GAMES
RANKINGS
The Contenders: Area volleyball teams eyeing runs at state championships
What a year 2018 was for Houston- area volleyball!
Kingwood Park went all the way and completed the mission, claiming the Class 5A State Championship. The Panthers bring solid pieces back for a potential run at a repeat. Ridge Point was also there playing for a state title but fell short to North Texas power Flower Mound. There are also the traditional powers in Houston, such as The Woodlands and Seven Lakes, who will try and make noise again in 2019.
So, who are the contenders?
Kingwood Park Panthers
(Won Class 5A State Championship)
READY TO DEFEND TITLE: Kingwood Park stood tall as the lone state champion from Houston in 2018. The Panthers made their first-ever trip to the UIL State Volleyball Tournament and shocked the land by knocking off Lucas Lovejoy in a sweep. Now, the target is firmly on the back of Kingwood Park heading into 2019. The Panthers do return solid pieces, including senior Libby Overmyer, who was named the 5A State Championship Game MVP. Overmyer (Colgate-commit) finished with a team-leading 391 kills and a second-best 290 digs. Also returning is Erika and Alia Williams. Erika finished with 211 kills and a team-leading 124 blocks at the net. Alia registered 262 kills last season. A spot the Panthers will have to figure out is at setter after losing Andie Unwin (743 assists) and Julia Hadley (706 assists) to graduation. Kelly Miser (102-22) enters her fourth season leading the Panthers and will try to get the program back to its third-straight regional final and potentially a run for back-toback state championships.
Ridge Point Panthers
(Reached Class 6A State Championship Game)
JETER, RUTHERFORD, MCCARDELL LEAD TALENTED GROUP INTO 2019: Ridge Point was on the cusp of bringing home the hardware in 2018. A loss in the Class 6A Championship game to Flower Mound prevented that, but fueled a team full of juniors to be ready for 2019. Gone is superstar Skylar Fields, who will star this fall at the University of Texas. Coach Lori McLaughlin has also moved on, taking the Cedar Park job. Lauren Bailey will take the coaching reigns and the cupboard is loaded. Back is a solid senior crew led by Claire Jeter (Texas A&M-commit). Jeter, a selection to the State All-Tournament team last season, led Ridge Point with 490 kills and 167 blocks. Also back is Reagan Rutherford (Kentucky-commit), who had 832 assists, 477 digs, 382 kills and 105 blocks. Ridge Point also brings back leading setter Kendall Sekula (979 assists) and defensive standout Nia McCardell (906 digs). With all this talent back on the roster, Ridge Point should be considered a heavy favorite in the city again. The Panthers will have to fight their way through a tough Region III-6A bracket, with the potential of running into Seven Lakes, Pearland Dawson or George Ranch in the postseason. The Panthers should be ready with the experience back.
The Woodlands Highlanders
(Reached 6A Regional Semifinals)
MABERRY TO LEAD HIGH-OCTANE OFFENSE: When talking about contenders in Houston, The Woodlands must be in the conversation. The Highlanders reached the Regional Semifinals for a seventh-straight time last season before falling to Plano West. Falling short of reaching the Regional Finals snapped a five-year streak of playing in that round for The Woodlands. Heading into this season – chasing the program's fourth overall state championship and first since 2015 – The Woodlands has some top talent back. Dylan Maberry (LSU-commit) leads the offensive group after racking up an impressive 765 kills last season and was named the District 15-6A Offensive Player of the Year. Maberry also registered 489 digs, 62 aces and 59 blocks. Also returning is first-team, all-district selections Clara Brower (Georgia-commit) and Amanda Ifeanyi (UT-San Antonio-commit). Brower had 1,546 assists last season, while Ifeanyi had 359 kills and 110 blocks. Other key returners for The Woodlands include second-team, all-district selection Natasha Zorbas (134 kills and 100 blocks) and Allie Griffith (Air Force-commit), who earned an honorable mention, all-district nod after racking up 189 digs in 79 sets. Terri Wade (353-137) enters her fifth season at The Woodlands and 12th overall as a head coach.
Pearland Dawson Eagles
(Reached Class 6A Regional Finals)
CAN EAGLES MAKE HISTORY AND REACH STATE TOURNEY?: The Pearland Dawson Eagles are a power-player in the state of Texas. The Eagles have reached the postseason the past 10 seasons, reaching at least the Regional Semis five times. Dawson advanced to the Regional Finals a year ago under first-year head coach Lauren Leth. While Leth says goodbye to superstar Kynnedi Johnson to Baylor, the nest is still loaded. Back in the huddle will be power-players Nikki Deslatte, Madison Deslatte and Aliyah McDonald. The defensive effort will be led by first-teamer Dahlia Miller, while the offense will be ran by District Newcomer of the Year Kamryn Scroggins. McDonald was a first-teamer and will sign with Oregon State. Other solid contributors will be Kaelyn Hulick and Kari Tripp. "We have a sizeable front row with a strong attack and an experienced defense," Leth said. Even with the District MVP now in the Big 12, Dawson will be in the state conversation.
Friendswood Mustangs
(Reached 5A Regional Finals)
SVOBODA LEADS MOTIVATED GROUP INTO SEASON: The move down from Class 6A to 5A really paid dividends for all sports at Friendswood, especially volleyball. The crew led by Sarah Paulk reached the Regional Finals for the first time since 2013 and finished the year with a 33-15 record after falling to eventual state champion Kingwood Park. Being so close to a state tourney berth has lit a fire within the Friendswood returners. The group is led by Ashlyn Svoboda, who was the GHVCA Player of the Year, TGCA All-State selection and District 22-5A MVP as a sophomore. Svoboda recorded 18 double-doubles last season and led the team with 349 kills and 388 digs. Holding down the middle will be Makensy Manbeck (Houston Baptist-commit). Manbeck was a TGCA All-State, TAVC All-State and GHVCA all-Greater Houston team selection last season. Manbeck was chosen as the District 22-5A Offensive MVP after recording 374 kills. Also back is Tori Weatherley at the setter position. Weatherley was the District 22-5A Setter of the Year in 2018 after recording 1,298 assists. The senior ran a 5-1 and had an extremely balanced attack running that offense. Finally, Kate Bueche will be a youngster to watch after recording 393 digs a year ago. Paulk enters her fourth year at Friendswood (100-36) and her seventh overall as a head coach. Friendswood is loaded, so expect another run at a Regional Final or even state tourney appearance by this group in 2019.
Santa Fe Indians
(Reached 5A Regional Quarterfinals)
EXPERIENCE TO HELP YOUNG ROSTER IN 2019: For the fourth time in the last five years, Santa Fe reached the Regional Quarterfinals. The Indians hope for a semifinal's appearance ended at the hands of Foster. Gone off that team are the talents of Kylie Verm, who was second on the team in kills, and Jillian Gibbs, who led the team in blocks. Despite those losses, Santa Fe has a talented roster back for 2019. Kassidy Taves will lead the attack after recording a team-leading 302 kills, 294 digs and 63 aces last season. Teresa Garza is another hitter back to watch after she recorded 249 kills as a sophomore. Defensively, Freedom Stephenson recorded 540 digs as a sophomore and Cassi Cruz had 330 digs as a junior. They will be in charge of keeping the ball off the ground. Setting up the big hitters on the outside will be a combo of Elena Dondonay (661 assists) and Taves (616 assists). Santa Fe has a lot of talent, which was successful and young a year ago. With the experience added to the group, the Indians will be a crew to watch in 2019.
(Reached 6A Area Round)
TRADITION-RICH MUSTANGS EYEING ANOTHER RUN: Another year and another playoff berth. Kingwood banked its 29th-straight postseason berth in 2018 after finishing undefeated in District 22-6A. The Mustangs reached the second round before falling to Pearland Dawson. Kingwood does have to replace the production of Camden Gray and Peyton Shamp (District Offensive Player of the Year) after losing the duo to graduation. But back is big hitter Brea Burrell (Northwestern State-commit). Burrell returns after a first-team, all-district season where she had 288 kills and 69 digs. Other key returners include Lizzy Young (236 digs and 16 aces) and Jordan Rambo (398 assists and 95 digs), who where both honorable mention, all-district selections. Sophie Ocampo and Megan Wilson are two others to keep an eye on this season as well. Christie Mewis, who won her 400th career game as a coach last season, enters her second her at Kingwood having to replace 10 seniors, which means a new looking group will take the floor this fall. A key to their success, Mewis said will be utilizing their size to dominate at the net.
(Reached 6A Regional Quarterfinals)
SPARTANS TRYING TO GET BACK TO STATE: Two years ago, Seven Lakes reached the final game of the season, playing for the Class 6A State Championship. Last year, the Spartans' run to a second-straight state tournament appearance was halted in the Regional Quarterfinals by eventual state runner-up Ridge Point. There's a very good chance that these two powers could collide again in the playoffs in a few months. The Spartans will have to replace the production of Natalie Winter and Morgan Janda, who led the team in kills and assists, respectively. Despite those losses, Seven Lakes has plenty of firepower back. Superstar Ally Batenhorst (Nebraska-commit) returns for her junior season. Batenhorst is a USA Youth Team player and was the District 19-6A Most Valuable Attacker last season. Batenhorst finished with 377 kills, 202 digs, 84 blocks and 42 aces. Gabrielle Collins also returns after a first-team, all-district season with a team-leading 127 blocks and 115 kills. The player that will step in for Janda at the setter position will be Casey Batenhorst – the younger sister of Ally. Last season, Casey was second on the team with 411 assists and will be the main gear to get this Seven Lakes' offensive machine churning this season. Other key players to watch will be Nylissa Snagg (Southeastern Louisiana-commit) and Lauren Brattain. Keys to Amy Cataline's (56-22, 3rd season at Seven Lakes) group having success will be diversifying the offense and blocking. Expect Seven Lakes to be a player again in 2019.
Cinco Ranch Cougars
(Reached 6A Regional Semifinals)
COUGARS READY TO ROAR IN 2019: Cinco Ranch was one set victory away from reaching its first Regional Final since 2009 last season. But a five-set loss to Dawson ended the Cougars' season a round short. Cinco Ranch has the pieces coming back to potentially get to a Regional Final this season. First-team, all-district selections Danyle Courtley (410 kills) and Madalyn O'Brien (366 kills) are back and will power the offense. Courtley is committed to Rice, while O'Brien is committed to Texas Tech. Also returning is St. Mary's-commit Aislan Lennon (559 assists), who was a second-team, all-district selection last year. Another top returner includes Hayley Byrd. Keys to success for Danielle Wells' (13th season, 164-54 at Cinco Ranch) crew will be spreading out the offense and utilizing their weapons on the front row. Cinco Ranch will definitely contend for a district crown and deep playoff run this season.
Deer Park Deer
(Reached 6A Area Round)
TRIO OF SENIORS TO FUEL OFFENSE: The champs are here. Deer Park has made it a habit, tradition, ritual, whatever you want to call it of hoisting a district championship trophy at season's end. The Deer enter this year riding a streak of nine-straight district crowns dating back to the 2010 season. What's even more impressive is over that span of nine seasons, Deer Park has gone 119-1 in district games. Heading into 2019, the Deer are lined up for another run at a district crown and a playoff run. With a talented senior class of Adalyn Cable, Courtney Plocheck, McKenzie Morvant, Hannah Baker and Peyton Nance back, there is plenty of reasons to be excited about this team. Plocheck (258 kills), Morvant (252 kills) and Baker (251 kills) will power the offense to start. Defensively, Morvant led the team last season with 112 blocks at the net, while Baker patrolled the middle and dug up the ball 440 times. Nance also chipped in with 431 digs. With all these pieces of the puzzle back, Cortni Cox (5th season, 103-59 at Deer Park) could have this group contending deep into the playoffs.
Reagan Rutherford, Claire Jeter and Nia McCardell, Ridge Point
VYPE Class 6A Preseason Volleyball Rankings
1) Ridge Point
Ridge Point was on the cusp of bringing home the hardware in 2018. A loss in the Class 6A Championship game to Flower Mound prevented that, but fueled a team full of juniors to be ready for 2019. Gone is superstar Skylar Fields, who will star this fall at the University of Texas. Coach Lori McLaughlin has also moved on, taking the Cedar Park job. Lauren Bailey will take the coaching reigns and the cupboard is loaded. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON!
2) The Woodlands
Clara Brower, Amanda Ifeanyi and Dylan Maberry, The Woodlands
Photo by Bradley Collier/VYPE
When talking about contenders in Houston, The Woodlands must be in the conversation. The Highlanders reached the Regional Semifinals for a seventh-straight time last season before falling to Plano West. Falling short of reaching the Regional Finals snapped a five-year streak of playing in that round for The Woodlands. Heading into this season – chasing the program's fourth overall state championship and first since 2015 – The Woodlands has some top talent back. Dylan Maberry (LSU-commit) leads the offensive group after racking up an impressive 765 kills last season and was named the District 15-6A Offensive Player of the Year. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
3) Cinco Ranch
Danyle Courtley and Madalyn O'Brien, Cinco Ranch
Photo by Bradley Collier/VYPE
Cinco Ranch was one set victory away from reaching its first Regional Final since 2009 last season. But a five-set loss to Dawson ended the Cougars' season a round short. Cinco Ranch has the pieces coming back to potentially get to a Regional Final this season. First-team, all-district selections Danyle Courtley (410 kills) and Madalyn O'Brien (366 kills) are back and will power the offense. Courtley is committed to Rice, while O'Brien is committed to Texas Tech. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
4) Seven Lakes
Casey Batenhorst, Ally Batenhorst and Gabrielle Collins, Seven Lakes
Photo by Bradley Collier/VYPE
Two years ago, Seven Lakes reached the final game of the season, playing for the Class 6A State Championship. Last year, the Spartans' run to a second-straight state tournament appearance was halted in the Regional Quarterfinals by eventual state runner-up Ridge Point. There's a very good chance that these two powers could collide again in the playoffs in a few months. The Spartans will have to replace the production of Natalie Winter and Morgan Janda, who led the team in kills and assists, respectively. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
5) Pearland Dawson
Madison Deslatte, Aliyah McDonald, Nicole Deslatte, Dahlia Miller and Kamryn Scroggins, Pearland Dawson
Photo By Jamey Wright
The Pearland Dawson Eagles are a power-player in the state of Texas. The Eagles have reached the postseason the past 10 seasons, reaching at least the Regional Semis five times. Dawson advanced to the Regional Finals a year ago under first-year head coach Lauren Leth. While Leth says goodbye to superstar Kynnedi Johnson to Baylor, the nest is still loaded. Back in the huddle will be power-players Nikki Deslatte, Madison Deslatte and Aliyah McDonald. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
6) Deer Park
McKenzie Morvant, Courtney Plocheck, Hannah Baker, Adalyn Cable and Peyton Nance, Deer Park
Tabitha Burnett
The champs are here. Deer Park has made it a habit, tradition, ritual, whatever you want to call it of hoisting a district championship trophy at season's end. The Deer enter this year riding a streak of nine-straight district crowns dating back to the 2010 season. What's even more impressive is over that span of nine seasons, Deer Park has gone 119-1 in district games. Heading into 2019, the Deer are lined up for another run at a district crown and a playoff run. With a talented senior class of Adalyn Cable, Courtney Plocheck, McKenzie Morvant, Hannah Baker and Peyton Nance back, there is plenty of reasons to be excited about this team. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
7) Klein
Annie Antar, Kierstyn McFall and Devan Taylor, Klein
Photo by Lily Cox / VYPE
It was yet another solid season for the Bearkats. For the second-straight year, Klein reached the Regional Semifinals in the Region II-6A playoffs. A 3-1 loss to Prosper ended Klein's hopes of reaching its first Regional Final since 2002. In the playoffs, Klein beat the likes of Cypress Ranch and Oak Ridge to get to the fourth round, which is good experience for some of its younger players coming back. Klein will have to replace the talents of Nena Mbonu (436 kills) and Baylee Laskoskie (331 kills), who both graduated. Annie Antar returns as the top all-around player after registering 571 assists, 288 kills and 49 aces a year ago. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
8) Kingwood
Brea Burrell and Megan Wilson, Kingwood
Photo by Bradley Collier/VYPE
Another year and another playoff berth. Kingwood banked its 29th-straight postseason berth in 2018 after finishing undefeated in District 22-6A. The Mustangs reached the second round before falling to Pearland Dawson. Kingwood does have to replace the production of Camden Gray and Peyton Shamp (District Offensive Player of the Year) after losing the duo to graduation. But back is big hitter Brea Burrell (Northwestern State-commit). Burrell returns after a first-team, all-district season where she had 288 kills and 69 digs. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
9) Memorial
Lyla Taylor, Logan LeRoux and Brooke Duncan, Memorial
Photo by Lily Cox / VYPE
After 38 years in coaching, Memorial coach Beth Gammill will not be patrolling the sideline in 2019. Gammill retired after an illustrious career. Stepping in will be Kaddie Platt, which is a huge get for Spring Branch ISD. Platt was the University of Houston volleyball head coach for six seasons and built Houston Baptist University (HBU) for 17 years. Platt has to replace superstar Sanaa' Dotson, who is off to Oklahoma, but she has some pieces returning. Lyla Traylor is the top returning kill artist, followed by Brooke Duncan. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
10) Klein Collins
Emma McWhorter, Mekaila Aupiu, Sarah Rogers and Erin Wyatt, Klein Collins
Photo by Jamey Wright
The Klein Collins Tigers made school history in 2018, advancing to the Regional Quarters before bowing out to The Woodlands. With realignment last year, the Tigers were tossed into one of the toughest districts in the state joining the likes of The Woodlands, Oak Ridge and College Park. Klein Collins scratched out a fourth-place finish in the district, before going on their historic run. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
11) Cy-Fair
Kara Spice, Lauryn Bourne and Bekah Portalatin, Cy-Fair
Photo by Jamey Wright/VYPE
Cy-Fair cruised through District 17-6A, going 15-1 for another title under the direction of legendary coach Donna Benotti, who earned her 700th career win as a head coach last season. Benotti is happy to welcome back District Hitter of the Year Bekah Portalatin, who is just a junior. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
12) Cypress Ranch
Ava Martinolli, Maddy Villarreal, Kailey Friedrich and Seerdyn James, Cy Ranch
Photo by Jamey Wright
The Ranch is changing hands. Football coach Gene Johnson, the school's only head coach, departed for Waller during the offseason. Volleyball coach Candice Fuchs has also said goodbye to Cypress Ranch. Chrissy Woodward takes over a Mustangs' squad that won district last season; reached the second round of the postseason and has been to the playoffs eight-straight years. Not a bad gig, right? Cypress Ranch also returns some solid, young pieces to a team that should challenge for another District 14-6A crown. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
13) Clear Springs
Shyia Richardson and Avery Reynolds, Clear Springs
Photo by Lily Cox / VYPE
The Clear Springs Chargers rolled through District 24-6A undefeated and reached the Regional Quarters. Despite the setback to George Ranch in last year's postseason, the Chargers are back under the direction of coach Shannon McClellen. Entering her eighth year as head coach, McClellen returns a loaded stable of seven all-district athletes. It starts with Shyia Richardson (483 kills), who was the co-Offensive Player of the Year in 2018. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
14) Oak Ridge
Piper Boydstun, Katie Mullen, Savanna Meyer, Abby Fowler and Emma Smith, Oak Ridge
Photo by Bradley Collier/VYPE
The Oak Ridge War Eagles have some things working against them. The north Houston program graduated four all-state players and the opening of new super school Grand Oaks in Conroe ISD is drastically changing the enrollment. No sweat, right? The team that reached back-to-back state tourneys in 2015 and 2016 returns some serious talent and a big-time coach. Rachel Croley enters her second season at the helm after going 39-10 in year one. Croley was the top assistant at super-power The Woodlands in years past and has always been attached to a state-ranked team. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
15) Baytown Sterling
Brooke Benoit, Kaitlyn Stork, Jasmine Moore, Bailee St. Romain, Alexandria Lee and Kayla Jones, Baytown Sterling
Photo by Bradley Collier/VYPE
Baytown Sterling was on the cusp of being on top of the district last year. In 2018, the Rangers were two wins away from being District 21-6A Champions. Because of that, they made it into the playoffs for a secondstraight season. Baytown Sterling brings back five first-team, all-district selections; two postseason award winners and a majority of its offensive and defensive firepower. Kayla Jones and Bailee St. Romain return as two of the main centerpieces for the team. Jones was the District 21-6A Defensive Player of the Year and was named first-team, all-district. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
16) Cypress Creek
Alexandra Evans-Brooks, Paige Underbrink, Lindsey Kriendler and Kiara Thomas, Cypress Creek
Photo by Jamey Wright
Just over 20 years ago, Cypress Creek was THE volleyball power in the Greater Houstonarea. The Cougars won state titles in 1997, 1993 and 1989. Under the direction of coach Reagan Smith, Cypress Creek was back in the postseason last year for the first time in five years, earning the fourth seed. The Cougars knocked off Westside, before losing to Katy. Gone are four decorated seniors, but the Cougar den is full of hungry volleyballers ready to leave their own legacy. A pair of first-teamers return in setter Paige Underbrink and junior hitter Linnea McClendon. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
17) Pearland
April Conant, Jacqueline Arrington and Chloe Jordan, Pearland
Photo by Bradley Collier / VYPE
The Pearland Oilers return to the hardwood in August after a third-place finish in District 23- 6A and a first-round exit by Clear Falls. Coach Christian Dunn is ready to see what his 2019 squad has in store after a solid offseason. The Rig is full of solid "hands" ready to get back in the citywide conversation. The strength of the Oilers is at the net. First-team, all-district selections Jacqueline Arrington and April Conant return and should have over 250 kills apiece. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
18) Summer Creek
McKay Wilson, Tauryn Cummings, Bailey Bryant, BreAnna McDonald, Alaryss Medina and Jozie Dhayer, Summer Creek
Photo By Bradley Collier/VYPE
Coach Sarah Aguilar has completely changed the culture within the Summer Creek volleyball program. There is a buzz around the team in the community and within the school. The Bulldogs reached the second round of the playoffs last year after a second-place finish in a tough district. Aguilar says goodbye to five seniors, but the third-year head coach has some young game-changers. The leader of the pack is sophomore setter Jozie Dhayer, who burst onto the scene as a freshman leader. She is joined by junior Bailey Bryant in running the offense. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
19) Clear Falls
Blakely Montgomery, Mia Johnson and Rachel Brown, Clear Falls
Photo by Bradley Collier / VYPE
The Lyndsay Hodges-era at Clear Falls is over. For nearly a decade, Hodges was a force at the helm building a record of 243-101 and reaching a state title game in 2014. Alison Kley Williams takes over at Clear Falls, which has been a power program down south since it opened. The Knights are coming off a second-place district finish, led by four seniors. Clear Falls then went three rounds deep before falling to Dawson in the Regional Quarters. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.
20) Katy
Maddie Waak, Hannah Hoover and Maddie Thayer, Katy
Photo by Bradley Collier/VYPE
The Tigers are in a highly-competitive volleyball district with the likes of Seven Lakes, Cinco Ranch and Tompkins. Katy is in the conversation as a district title contender after finishing second in the conference a year ago. The Tigers went three rounds deep, falling in the Regional Quarters to district-mate Cinco Ranch, of course. Back to run the offense for coach Karen Paxton after a first-team, all-district selection as a freshman is Maddie Waak, who has verbally committed to LSU. She has a tremendous court IQ and will never leave the floor. FULL TEAM PREVIEW COMING SOON.