GAMES
RANKINGS
The stars of 2023-24 Lutheran South Academy Volleyball
DOWN TO THE WIRE: Previewing the TAPPS Final Four matchups; Photo Gallery
Here is a breakdown of what's to come this week.
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Concordia Lutheran Crusaders vs. Prestonwood Christian Lions
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Concordia Lutheran (37-12; 9-2) have blazed through the first two rounds of the postseason, sweeping both Trinity Christian and John Paul II to punch their ticket to the final four.
In her first season back with the team, Coach Kim Odinga wasted no time in optimizing her talented lineup.
Senior OPP Rylee Henderson (West Georgia-commit), Kinzie Riley (Jr. OH), Haley Herndon (Jr. OPP), and Adele Neuhaus (Sr. MH) have been among the numerous weapons on offense, while Texas State-commit Anna Blaine, Carmen Harless (Dallas Baptist), Carleigh Schluter (Sam Houston), and Sara Sellers (Jr. DS) have played brilliantly on the supporting end.
The Crusaders will look to keep their momentum rolling as they prepare to face Prestonwood Christian (34-4; 12-0) who is on a tear of their own.
If successful, Concordia Lutheran will return to the state championship game for the first time since 2018.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Kirra Musgrove -- LSA
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Fort Bend Christian Eagles vs. Lutheran South Pioneers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
FBCA (33-5; 13-2) is coming a big-time win (3-1) against St. Joseph, and they have their sights set on a return to the TAPPS-5A championship game.
It's no secret who the stars are. Bayleigh Minor (Jr. MB), Ruth Ochelli (Jr. RS), Layne Bulow (Jr. OH), and Cambry Gerardi (Sr. OH) round out an deadly offensive quarter for the Eagles, with Daniela Ramirez (So. L) and Lauren LeRoux (Jr. S) providing support on the back-side of the rotation.
On the LSA side, the Pioneers (40-7; 14-1) earned the TAPPS 5A-District 5 title prior to defeating San Antonio Christian and St. John XXIII in last week's five-set nail-biter.
Junior setter Kirra Musgrove has been on fire all season (575 kills) and that's evidently carried over into the postseason. She is backed up by a slew of playmakers -- namely, Taylor Crain (Sr. L), Aniston Collins (So. S), Kenna Sambrano (Jr. MH), and Remy Keller (Sr. OH).
These two clubs have already played each other three times this season, with LSA holding a one game advantage over the Eagles. However, FBCA defeated the Pioneers in the State Semis a year ago, so this could really be anyone's game.
Suffice it to say, this is one matchup you won't want to miss
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Rosehill Christian Eagles vs. Keystone Christian Cobras
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Rosehill Christian (27-9; 14-0) has been on a hot-streak throughout the entire Fall season, which has continued into the TAPPS-3A playoffs.
The Eagles reached the State Semis a year ago, but nearly fell to Round Rock Christian. Now is their chance for redemption and it seems like they are a up to the task, with Keystone Christian (26-6; 8-0) -- whom the Eagles defeated in the postseason a year ago -- standing in their way.
Returning TAPPS All-State honorees, Kaleigh Frazier (Sr. OH) and Mercy Freeman (Sr. MH), will be key contributors in the upcoming battle, alongside Keely McNeill (Sr. S), McKenzie Pamphile (Sr. MH), and Macy McPartland (Sr. L).
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TAPPS-6A BRACKET
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TAPPS-5A BRACKET
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TAPPS-3A BRACKET
The stars of 2023-24 Bridgeland Bears Volleyball
THE KNITTY GRITTY: Several teams closing in on imminent district titles
Not much has changed in the Class 5A scene, other than Magnolia West undergoing a surge in the back-half of the regular season, which bodes well for a coveted spot in the postseason. Additionally, Montgomery is experiencing a similar trend after defeating Lake Creek in a 3-2 set nail-biter.
In the private school scene, FBCA remains the prime H-Town candidate for a TAPPS title as the Eagles continue to pick up speed in the waning moments of the regular season. Meanwhile, Rosehill Christian and Legacy Prep are making a case for themselves as worthy contenders in their respective conferences.
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THE VYPE RANKINGS
Class 6A Top 20 (Numbers in parentheses indicate current record)
1. Grand Oaks Grizzlies (38-1; 12-0 in district)
2. Cinco Ranch Cougars (28-5; 12-0 in district)
3. Stratford Spartans (32-6; 9-0 in district)
4. Cypress Ranch Mustangs (28-5; 9-0 in district)
5. Pearland Dawson Eagles (31-8; 8-0 in district)
6. Deer Park Deer (27-9; 7-0 in district)
7. Tomball Memorial Wildcats (31-8; 9-0 in district)
8. Pearland Oilers (29-10; 7-1 in district)
9. Katy Tompkins Falcons (23-9; 10-2 in district)
10. College Park Cavaliers (20-7; 9-2 in district)
11. Bridgeland Bears (23-11; 7-2 in district)
12. Langham Creek Lobos (29-9; 7-2 in district)
13. Clear Springs Chargers (26-12; 8-0 in district)
14. Ridge Point Panthers (26-13; 11-1 in district)
15. The Woodlands Highlanders (27-14; 9-3 in district)
16. Fort Bend Austin Bulldogs (24-14; 10-2 in district)
17. Atascocita Eagles (22-10; 9-0 in district)
18. Tomball Cougars (22-10; 8-1 in district)
19. Seven Lakes Spartans (21-14; 8-3 in district)
20. Katy Jordan Warriors (25-11; 8-3 in district)
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Atascocita Eagles
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Class 5A Top 10
1. Barbers Hill Eagles (32-7; 9-0 in district)
2. Friendswood Mustangs (21-9; 8-0 in district)
3. Fulshear Chargers (28-4; 8-0 in district)
4. Foster Falcons (26-8; 8-1 in district)
5. Baytown Sterling Rangers (16-14; 6-3 in district)
6. Magnolia West Mustangs (16-14; 6-3 in district)
7. Goose Creek Memorial Patriots (22-12; 6-3 in district)
8. Montgomery Bears (24-15; 4-5 in district)
9. Magnolia Bulldogs (17-16; 4-5 in district)
10. Manvel Mavericks (18-17; 6-1 in district)
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Private School Top 10
1. Fort Bend Christian Academy Eagles (27-3; 10-0 in district)
2. Lutheran South Academy Pioneers (32-7; 9-1 in district)
3. Episcopal Knights (26-9; 4-0 in district)
4. Concordia Lutheran Crusaders (31-11; 6-1 in district)
5. Rosehill Christian Eagles (21-8; 10-0 in district)
6. Legacy Prep Lions (23-3-4; 4-1 in district)
7. St. John's Mavericks (17-9; 5-1 in district)
8. Kinkaid School Falcons (9-10; 3-2 in district)
9. The John Cooper School Dragons (17-8 3-2 in district)
10. Second Baptist Eagles (12-11; 3-3 in district)