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Carter Hedges is one of several siblings at SBS
FAMILY BONDS: The Sibling Connection Runs Deep at Second Baptist School
This year was no exemption as several siblings shared a locker room outside of their home. The Eagle girls’ basketball team had another tremendous season on the court, advancing to the TAPPS State Final under the direction of coach John Herndon. They fell just short of hoisting the trophy, but memories were made and relationships were strengthened.
Junior Emma and freshman Grace Wehring had a chance to look back on their season.
“It was weird at first because I had my own friendships and dynamic with my teammates, but it ended up being the best season with her,” Emma Wehring said. “We got to go to all the tournaments together and make so many memories that I will always cherish.
“Grace did amazing this year and I really think she stepped up when we needed her. She played with confidence and defined her role as a hard-worker on the team.”
Being the younger sister has its privileges.
“Emma helped me early on as I was able to start building relationships, but most importantly, she prepared me for what the season would look like early and how I could be ready for it,” Grace Wehring said.
“Being teammates with my sister made me see her in a place I never did before. I got to see how she is a leader and how she uses her work ethic to encourage others to work just as hard. Our relationship strengthened throughout the season as we learned more about each other playing on the court, and eventually translating to things outside of basketball.”
Emma Wehring
The Eagle baseball team bound together to make a run at defending their TAPPS State Title from 2022. Two integral parts to SBS’ success were Ty and Wes Baker.
Ty is the veteran Texas A&M-signee and Wes is the up-and-coming sophomore, who came in clutch at the plate for the Eagles.
“He (Wes) had a good year,” Ty Baker said. “He definitely had to earn his role and as expected he had his highs and lows. But watching him outwork people behind the scenes was special. He never gave up and ended up being third on the team in batting average.”
Little brother, Wes, leaned on his older brother for encouragement. “My freshman year, I was lucky to become close to most of the guys due to Ty helping me get to become friends with them,” Wes Baker said. “Our relationship became stronger due to the competition we were put through together. It was a blast getting to see close up how he handled the ups and downs of a season.”
The Hedges name has been synonymous with SBS football. Colin Hedges anchored the defensive line back in 2021 and now plays at Lamar University.
“Colin taught me the importance of hard work over genetic disadvantages,” senior Carter Hedges said. “Freshman and sophomore year, Colin was shorter and smaller than every other lineman on the team. Rather than give up on football, he went to the gym incessantly. Colin showed me that success can be taken through hard work even when you are not as gifted as others.
“Unfortunately, my legacy ends in high school, but I hope I will be remembered by my peers and my little brothers as the hardest worker on the field. I hope Clayton and Colby will follow in the footsteps of Colin and myself by leaving everything on the field and out working the competition.”
The next generation of Hedges is on the way. Clayton played this year on varsity and Colby will soon be in high school.
“It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish,” Clayton Hedges said. “Carter didn’t get significant playing time until his senior year, but my older brother Colin started his junior year. Both of them prepared in practice every day like they were starting. Their journeys remind me to treat every rep like I’m the starter, so that when my name is called – I’ll be ready.”
One of the more unique relationships inside of SBS, came on the pitch. Twins Isaac and Samuel Konuma anchored the Eagles soccer team as they competed for a playoff berth.
“Being able to share my soccer career with my twin brother is amazing,” Isaac Konuma said. “We have played on every team
together and it has brought us closer as brothers. We have built great chemistry on the field because of our countless hours playing together. Something challenging about playing with my brother is that we both play very different positions and we both have to train very differently.”
Sports tie families even closer together. Mom and dad have to call a time out at the dinner table at times.
“Our relationship changed as teammates because we started holding each other more accountable and worked together to become better players,” Samuel Konuma said. “I feel like being teammates grew us closer. During the season, soccer is basically all that we talk about.”
What better teammate can you have, than a sibling? It’s a win-win for everyone and creates memories that will last a lifetime.
The SBS Way.
Second Baptist's Olivia "Livy" Sauvageau
HER TEAM: SBS' Sauvageau emerges as undisputed leader
The Eagles have captured three consecutive, undefeated district titles -- the most recent of which coming off a stellar 22-5 regular season (10-0 in district) en route to their third-straight appearance in the TAPPS-5A State Championship.
SBS' Trio of Senior Stars: (Left to Right) Kate Marshall, Olivia Walker, and Ella RyanJustin Hartojo (VYPE)
So, who takes the baton next season?
Olivia “Livy” Sauvageau will run the show. The junior point guard was the TAPPS District 5-5A MVP, first-team all-state and was named to the State's All-Tournament Team.
“I’m working on being a more vocal leader, which will be important for the younger players,” said Sauvageau. “I have always been good at leading by example, but for us to win, I will need to set the tone by being vocal.”
Claiming an undisputed MVP selection is no easy feat, especially when you share the court with a surplus of top-notch talent that SBS had in its arsenal.
However, Sauvageau has not so subtly emerged as one of the Eagles’ most essential assets on the hardwood, having already earned three all-state nods and two district MVPS.
“It has required a lot of extra training and work,” Sauvageau said. “Every day, I’m trying to do a little more to improve on all parts of my game, but I enjoy it. Being on a team at SBS has been a lot of fun. Our coaches have plenty of experience. The practices are well planned out, so we all feel prepared and are on the same page for each opponent we face.”
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Considering that she has been competing alongside Walker, Ryan and Marshall for the last three years, Sauvageau recognized the impact the three have had on her, particularly their relationship and her own progression with them.
“They [Walker, Ryan, and Marshall] were such a big part of the program,” said Sauvageau. “Due to the time we’ve spent together over the past three years, they’ve become like family to me. We’ve created memories we’ll never forget. Watching them leave is sad, but they left a great legacy and example for players to come.”
The new captain will need to rally a new set of troops.
“With our three seniors leaving, we lost some strong players,” she said. “Therefore, everyone is going to have to put in the work and get better during the offseason so we can make another run next winter.”
Spoken like a true leader.