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Deer Park's Emerie Garcia
THE PLAYMAKERS: On The Upswing powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Month, as we enter the closing stages of the Spring season.
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Friendswood Girls Golf
Photo acquired via Twitter (@FWoodGolf)
After yet another successful campaign this Spring, the Friendswood girls golf team is one of the few groups headed back to the UIL State Tournament.
The Mustangs return to Georgetown on the heels of placing first at the Region III-5A Tournament (total score of 628), which marks the first time the program has accomplished this feat in 34 years.
Coach Scott Smith should certainly be proud of the efforts made by his team, which includes Trinity Bosley, Margaret Kerr, Katherine Janda, Mary Scheschuk, and of course, senior Mary Kerr.
Kerr, in particular, was the top finisher for Friendswood in last month's Regional tourney, having shot for 152 in the two-day stretch, which made her the No. 5 overall golfer to emerge from the golf course at the Margaritaville Lake Resort.
Smith and company will now prepare to travel to Legacy Hills Golf Club this upcoming Monday, as they contend for a state championship.
Max McCloskey, Clear Creek Boys Golf
Photo acquired via Twitter (@ccwildcatgolf)
The Clear Creek golf program traveled White Wing Golf Club in Georgetown earlier this week to compete in the UIL Boys State Golf Tournament, following an exceptional performance at Regionals.
While things may not have quite panned out the way they would've hoped, the Wildcats still ended up within the Elite-12, which is a testament to the level of talent seen on the final course.
Furthermore, Clear Creek do still hold the distinction of having one of their own finish as in the top-5, individually.
Sophomore Max McCloskey concluded the two-day tourney by tying for fourth overall in Class 6A, with a final score of 141.
Despite the considerable youth on his roster, coach Daniel Brown's team displayed expertise beyond their years, which should indicate that the Wildcats may very well be back in Georgetown a year from now.
Emerie Garcia, Deer Park Softball
This Spring has seen more of what we've come to expect from the 2021 state champs -- Deer Park.
The Deer re-entered the postseason on the heels of claiming their fourth-consecutive undefeated district title, which they followed up by sweeping North Shore in the Bi-District round, bringing their current record to 27-7.
As one of the top teams in our pre-playoff rankings, it shouldn't come as a shock that the Deer would carry their momentum into the postseason. Coach Amy Vidal-Bush knows how to optimize the talent on her lineup on an annual basis, which is evidenced by the immense success the program has seen during her tenure.
This year's lineup has featured the talents of Hanna York (Houston Christian-signee), Payton Tullis (Southern Arkansas), Kylie Wilson (Prairie View-A&M), and Mia Montemayor, among others.
Although, one of the unsung heroes of the club, Emerie Garcia, has made some clutch performances in recent weeks.
The San Jac-signee racked up five RBIs to close the team's district schedule, which was followed up by similar outings against North Shore.
With their Area Round rematch against Alvin taking place this weekend, expect Garcia to have a starring role.
Wilson Klein, Lutheran South Academy Track & Field
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Following another prosperous endeavor this season, Lutheran South Academy will be returning to the TAPPS-5A State Track & Field championship this weekend.
That shouldn't come as a surprise, considering the success they've seen in years past.
With the prowess displayed by athletes such as Marcus Gaitan, Kris St. Clair, Elaine Ward, Matthew Gaitan, Cole Noack, Alma Martin, and not to mention their relays teams, the Pioneers should expect some top finishes at Midway ISD's Panther Stadium.
However, alongside the Gaitans, no LSA athlete has been more consistent in their respective event than Wilson Klein.
The Lutheran South senior recently took gold in the pole vault event at the TAPPS-5A Regional Meet, with an astounding height of 15 feet-7 inches.
The pole vault is, without question, Klein's bread-and-butter, which will be evidenced once the Pioneers take to the track to close the week.
Erianna Garcia, Clear Springs Softball
Photo acquired via Twitter (@garcia_erianna)
The Chargers made a statement to open the playoffs, by defeating a formidable Dawson team in a 2-1 series victory.
Alongside the considerable efforts made by Emma King, Logan Kieselhorst, and Alana Strever, Erianna Garcia has proven to be perhaps the most consistent weapon on coach Jennifer Knight's roster.
Garcia went 7-for-10 during the three-game series against Dawson, which included 7 RBIs to propel Clear Springs to the Area Round.
Furthermore, the uncommitted junior was recognized as the team's Offensive MVP to close April.
While Clear Springs may currently be one game down in their series against Kingwood, Garcia could easily be one of the many figures to change the tides.
2023-24 Rosehill Christian Girls Track & Field
LOCKED IN: Previewing the TAPPS State Track & Field Meet
Houston will be exceedingly well-represented, as evidenced by some exemplary showings in the respective Regional Meets.
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In Class 6A, St. Thomas and St. Agnes Academy flourished, with athletes such as Edward Bocock (St. Thomas), Lauren Brown (St. Agnes), Blake Coogan (St. Thomas), Michaela Grimes (St. Agnes), Larry Benton (St. Thomas), Sophia Bellard (St. Agnes), and both relay teams having top finishes.
Furthermore, Concordia Lutheran and The Village School experienced their fair share of success, as Kai Griffie (CLHS), Ebube Nnamdi-Nwachukwu (Village), Madison Dodd (CLHS), Adele Neuhaus (CLHS), Jesse Imemba (Village), Benjamin Fears (CLHS), and Rohan Takkar (Village) added to their collection of medals.
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Fort Bend Christian, Lutheran South, and The Woodlands Christian Academy were the stars of Class 5A, which comes as no surprise.
Bayleigh Minor (FBCA), Sarah Chappelle (TWCA), Max Granville (FBCA), Marcus & Matthew Gaitan (LSA), Brooke Perry (FBCA), Reese Muzny (TWCA), Kris St. Clair (LSA), Luke Cummings (FBCA), Wilson Klein (LSA), and Ivan Jimmy-Ducksworth (FBCA) were among the numerous competitors to take gold in their events last week.
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On the Class 4A scene, Cypress Christian and Legacy Prep Christian Academy both look poised for top finishes at the state level.
CCS will be headlined by Sophia Swanton, Adler Smith, Mariana Van Dyk, Jacob Rauch, Nicole Santos, Gavin Snyder, Parker Hirth, and each of their exceptional relay teams.
Legacy Prep will feature the talents of Brooke Beach, Charlotte Freeman, Robbie Corley, and Julianne Carr later this week.
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Rosehill Christian and Westbury Christian dominated in Class 3A, which is something fans have come to expect from their track programs.
Mercy Freeman, Kaleigh Frazier, Blake Rippy, Kaydence Frazier, and Graham Freeman are inevitably going to rack up the points for RCS, while Evelyn Carr, Jason Scott, Hunter Morgan, and their respective relay teams will do the same for Westbury Christian.
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Given all that information, check out all the athletes who excelled at Regionals and now prepare to contend for a TAPPS State Championship this week.
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Some of the stars of 2023-24 FBCA Girls Track & Field
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES AT REGIONALS
TAPPS-6A BOYS
Ebube Nnamdi-Nwachukwu, The Village School -- 1st in 100m Dash (11.22 s)
Kai Griffie, Concordia Lutheran -- 2nd in 100m Dash (11.25 s)
Blake Coogan, St. Thomas -- 1st in 200m Dash (23.20 s)
Aaron Blackman, St. Thomas -- 2nd in 200m Dash (23.25 s)
Chimdindu Chukwumaeze, The Village School -- 2nd in 400m Dash (50.43 s)
Rohan Takkar, The Village School -- 1st in 3200m Dash (9:39.22)*
Edward Bocock, St.Thomas -- 1st in 110m Hurdles (14.88 s), 1st in 300m Hurdles (38.51 s), 1st in Long Jump (20-07.25), 1st in Triple Jump (45-03.00)*
Concordia Lutheran Boys Relay Team -- 1st in 4x100m (42.90 s)*
St. Thomas Relay Team -- 2nd in 4x100m (43.38 s), 2nd in 4x200m (1:31.89), 2nd in 4x400m (3:28.77)
Jesse Imemba, The Village School -- 1st in High Jump (6-10.00)
Benjamin Fears, Concordia Lutheran -- 2nd in High Jump (6-02.00)
Roberto Pacini, St. Thomas -- 1st in Pole Vault (10-06.00)
Cameron Brown, St. Pius X -- 2nd in Long Jump (20-05.25)
Elijah Henry, St. Thomas -- 2nd in Triple Jump (42-05.50)
Larry Benton, St. Thomas -- 1st in Shot Put (55-02.00), 1st in Discus (151-06.00)
Tyler Day, St. Thomas -- 2nd in Discus (149-08.00)
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TAPPS-6A GIRLS
Lauren Brown, The Village School -- 1st in 100m Dash (12.97 s)
Madison Dodd, Concordia Lutheran -- 1st in 200m Dash (26.63 s), 2nd in 100m Dash (13.03 s)*
Zara Chinwuba, St. Agnes -- 1st in 400m Dash (59.02 s)
Mayowa Balogun, St. Agnes -- 2nd in 400m Dash (1:02.14)
Sophie Da Silva, St. Agnes -- 2nd in 1600m (5:18.09)
Michaela Grimes, St. Agnes -- 1st in 100m Hurdles (15.36 s), 2nd in 300m Hurdles (44.98 s)*
Kaitlyn Elackatt, St. Agnes -- 2nd in 100m Hurdles (16.13 s)
Eden Fuller, Incarnate Word -- 1st in 300m Hurdles (43.99 s)
St. Agnes Academy Relay Team -- 1st in 4x100m (49.01 s), 1st in 4x200m (1:47.04), 1st in 4x400m (4:06.20)*
Sophia Bellard, St. Agnes -- 1st in High Jump (5-00.00), 2nd in Triple Jump (36-04.00)*
Anna Otero, St. Agnes -- 1st in Pole Vault (9-00.00)
Emma Kramer, St. Agnes -- 2nd in Pole Vault (8-06.00)
Adele Neuhaus, Concordia Lutheran -- 1st in Long Jump (17-04.00)*
Maddy Soluren, St. Agnes -- 2nd in Long Jump (17-04.00)
Rebecca Jarosz, St. Agnes -- 1st in Triple Jump (36-06.50)
Kendall Messersmith, St. Agnes -- 1st in Shot Put (33-10.00)
Jasmine Timmons, St. Pius X -- 2nd in Shot Put (33-00.00)
Lauren Stein, Concordia Lutheran -- 1st in Discus (120-02.00)*
Leonie Aham-Neze, St. Pius X -- 2nd in Discus (99-01.00)
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TAPPS-5A BOYS
Luke Cummings, FBCA -- 1st in 200m Dash (23.04 s)
Colton Popovich, FBCA -- 2nd in 200m Dash (23.40 s)
Marcus Gaitan, Lutheran South Academy -- 1st in 800m (2:02.24), 2nd in 400m Dash (50.26 s)*
Matthew Gaitian, Lutheran South Academy -- 1st in 1600m (4:19.91), 2nd in 800m (2:03.05)*
Philip Catron, TWCA -- 3rd in 400m Dash (50.49 s)
Max Granville, FBCA -- 1st in 110m Hurdles (15.08 s), 1st in 300m Hurdles (41.15 s), 1st in High Jump (6-02.00)*
Fort Bend Christian Academy Boys Relay Team -- 1st in 4x100m (42.54 s), 1st in 4x200m (1:28.65)*
Lutheran South Academy Boys Relay Team -- 1st in 4x400m (3:27.25), 3rd in 4x100m (43.95 s), 3rd in 4x200m (1:32.73)*
Charles Molloy, FBCA -- 2nd in Long Jump (21-05.25)
Wilson Klein, Lutheran South Academy -- 1st in Pole Vault (15-07.00)
Andrew Cockrill, TWCA -- 3rd in Pole Vault (12-00.00)
Nairod Fonseca, St. John XXIII -- 1st in Triple Jump (43-00.50)
Ben Hughes, Lutheran South Academy -- 2nd in Triple Jump (41-07.25)
Ivan Jimmy-Ducksworth, FBCA -- 1st in Shot Put (53-05.25), 3rd in Discus (137-00.00)*
Kris St. Clair, Lutheran South Academy -- 1st in Discus (164-04.00), 2nd in Shot Put (51-05.25)*
Cole Noack, Lutheran South Academy -- 2nd in Discus (137-04.00)
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TAPPS-5A GIRLS
Kristen Shell, FBCA -- 2nd in 100m Dash (12.33 s)
Bayleigh Minor, FBCA -- 1st in 200m Dash (25.20 s), 1st in 400m Dash (56.35 s), 1st in Long Jump (18-11.75), 1st in Triple Jump (36-00.75)*
Jane Watkins, TWCA -- 2nd in 400m Dash (56.44 s)
Brooke Perry, FBCA -- 1st in 800m (2:23.09)
Zoe Calimani, TWCA -- 2nd in 800m (2:23.73)
Averi Garrity, St. John XXIII -- 3rd in 1600m (5:37.25), 3rd in 3200m (12:18.47)
Sarah Chappelle, TWCA -- 1st in 100m Hurdles (14.22 s), 1st in 300m Hurdles (45.62 s)*
Elaine Ward, Lutheran South Academy -- 3rd in 100m Hurdles (17.15 s)
Harper Huff, St. John XXIII -- 3rd in 300m Hurdles (49.10 s)
Fort Bend Christian Academy Girls Relay Team -- 1st in 4x200m (1:45.46), 1st in 4x400m (3:56.45), 3rd in 4x100m (50.22 s)*
St. John XXIII Girls Relay Team -- 2nd in 4x200m (1:46.47)
The Woodlands Christian Academy Girls Relay Team -- 2nd in 4x400m (4:06.23), 3rd in 4x200m (1:48.60)*
Annabelle Lanik, St. John XXIII -- 2nd in Triple Jump (35-11.50), 3rd in Long Jump (17-10.00)*
Reese Muzny, TWCA -- 1st in Pole Vault (11-00.00)
Alma Martin, Lutheran South Academy -- 2nd in Pole Vault (10-00.00)
Makynna Robbins, Lutheran South Academy -- 2nd in Shot Put (37-00.50)
Taylor Makiya, TWCA -- 3rd in Discus (119-02.00)
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TAPPS-4A BOYS
Adler Smith, Cypress Christian -- 1st in 200m Dash (23.17 s), 3rd in 100m Dash (10.91 s)*
Joshua Armstrong, BACS -- 3rd in 400m Dash (52.30 s), 3rd in 800m (2:03.35)
Cypress Christian School Boys Relay Team -- 3rd in 4x100m (43.96 s), 3rd in 4x400m (3:33.46)*
Parker Hirth, Cypress Christian -- 2nd in 110m Hurdles (15.89 s), 3rd in 300m Hurdles (43.34 s)*
Robbie Corley, LPCA -- 3rd in High Jump (5-06.00)
Gavin Snyder, Cypress Christian -- 1st in Pole Vault (14-00.00)*
Jacob Rauch, Cypress Christian -- 1st in Shot Put (50-02.50)*
Andrew Owen, Cypress Christian -- 3rd in Shot Put (44-09.50)
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TAPPS-4A GIRLS
Sophia Swanton, Cypress Christian -- 2nd in 100m Dash (12.52 s), 2nd in Pole Vault (10-06.00), 3rd in 200m Dash (26.90 s)*
Madeline Talkington, Cypress Christian -- 3rd in 100m Dash (12.71 s)
Mackenna Bessler, BACS -- 2nd in 400m Dash (1:04.81), 3rd in 800m (2:28.45)*
Charlotte Freeman, LPCA -- 1st in 800m (2:22.85), 1st in 1600m (5:25.65)*
Julianne Carr, LPCA -- 2nd in 800m (2:27.85)
Anna Gisler, Logos Prep -- 3rd in 1600m (5:41.39)
Cypress Christian School Girls Relay Team -- 2nd in 4x100m (49.82 s), 2nd in 4x400m (4:21.64)*
Legacy Prep Christian Academy Girls Relay Team -- 1st in 4x400m (4:16.57), 2nd in 4x200m (1:51.51)*
Logos Prep Academy Girls Relay Team -- 3rd in 4x400m (4:22.49)
Brooke Beach, LPCA -- 2nd in 100m Hurdles (17.28 s), 2nd in 300m Hurdles (51.52 s), 2nd in High Jump (5-00.00)*
Sam Stanley, BACS -- 1st in 300m Hurdles (50.31 s), 3rd in 100m Hurdles (17.30 s)*
Addison Doss, Logos Prep -- 1st in Pole Vault (11-00.00)
Kennedy Moore, St. Thomas Episcopal -- 1st in High Jump (5-00.00)
Kirsten Rasmussen, BACS -- 3rd in High Jump (5-00.00)
Nicole Santos, Cypress Christian -- 1st in Long Jump (16-07.50), 1st in Triple Jump (36-02.75)*
Rachel Czagas, Cypress Christian -- 3rd in Long Jump (16-05.00)
Mariana Van Dyk, Cypress Christian -- 1st in Shot Put (36-09.25), 1st in Discus (127-01.00)
Skylar Davis, Cypress Christian -- 2nd in Shot Put (34-05.50), 3rd in Discus (110-00.00)
Brenna Fledderman, BACS -- 3rd in Shot Put (32-01.00)
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TAPPS-3A BOYS
Blake Rippy, Rosehill Christian -- 2nd in 200m Dash (23.72 s)
Graham Freeman, Rosehill Christian -- 2nd in 400m Dash (51.74 s)
Westbury Christian School Boys Relay Team -- 1st in 4x100m (43.47 s), 1st in 4x200m (1:32.65)*
Rosehill Christian School Boys Relay Team -- 1st in 4x400m (3:35.05)*
Hunter Morgan, Westbury Christian -- 3rd in High Jump (5-10.00)
Jason Scott, Westbury Christian -- 3rd in Long Jump (20-02.75)
Kenny Nelson, Rosehill Christian -- 3rd in Shot Put (47-05.00)
Luke Smith, Rosehill Christian -- 3rd in Discus (132-09.00)
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TAPPS-3A GIRLS
Mercy Freeman, Rosehill Christian -- 1st in 100m Dash (12.52 s), 1st in 200m Dash (26.50 s), 1st in Long Jump (18-05.75), 1st in Triple Jump (36-09.25)*
Kaydence Frazier, Rosehill Christian -- 2nd in 200m Dash (27.26 s), 3rd in Long Jump (16-08.00)
Kaleigh Frazier, Rosehill Christian -- 1st in 100m Hurdles (14.22 s), 1st in 300m Hurdles (43.61 s)*
Evelyn Carr, Westbury Christian -- 2nd in 300m Hurdles (51.63 s)
Rosehill Christian School Girls Relay Team -- 1st in 4x100m (49.21 s), 1st in 4x400m (4:23.11), 2nd in 4x200m (1:51.59)*
Westbury Christian School Girls Relay Team -- 1st in 4x200m (1:51.22), 3rd in 4x100 (51.97 s)*
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