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Dawson's Jenna Thedford
THE PLAYMAKERS: Taking the Next Step, powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, as the Fall season continues to heat up.
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Samantha Loyd -- Dickinson Volleyball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Dickinson recently made their introduction into our H-Town Top-25 this past week, and for good reason.
While they may have been overlooked to begin the season, that is no longer the case, as they have surged into the second half of the season with a 20-10 start.
Most recently, the Gators claimed the district opener against Clear Creek and Clear Brook, in a pair of five-set thrillers, which has them sitting pretty heading into the next series of matchups.
Their success thus far can be accredited to the team's offensive dominance, with senior OH Samantha Loyd (Stonehill College-commit) being coach Kati Farias' top contributor.
As it stands, Loyd has registered over 350 kills and averages nearly 5 per set, along with 200 digs and 33 blocks.
If she keeps up this pace, a first-team, all-district selection is almost certainly in her future, if not District 24-6A MVP honors.
However, she's likely more focused on the team's performance, as the Gators contend for a title in the coming weeks.
Amarion Fuller -- Manvel Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Although the Mavericks did drop their first two games of the season -- granted, against incredibly formidable opponents (Galveston Ball & Barbers Hill) -- they were finally able to get back on track in the district, with their imposing 75-21 win against Pasadena Memorial last Thursday.
Putting up points hasn't seemed to be too much of a struggle for coach Kirk Martin's offense, but the team's defense still has some details to iron out as they progress through the remainder of their difficult schedule .
The talent is certainly there, particularly in Manvel's linebacker corps, led by senior Amarion Fuller.
After earning second-team, all-district honors a year ago, Fuller has begun the Fall right where he left off, with 23 tackles to his name already, including three for loss.
While the Mavs D has their work cut out for them in the next couple of weeks, with Shadow Creek and Pearland next up in district-play, Fuller should continue to anchor the group as they look to minimize opposing damage.
Jenna Thedford -- Dawson Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Eagles (21-10) put up some impressive performances throughout their pre-district schedule, most notably securing wins over contenders such as Ridge Point, Cy Ranch, and College Park.
This should have them well-prepared when facing off against their 22-6A counterparts into October, as they look to match up against Pearland and Shadow Creek further down the line.
Although offensive capability is vital towards a team's success, the same can be said for that of the defensive side. For Dawson, in particular, that's Jenna Thedford's specialty.
Through their first 30 exhibitions, the junior libero has averaged roughly six digs per set, currently bringing her total to 416, in addition to 36 serving aces.
She will undoubtedly play a key role in Dawson's playoff-push moving forwards, alongside Kennedy Jones (Sr. MH), Sloane Ranney (Jr. OH), Keaton Points (Jr. MH), and Taylor Ranney (Jr. S), among others.
Joseph Credit -- Pearland Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
After narrowly falling to new power Fulshear (19-12) in the season opener, Pearland proceeded to secure two shutout victories over Memorial (27-0) and Sam Rayburn (59-0).
With two more favorable matchups -- Alvin & Manvel -- approaching, the Oilers could be on the fast-track to claiming the program's first district title since 2018.
As the stats indicate, the team's defense has allowed a mere average of just over 6 points per game, giving coach BJ Gotte's offense ample opportunity to capitalize.
The catalyst behind PHS' stalwart approach is none other than junior linebacker Joseph Credit, who has already accumulated 22 tackles (7.3 average).
His performance thus far should only strengthen his case as a potential favorite for District 22-6A Defensive Player of the Year honors, following his second-team, all-district nod in 2023.
Additionally, Credit holds numerous collegiate offers -- including Texas A&M, TCU, Ole Miss, Baylor, Houston, SMU, and Penn State -- and should only continue to add more to the list if he maintains his current course.
Haley Patton -- Friendswood Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
When it comes to Class 5A volleyball in the Bayou City, it doesn't get much better than Friendswood.
The No. 1 team on our most recent list, and the No. 4 ranked in the state according to Texas VBI has been clicking on all cylinders throughout the first six weeks of the Fall.
Currently boasting a record of 25-6, the Mustangs now have their sights set on claiming back-to-back district championships, and they certainly have the talent to back it.
In addition to super-star Florida-commit Nadi'ya Shelby (Jr. OH) and Caroline Adams (Jr. S), one of the other alphas of this group is, without question, Haley Patton.
We're showing some more love to the defensive side here, as Patton has consistently come in the clutch from the libero spot, evidenced by her exemplary stat-line (324 digs, 426 receptions).
Suffice it to say, coach Sarah Paulk and company appear to be THE team to beat come November.