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Santa Fe's Sidne Peters
THE PLAYMAKERS: Ballers, Aces and Fresh Faces powered by UTMB Health
Lauren Ferguson, Lutheran South Academy Swim
LSA's Lauren Ferguson
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Lutheran South Academy swim returned to the TAPPS State Finals once again, marking their fourth-consecutive appearance. In the 2022-23 campaign, the girls’ side made tremendous strides to become contenders, leading to their appearance in the State Meet. This was due to the meteoric rise of sophomore Lauren Ferguson. As the younger sister of former LSA swim star, Chase Ferguson, she is establishing herself as the future of Lady Pioneers swim. She was exceptional in the State Finals, earning silver in the 500yd Freestyle (5:29.17), and placing fourth in the 200yd Freestyle (2:02.48). With two more years to go, the sky is the limit for Ferguson.
Joshua Moore, Clear Falls Basketball
Clear Falls' Joshua Moore
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
The Knights have been on a tear this Winter season. After going 24-7 in the regular season to clinch a district title (10-2), Clear Falls is in the process of making school history by advancing to the UIL Regional Semifinals. Senior guard Joshua Moore (10 PPG, 3 APG, 2 SPG), along with fellow senior Orlando Horton Jr., has been dynamic on the hardwood. With the State Tournament quickly approaching, CFHS will look to the dual-threat Moore to help guide the Knights to the promised land.
Sidne Peters, Santa Fe Softball
Santa Fe's Sidne Peters
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Indians softball is fueled by the arm of senior RHP Sidne Peters. The two-time District 22-5A MVP was invaluable for Santa Fe in 2022, throwing for a ridiculous 0.80 ERA with a 23-5 record that featured 290 strikeouts. Furthermore, she maintained a .406 batting average, with 43 RBIs and 10 home runs. After falling to UIL 5A State Champ Lake Creek in the ‘22 Regional Finals, the University of Washington-signee will aim to change the narrative in her swan-song season at Santa Fe.
Janelle Wilson, Friendswood Softball
Friendswood's Janelle Wilson
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
After reaching the Regional Semifinals for the first time in sixteen years, Friendswood softball shows no signs of slowing down. The Mustangs’ roster is loaded from top to bottom, including a trusty bullpen that is led by the first-team, all-district selection Janelle Wilson. Fresh off the heels of a 2022 Spring season that saw the UNC-signee pitch for a 1.26 ERA (129 Ks), and bat for a .345 average with 26 RBIs, Wilson will be depended on to help usher Friendswood back to the playoffs as their ace on the mound.
David Ramirez, Clear Falls Baseball
Clear Falls' David Ramirez
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Clear Falls returns to the diamond this Spring with aspirations to build upon their 2022 momentum that featured a trip to the Area Round of the UIL postseason. Sophomore LHP David Ramirez emerges as one of the stars of the Knights’ bullpen. With the experience he’s already gained with the Texas Senators, Ramirez is already committed to the University of Texas, and will seek to add to his growing list of accomplishments. He looks to push the Knights to vie for district supremacy against rival Clear Creek and beyond.
Lutheran South Academy's Marcus Cantu
THE FRESHMAN: Texas-commit Cantu set to represent LSA Baseball
Cantu stepped up big-time in his first season as the Pioneers’ quarterback, leading the team to a playoff berth while also earning first-team, all-district honors, the District's Freshman of the Year and award and LSA Offensive MVP honors.
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“I’ve been playing football since I was seven years old and I’ve always loved the game and have had fun with my friends,” said Cantu. “I really enjoyed my first year on varsity playing with a good group of guys. It’s truly a blessing to have been recognized as the Offensive MVP -- especially as a freshman.”
Considering that Cantu had a tremendous first season at LSA, it might come as a surprise that football isn’t even his primary sport.
Cantu, 15, happens to be a top-tier baseball player, playing multiple positions (SS/2B/OF) for the USA 15U (15 and up) National Team. He’s been honing his talents from a young age.
“Ever since I was five years old, I’ve been playing with kids one to two years older than me,” Cantu said. “By doing this, I was challenged daily to play at my very best in order to compete with more experienced players. I’ve also dedicated tons of extra hours of hard work, improving and refining all my skills. Most importantly, God has blessed me with great athleticism and talent.”
His proficiency beyond his years has allowed the young man the opportunity to be scouted by college recruiters. Due to this, Cantu has already committed to the University of Texas, ahead of his freshmen season of LSA baseball.
Photo acquired via Cantu's Twitter: @marcuscantu2026
“At the end of last summer, I received an invitation from [The University of] Texas to attend an elite-level workout camp in August (2022) where I competed against other top prospects. I did very well,” said Cantu. “It was after this camp that I received the official offer from Texas. UT has the best baseball program and coaching staff in the country. They’ve won six National Championships and 38 College World Series appearances. I’ve gotten offers from other schools, but Texas was clearly my top choice since UT is my dream school.”
Cantu has been working for this opportunity his whole life, and his family has been backing him along the way.
“My biggest inspiration is my dad,” Cantu said. “He works so hard helping me with my game and giving me every opportunity that he can to help me succeed. My dad helps push me to be better and keeps me accountable with high standards, while also encouraging me and being a great role model.”
While baseball season is nearly upon us, Cantu is ready to represent the green and white.
“My focus through high school and summer travel baseball will be to continue to develop my skills,” said Cantu. “I want to keep getting better in every aspect of the game so I can be fully prepared when I arrive at Texas and make an impact as a freshman. I want to contribute to the success of the team in any way I can.”
Keep watching the generational talent that is Marcus Cantu. He might just be playing in the "Bigs" one day.