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Elijah Sherwood of Hitchcock Basketball
THE PLAYMAKERS: Lighting it up powered by UTMB Health
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.
LSA's Makynna Robbins
REVAMPED: Robbins, LSA expect to make noise in the playoffs
LSA (15-7) currently holds the No. 2 spot (8-2) in the district, with the playoffs only weeks away. This can be attributed to the dynamic talent that LSA has on the court, particularly that of junior guard Makynna Robbins, who is currently averaging 18 PPG, an absurd 14 rebounds per game, with an additional two steals per game.
2022-23 Lutheran South Academy Girls BasketballJamey Wright (VYPE)
“I had the role of being the only standout of the team last season," she said. "This year, we have a much more complete team with Dakota Watson (Sr.-G), Caroline Schepmann (Sr.-P), Bianca Barba (Jr.-G), and Adori Howard (So.-SG). Three or four of us have scored in the double-digits in recent games.”
Robbins and her teammates are no strangers to the playoffs, however, they have faced some unlucky first-round exits in recent years. But according to Robbins, this year will be different.
“I expect us to play our best basketball of the season in the playoffs,” said Robbins. “I also expect us to make it to Waco for the Final Four. We pose a tougher match-up for our opponents this year with multiple scorers on the team.”
The 5-foot-11 guard has been instrumental for the Pioneers over the past three years. She made history by passing the 1,000-point high school career milestone in their recent 61-38 victory over St, John XXIII. College offers should be expected to roll in, sooner rather than later, and that’s exactly what Robbins will be waiting for.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
“I will be playing in college,” she said. “This summers camps and club tournaments will help me determine my options of where I want to go after I graduate.”
The postseason is quickly approaching and LSA is aiming to make a deep run. Subsequently, Robbins still has one more year left as a Pioneer, and she intends to continue adding to the Lutheran South Academy legacy, which she has the utmost respect for.
“I love playing for coach [Garret] Riveness who gives me every opportunity to succeed. I have two aunts that were Pioneer basketball players and I'm still chasing one of their records," she said. "Ultimately, I am blessed to be a part of the Pioneer legacy, where athletes like me can play their primary sport at a high level and still be a three-sport athlete.”