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The reigning UIL Class 3A State Champions -- Hitchcock Bulldogs
TAKING OWNERSHIP: Jordan-Foster, Hitchcock ready to repeat
Tenth-year coach Christopher Jordan-Foster will bank on his team’s physicality, particularly on defense, to make that goal a reality.
“Having some really fast and physical guys on the floor helps us out a lot,” he said. “I know we’re not going to be as polished offensively compared to some teams that do it year-round, before getting our football guys back late. However, like I tell them all the time, ‘defense travels with us’.”
The stars of 2023-24 Hitchcock BasketballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Being a Hitchcock alumnus himself, Jordan-Foster knows a little something about the ownership his team takes in their game.
“I’m a hometown kid,” he said. “There’s something different about bringing something back to your home, which makes you have a little bit more pride in your work. I stress that to the guys, as well. It’s more personal and I want them to feel that – looking back to when you made history for your community.”
That upbringing is likely what feeds into the culture he’s brought back to Hitchcock.
“Those guys growing up together, playing alongside one another for a while has played a key factor in the growth of the culture,” said Jordan-Foster. “Also, changing systems from a zone-press to more of a full-court man was a game-changer for us. That’s kind of our M.O. – we’re going full-court every time.”
Damien McDaniel
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Bulldogs will feature several returners from last year’s championship squad, including Damien McDaniel (Sr. G), Lloyd “Chubby”Jones III (Jr. PF), Kelshaun Johnson (Jr. G) and Elijah Sherwood (Jr. G), who Jordan-Foster expects to take a big step forward this season.
So, what will it take for Jordan-Foster and Hitchcock to run it back in 2024?
“First of all, it’s going to take some focus,” he said. “With a lot of football guys coming onto the court, health is a key component to this as well. I’ve had these guys for a while now, so they know what I expect from them when we head into the Winter. But, staying healthy will definitely be important to us.”
The stage is set. Now, it’s time for the encore.
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LSA's Roland Aguillon
THE PLAYMAKERS: Champs, Sluggers, and Sleepers powered by UTMB Health
Emma King, Clear Springs Softball
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Junior OF/2B Emma King has been one of the driving forces behind the Chargers’ success (16-7 record) this Spring, as Clear Springs aims to contend for the top spot in a fiercely competitive district (24-6A) that features perennial powerhouses Dickinson and Brazoswood.
As divisional play is heating up, King currently leads the team in batting average (.573), hits (43), runs scored (37) and stolen bases (18). She shows no signs of slowing down and will play a key role in Clear Springs’ playoff aspirations.
Roland Aguillon, Lutheran South Baseball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
LSA Baseball is in the midst of district competition against the likes of FBCA, Second Baptist, TWCA and St. John XXIII. The Pioneers’ pitching has been one of their greatest strengths throughout the Spring season, particularly that of Roland Aguillon.
The junior RHP has been throwing heat (high-80s) and racking up strikeouts all month, and he’ll be essential for Lutheran South’s bullpen in the home-stretch of the regular season.
Hitchcock Bulldogs Basketball
Photo acquired via Twitter: @tfgsportstv
A year after losing in the UIL 3A Championship game, Hitchcock hoops flipped the script to take home the State Title.
After a tremendous Winter (31-7 overall record) and an undefeated district campaign (14-0), the Bulldogs climbed the postseason ladder to eventually defeat Childress in the Championship by a score of 62-45, marking the first in school history.
In addition, Hitchcock’s Lloyd Jones III (So.-Forward), Damien McDaniel (Jr.-Guard) and Elijah Sherwood (So.-Guard) were awarded All-Tournament honors for their top-notch performance throughout the playoffs.
Ashton Hampton, Pearland Oilers Football
During the Under Armor Underclassmen Report Camp this past Sunday, Pearland’s Ashton Hampton was recognized as the Defensive Back MVP of the event.
He’s one of the most slept-on defenders in the Houston area, and yet, he has recorded seven collegiate offers -- two of which include Florida and Vanderbilt.
If this is any indication, Hampton is in for another standout Fall season next year, so expect more offers to roll in for the junior DB.
Ethan Glaze, Clear Lake Baseball
CLHS Baseball has enjoyed one heck of a turnaround from last year’s underwhelming season. After going 7-20 in 2022, the Falcons have surged into the district contention, currently boasting a 15-4-2 record as divisional matchups begin.
This has been, in no small part, due to the return of senior CF Ethan Glaze, who was injured for a significant portion of last season. With his consistent batting ability, not to mention the power to hit the ball over the fence, Glaze has become an invaluable piece of this red-hot Falcons ballclub.