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THE PLAYMAKERS: Just Getting Started 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 begins to heat up.
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Avery Koonsen -- Pearland Volleyball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Following an exceptionally productive tournament season, Pearland has emerged as one of Houston's most threatening squads, as was expected.
As district-play commences, the Oilers currently tout a record of 23-4 -- most recently coming off a three-set sweep over Alvin.
While it is difficult to single out one particular player on coach Jamie Gill's roster, it's hard to argue the sudden impact Avery Koonsen has made after being named the District 23-6A Newcomer of the Year in 2022.
As it stands, the, now, junior outside hitter is averaging over 4 kills per set, and she's already nearing 300 kills on the season.
Alongside other key individuals -- such as Kimanni Rugley (North Dakota-commit), Cora Wolford, Emily Brock, and Adrienne Enriquez -- Koonsen and co. are going to be an undeniable force in the imminent postseason.
Dylan Proctor -- Clear Falls Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
The Knights opened the new season against an elite unit in Hightower.
While the Hurricanes would ultimately prevail by the narrow score of 19-14, Clear Falls certainly gave them a run for their money which bodes well for the foreseeable future.
This was clearly a defensive battle -- Hightower's specialty -- but that doesn't mean there weren't flashes of offensive prowess.
Senior WR/ATH Dylan Proctor was the bright spot for CFHS, having racked up 100 receiving yards on the night, including a 64-yard touchdown grab he secured after outpacing the opponent's secondary.
Additionally, Proctor contributed in the run-game on more than one occasion, which is nothing new for the dual-threat wideout/slot-back.
If last week was any indication, Clear Falls is not a team to be underestimated, as they look to compete for a District 24-6A title in the coming months.
Kenedy Massie -- Manvel Volleyball
Alex Hinson (VYPE)
Throughout the first half of the 2024 season, Manvel has showcased a barrage of talent that makes them one of the well-balanced teams since entering Class 6A.
There have been a few close losses against equally formidable groups such as Friendswood, Shadow Creek, and Montgomery along the way. But, the Mavs enter the district portion of their schedule with a notable record of 14-6.
Any one of the players on their starting rotation could be deemed this week's "play-maker" -- whether it be Nevaeh English (Jr. OH), Kaycee Pennie (Jr. MB), or Sami Guikema (Jr. DS).
However, it feels appropriate to give Kenedy Massie (PVAM-commit) this distinction for now, considering she's one of the lone seniors on coach Susan Kennedy's squad.
Let me be clear. I'm not just giving her seniority for the sake of it. She has definitely been balling.
From the setter position, Massie leads the team with well over 400 assists already, in addition to registering upwards of 100 digs thus far.
With the way she has elevated her teammates, the Mavs should be one of Houston's most noteworthy teams moving forward.
Jonah Williams -- Galveston Ball Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
What a way to kick off the season -- and I mean that quite literally!
Jonah Williams put the city on notice when he returned the opening kick-off for six points against Manvel, which was only the beginning.
The recent Texas-commit proceeded to score a total of five times in last Thursday's battle against the Mavs, in which Galveston Ball would secure the W by a 54-26 margin.
Williams has already established himself as one of, if not THE top recruit to come out of the Greater Houston-area in the class of 2025, and should only continue to build on that reputation as the Tornadoes progress this Fall.
Jamie Faseler -- Lutheran South Academy Volleyball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
It was no secret that LSA was going to a handful for the opposition to contend with in 2024, given that they reached the TAPPS-5A State Final a year ago.
Evidently, they haven't skipped a beat, now that they approach their district with a 13-3 record.
Texas A&M-commit Kirra Musgrove is performing as expected, as she leads the team in kills. But what's even scarier is the fact that her younger sister, Addison (Fr. OH), is right behind her in the stat-line. Of course, the assist-leader Aniston Collins is a worthy mention, as well.
However, one player who has subtly excelled among the crowded Pioneers court is senior Jamie Faseler.
From the DS spot, she has contributed over 110 digs in just 16 games, averaging north of 3 per set.
Suffice it to say, Lutheran South is back with a vengeance.
WITHIN REACH: State Title could be in the cards for No. 3 Lutheran South
NO. 3 -- LUTHERAN SOUTH ACADEMY PIONEERS
Head Coach: Geoff Stresman
2023: 341-8/TAPPS-5A State Finalists
THE PIONEERS WERE AT THE DOORSTEP OF WINNING IT ALL IN 2023.
Lutheran South won 41 matches and marched its way to the TAPPS 5A State Championship match. Although the Pioneers fell to Liberty Christian in the Final, they now eye a return trip in 2024, and they have the firepower to do it.
Texas A&M-commit Kirra Musgrove returns for 19th-year coach Geoff Stresman (364-228). Musgrove was the District MVP, first-team, all-state, a State All-Tournament Team selection, and also a USAV U19 National Team pick. She racked up 641 kills, 564 assists, 322 digs, 111 aces and 55 blocks in her junior campaign.
Also returning for LSA is middle blocker Kenna Sambrano (276 kills, 56 blocks) and right-side/setter Aniston Collins (783 assists, 270 digs, 113 kills, 101 aces). They were both named to the TAPPS State All-Tournament team and first-team, all-district picks.
Also watch for Jamie Faseler (216 digs, 51 aces – second-team, all-district) and Haleigh Pham (187 kills, 70 blocks, 43 aces— honorable-mention, all-district).
“A lot of offense is returning. We will have some young and upcoming hitters on the outside this year,” Stresman said. “Replacing Taylor Crain as our libero will be key, as she was our leader on and off the court and always brought high energy and intensity to the team. Senior leadership will be key this season."