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Dickinson's David Chong
THE PLAYMAKERS: South Houston's most premier ballers of 2025 powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Boys Basketball Athletes of the 2024-25 season, who made key contributions all year long on the south side of H-Town.
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Michael Collins -- Shadow Creek Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Led by Coach David President, Shadow Creek was one of the most imposing squads in Texas—let alone Houston—this season.
After securing their second consecutive undefeated district championship (16-0 in 22-6A), the Sharks then advanced four rounds deep for the first time since 2022. Along the way, they took down Clements (71-60), Kingwood (66-30), and George Ranch (57-47).
However, their postseason journey came to a heartbreaking end in the Region III-6A Final, falling just short in a 60-57 overtime thriller against Katy Jordan—the team now vying for the 6A-DII State Championship.
Despite missing out on their first-ever State Tournament appearance, Shadow Creek’s 32-2 campaign was nothing short of remarkable.
While key players like Bryce Jackson, Aiden Law, and Adin Lewis played vital roles in the team’s success, it was senior point guard Michael Collins who served as the heart and soul of the squad.
In his final season, Collins earned another District MVP nomination, showcasing his ability to light up the scoreboard while creating opportunities for his teammates.
Though he has yet to announce his college commitment, he’s set to take his talents to the next level (offers from George Mason, Penn State, Lamar, etc.), capping off an outstanding high school career.
Dyllan Baker -- Friendswood Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Despite suffering an early exit to the postseason at the hands of Barbers Hill, that result was not indicative of how talented the Friendswood basketball program was this winter.
Under Coach Danny Russell, the Mustangs finished 27-6, securing their first district championship since 2014.
Leading the charge was senior point guard Dyllan Baker, who averaged over 15 points per game while adding 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals per contest.
Beyond his stats, Baker’s leadership was invaluable, setting the tone for Friendswood’s success. His efforts earned him the District 20-5A MVP award, a well-deserved honor after securing first-team all-district selections in each of the previous two seasons.
Capping off a stellar high school career, Baker’s impact on the Mustangs will be felt for years to come.
David Chong -- Dickinson Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
By the time district play arrived, the Dickinson Gators were already battle-tested, having faced top programs like Fort Bend Marshall (5A-DII state finalist), Katy Jordan (6A-DII state finalist), North Crowley, and Ridge Point in the first half of the season.
Despite a strong showing and a second-place district finish, Dickinson (19-13) saw its playoff run cut short by powerhouse Atascocita in the opening round.
Still, the district recognized the Gators’ biggest asset—senior David Chong—naming him the 24-6A Most Valuable Player.
A standout all winter, Chong earned All-Tournament honors at the 2024 VYPE Holiday Invitational and dominated on both ends of the floor. His scoring ability from all ranges, elite ball-handling, and court vision helped him average 20 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals per game.
Though his college destination remains undecided, one of South Houston’s brightest stars is poised to make an immediate impact at the next level.
Madden Hill -- Clear Springs Basketball
Photo provided by Madden Hill (Twitter: @MaddenHill_1)
The term “freshman phenom” isn’t used lightly at VYPE, but it’s the perfect way to describe Clear Springs’ Madden Hill.
Living up to his “Mighty” nickname, Hill made an immediate impact in his high school debut, averaging 18 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal per game. Some already consider him the top-ranked point guard in his class, and his stellar play is proving the doubters wrong.
Hill played a key role in leading Clear Springs to its first district championship since 2011 (shared with Clear Creek), earning Co-District 24-6A Offensive MVP honors along the way.
Though the Chargers suffered an early playoff exit against North Shore, the future remains bright with Hill at the helm.
Julien Barclay -- Clear Lake Basketball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Like their district counterparts, Clear Lake (23-14) ran into trouble in the opening round of the playoffs, falling to C.E. King after finishing fourth in 24-6A (9-5).
While the early exit wasn’t ideal, the Falcons still achieved their goal of making the postseason for a third straight year.
At the heart of their success was senior Julien Barclay, a do-it-all playmaker who set the offensive tone with 16 points per game while contributing across the board with 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals per contest.
His impact didn’t go unnoticed, as he was named the District 24-6A Co-Offensive MVP— a well-earned honor to cap off his stellar high school career.
The Jordan Warriors are emerging in th Regional Tourney
SUPER TUESDAY: Huge Night For Girls, Boys Basketball Playoffs
On the girls’ side. The State Semis will see a trio of Houston-area teams vying to for the Alamodome in San Antonio.
VYPE will be on site at the Campbell Center for the Summer Creek vs Cibolo Steele Class 6A DI State Semis at 5:30.
Summer Creek fell to State Champ Duncanville in the State Semis last season 39-31 in overtime and is back under the bright lights tonight against Steele (27-7 overall).
Bulldog Kennedy Simpson is the alpha for first-year coach Kiara Marshall, who came over from Chaparral High School. Summer Creek has been to UIL State four times in six years. Addison Martin, Endia Thomas and Taiya Kikunga will need big games to advance.
In Class 6A DII, Hightower will face Churchill in Victoria, Texas tonight. Coach Jasmine Brewer’s squad is LOADED and deep. Kailee Beaudion, Ogechi Okeke, Chandler Caver, Breonna Shelby and Sydney Thomas lead the way, but the bench is deep and ready. Churchill is loaded too, with Alina Hernandez, Rakiya Nelson and Daphne Zuniga as the Chargers Big 3.
Up the road at College Station High School, it will be the Barbers Hill Eagles facing Liberty Hill for the right to go to State. Coach Bryan Harris is an elite coach and has Jayci Lackey, Brooklynn Roberson and Rachel Glynn running his system. Liberty Hill runs a college style offense and a slower pace. Possessions will be key in this game.
THE GALLERY
The boys playoffs enter the third-round of the postseason all over the city.
Class 6A Region III have some serious matchups, starting with Seven Lakes vs Atascocita and Bellaire and Summer Creek in DI. These are some of the biggest brands in Houston. The star power is legit with Spartan Isaiah Santos, Duke-signee Shelton Henderson (Bellaire), Atascocita’s Jaylen Fenner and a balanced Summer Creek squad who plays connected as a team. Their could be a match-up between District 23-6A powers Summer Creek and Atascocita in the finals.
In Class 6A Region III DII, Jordan faces CE King, while George Ranch plays the No. 1 team in Houston - Shadow Creek. The Sharks face George Ranch, who is led by Cayden Munnilal. Shadow Creek is led by super-duo Michael Collins and UH-signee Bryce Jackson. Prediction for this Region is for Katy Jordan and Shadow Creek to face off in a potential instant classic. Jordan is blessed with a senior-laden squad and an elite backcourt.
The Aldine Mustangs and Grand Oaks Grizzlies are two of the biggest stories in the State. Both have advanced to the Class 6A Region II, DI Regional Semis. Aldine first-year head coach Christopher Ceaser took over a team that went WINLESS in 2024 and is now in the third round of the postseason. Trae Lewis, Michael Rosario and Kevin Waddell run the show for Grand Oaks coming out of the Conroe ISD, in which they were district champs. Aldine faces Rockwall and Grand Oaks plays Duncanville, two very tough DFW schools.
In DII, College Park and Willis are in the Conroe ISD as well and have also advanced to Regional Semis. The Cavs face Wylie East and Willis plays Horn. Willis is led by SJ Young and his 20 points per game, followed by Chandler Beasley. College Park is driven by Colorado-signee Ian Inman and Aiden Buckmon. The district-mates have a legit shot to face each other for the right to go to the State Semis.
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In Class 5A, No. 1 FB Marshall faces Barbers Hill and Randle faces Port Arthur Memorial tonight, while Stafford, Yates, Wheatley, Washington and new Fort Bend school Crawford are still in the Class 4A mix in Region III, while La Marque, Brazosport and Wharton are stll alive in Region IV.
Back-to-back State Champ Hitchcock faces Mexia tonight to continue their run to a return trip the the Alamodome.