GAMES
RANKINGS
Shadow Creek's Mackenzie Collins
THE PLAYMAKERS: Conquerors of the Court powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Volleyball Athletes of the 2024 Season, who represented South Houston with style this Fall.
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Mackenzie Collins -- Shadow Creek
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
In her first year back with the Shadow Creek program, Mackenzie Collins did exactly what we expected her to do -- bulk up an already-thriving squad.
By the end of their season, the Sharks advanced all the way to the UIL-6A-D2 Region III Final for the first time ever, and finished with a stellar record of 35-12, which was a mark that Collins had plenty of responsibility for.
When all was said and done, the Texas-commit had registered 615 kills, 222 digs, 44 blocks, and 53 serving aces in 2024.
Of course, she had plenty of help on the floor, with Bella Law (Jr. S), Lauryn Wiley (Jr. L), Aspen Brown (So. OH), Kennedy Proctor (So. MH) each making significant contributions throughout the year.
But, the clear impact that the senior middle blocker had on this team cannot be denied, which was addressed when we named her the All-VYPE Middle of the Year.
Collins can now turn her attention to the Under Armour Next All-American game in January, prior to what should be another spectacular season on the track for the future Longhorn.
Samantha Loyd -- Dickinson
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Dickinson was one of those squads that some overlooked prior to the Fall. However, they wasted little time in changing that status.
In what was easily their best performance over the past decade, the Gators wound up going 33-13 this year, which was capped off by an appearance in the Area Round.
This was thanks, in large part, to the remarkable efforts made by senior Samantha Loyd.
From the outside hitter position, Loyd managed to produce a whopping 685 kills, 401 digs, 762 receptions, and 62 blocks throughout the Fall, which naturally resulted in her being named the Co-District 24-6A MVP.
While the season might have ended sooner than she might have hoped, Loyd should feel pride in her achievement as she finishes out the remainder of her senior year before moving on to Stonehill College.
Avery Koonsen -- Pearland
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
With coach Jamie Gill at the helm, the Oilers were widely regarded as one of the most dominant forces to come out of the Houston-area entering the postseason.
After claiming the District 22-6A title, Pearland proceeded to reach the third round of the playoffs, where they were ultimately bested by eventual State Finalist Fulshear, ending the year 40-6 overall.
Despite that fact, it can be argued that this was one of the state's most balanced rosters.
Among its numerous stars -- primarily Kimanni Rugley, Cora Wolford, Adrienne Enriguez, Emily Brock, Aaryn Brown, and Britney Solomon -- the one that seemingly shined brightest for the Oilers was none other than Avery Koonsen.
While the same could be said for Rugley (North Dakota-signee), who was named the District MVP, Koonsen was the spark that ignited the team's considerable run.
She went on to obtain the single-season 500-kill milestone as a junior, and received first-team, all-district honors.
Koonsen is still uncommitted, but if she keeps up this level of play, she could easily find herself on a D1 college program one day.
Caylee Young -- Clear Springs
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Although they compete in one of the city's toughest districts, Clear Springs still managed to secure their third-straight 24-6A title before advancing to the Area Round of the playoffs.
The Chargers (29-17) proved that they could compete with the best of them, as they were only narrowly eliminated by Shadow Creek in a five-set thriller.
Offense was certainly the team's strong-suit, as sophomore Caylee Young flourished in an expanded role this campaign, to the tune of 496 kills. 345 digs, 676 receptions, and 53 blocks.
Given that impressive stat-line, it's no wonder that she was given a first-team, all-district nod.
There will be plenty of cause for optimism for coach Shannon McClellan and co. heading into next year, as a significant portion of their play-makers -- including Young, Lianna Kearns, and Karmen O'Quinn -- will be back in action.
Kirra Musgrove -- Lutheran South Academy
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
When it came to private school ball in 2024, there were few teams quite as dynamic as LSA.
The Pioneers were a juggernaut throughout the regular season, as they cruised to a TAPPS-5A District 5 championship (10-1) before reaching the postseason once again.
However, given some unfortunate illnesses and/or injuries, Lutheran South would fall 3-1 to Legacy Prep in the Regional round, which cut short their mission to reach State again.
Regardless of how the season ended, the impact that senior Kirra Musgrove has had on the program throughout her career will not go unnoticed.
The Texas A&M-signee earned herself a first-team, all-state selection after racking up 380 kills, 451 assists, and 228 digs during her swan-song year.
Given all that she's done with the team, Musgrove has cemented her status as a legend at Lutheran South Academy, before she moves on to Aggieland less than a year from now.
That doesn't mean LSA (31-7 finish) won't remain a contender next Fall.
Expect younger sister, Addison Musgrove (Fr. OH) and junior setter Aniston Collins to maintain the status.
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Clear Falls' Hunter Lehman
THE PLAYMAKERS: Spooky Season, powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, as the Fall season begins to wrap up.
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Aiden Fitzgerald -- Friendswood Cross Country
With the UIL Cross Country State Meet taking place this weekend, hundreds of athletes throughout Texas are convening at Old Settler's Park in Round Rock to determine who stands above the rest.
Among the numerous Houston-area competitors preparing at the starting line, there might just be one out of Friendswood who can win it all in Class 5A.
It comes as no surprise to see Aiden Fitzgerald back at this stage, after he finished 11th overall in last year's final which resulted in him being named to the 2023 All-VYPE XC Team.
Most recently, the junior Mustang took gold at the UIL-5A Region III Meet, with an astounding time of 15:19.73 in the 5K race.
Don't be surprised if you see Fitzgerald wind up on the winner's podium by the end of the Saturday's event.
Emerson Chang -- Manvel Volleyball
Alex Hinson (VYPE)
Despite facing some tougher competition -- particularly district counterparts Pearland, Dawson, and Shadow Creek -- since moving up to Class 6A in the UIL realignment, Manvel has continued to embody their traditional sense of excellence.
The Mavs (27-13; 10-6 in District 22-6A) recently secured a playoff spot with their sweep over Dobie, marking the 12th straight season that they will enter the postseason.
We've spoken plenty of the offensive threat this team poses, with the likes of Nevaeh English, Kenedy Massie, and Kaycee Pennie keeping opponents on their toes.
But, as we all know, this is team game, meaning there should be some credit to bestow upon the other integral role players.
Speaking of, junior DS Emerson Chang has been a dynamic force on the defensive side of the net.
As it stands, she has registered 328 digs during the regular season, in addition to contributing 49 assists, which has allowed her teammates to flourish.
All the pieces are coming together for Manvel. This will be a group worth watching in November.
Hunter Lehman -- Clear Falls Football
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
The Knights enter the tenth week of the season with an impressive record of 5-3, most recently trouncing district opponent Clear Brook by the score of 70-14.
Naturally, one might assume that the team's offense (39.5 points scored per game) has been its greatest asset, based on that score-line -- and one would be correct.
However, throughout the majority of the Fall, Clear Falls' defense has played exceptional complementary ball, which doesn't always show up on a stat-sheet.
The fact that they've held opponents to under 17 points a game has provided their teammates with ample opportunity to secure wins.
Among the several key contributors on the defensive side of the ball for CFHS, junior Hunter Lehman continues to be the rock of the group.
Lehman has already tallied 89 tackles (roughly 11 per game) on the year -- 7 of which were for loss -- which is a testament to the drive he incorporates from the MLB position.
Paired with fellow junior linebacker Preston Pitts (83 tackles, 22 TFL, 6 sacks), the Clear Falls D gets scarier with each week that passes.
Bella Law -- Shadow Creek Volleyball
Some of the stars of 2024-25 Shadow Creek Volleyball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Shadow Creek has been one of the more quietly dynamic clubs in the Houston-area for the vast majority of this year.
With the playoffs looming, the Sharks (32-10) remain in our Class 6A Top-25 after sealing the third place spot in District 22-6A and now have their sights set on more.
As expected, Texas A&M-commit Mackenzie Collins (533 kills) is the team's nucleus, elevating an already-talented group that features the likes of Aspen Brown (319 kills), Lauryn Wiley (419 digs), Kennedy Proctor (104 blocks), Tamarria Mitchell (283 kills), and Kelly Kelsick (393 receptions).
The one orchestrating the whole operation, however, is none other than Bella Law.
From the setter position, the Shadow Creek junior has facilitated every possession, evidenced by the fact that she has accrued a whopping 1,151 assists during the regular season, in addition to securing 337 digs.
If the offense was an arrow, Law is the bow, which will be made perfectly clear when SCHS embarks upon what could be a lengthy run in the postseason.
Chris Creedon -- Clear Creek Cross Country
As mentioned earlier, the final meet in the UIL Cross Country season will begin this Friday, bringing all the hard work each individual has put forth to a thrilling conclusion.
Clear Creek's Chris Creedon has plenty of experience in this arena, considering he competed in the State Meet just one year ago.
Creedon punched his ticket this past week, when he produced a remarkable 5K time of 15:27.96 to place fourth overall at the UIL-6A Region III race.
He'll have some stiff competition to match up with, given the circumstances. However, the achievements he's already tallied are worth acknowledging.