator and head track coach Gene Gutierrez said. “This group has stayed together.”
The “Group”, who have become the Beatles in the small Galveston County town, are “Baby D”, “Chubby”, “KJ Smooth”, “Biggie”, “Rel” and “Wood”. Bryce Dorsey is part of “The Group” but doesn’t have nickname.
“It really all started with the Hitchcock Red Raider youth football team,” Gutierrez said. “They were dominant, and you could see how special they could be. They have been playing together for so long, that even now, they don’t really even need to say anything on the basketball court or football field. They know who is going to be where and they know how to win… at everything.”
So, who are these guys?
Damien “Baby D” McDaniel, who is currently committed to UNLV, is the straw who stirs the drink. The senior was the MVP of the State Basketball Tournament and is the team’s top WR. He also had eight interceptions on defense.
“He really started it all,” Gutierrez said. “He’s a year older and when he got here as a freshman we knew he would be out of this world. He has never not played varsity in any sport.”
Lloyd “Chubby” Jones III is a 6-foot-5 signal-caller, who can make every throw on a football field but can do more.
“He reminds me of Pat Mahomes,” Gutierrez said. “I know that sounds crazy, but he made a 50-yard, no-look touchdown pass at practice like it was nothing. He carried us in the playoffs on offense and then he flips to linebacker and no one can run on him.”
The big-ticket is Kelshaun “KJ Smooth” Johnson, who holds a dozen Power 5 offers at WR. He ran a 10.4 in the State Meet and finished second and has destroyed the camp circuit this Summer.
“He is really unguardable as a receiver but could have a pro future as a corner,” Gutierrez said. “His ability to close on the ball is elite.”
Elijah “Wood” Sherwood and Dorsey are hybrids. The 6-foot-5 Sherwood is a basketball player who came out for football, while Dorsey was a first-team, all-state selection for special teams. He is the top RB and plays in the slot.
“Elijah is a Mike Evans-type guy, who came out late for football,” Gutierrez said. “He’s a hooper, a high-jumper for track and will emerge as a college-level WR and safety. He draws a lot of attention. Bryce is our ‘home run’ guy from anywhere on the field. He just needs a sliver of space and he’s gone.”
On defense, Terrell “Rell” Allen had 100 tackles a year ago, while Albert “Biggie” Ruben has a motor in the trenches on both sides of the ball.
So, it’s all hands on deck for Hitchcock, and after decades the Bulldogs have the pieces to cement their legacy as the greatest team in Bulldog history.
“We talk about winning a State Championship every day,” Gutierrez said. “We expect to win it and really put the school on the map. The bar has been set.”
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