GAMES
RANKINGS
Dickinson's Ciara Williams
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Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, as the tension continues to build throughout this Winter season.
Dyllan Baker -- Friendswood Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Throughout the first half of district-play, few teams are playing on the same level as Friendswood within the 5A classification.
A month after winning the Leroy Miksch Tournament in Needville, the Mustangs are riding high with an impressive 21-4 record, and most recently secured an integral 66-59 win against a thriving Iowa Colony squad last Friday.
Several individuals -- such as sophomore Chase Richardson, as well as seniors PJ Harris and Brady Fiesinger -- are responsible for the exceptional run that the team is experiencing.
However, it's hard to deny the impact that Dyllan Baker (Sr. PG) has made o n Friendswood's retained level of success.
The MVP of the aforementioned Miksch Tourney continues to showcase his proficiency as a scorer on a weekly basis, while also providing a steady veteran presence in the critical moments.
In adding to making noise in the college recruiting game, Baker, a two-time first-team, all-district selection, will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the Mustangs' mission to secure their first district title since 2014 in the coming weeks.
But, they'll have even greater aspirations down the line, after advancing three rounds deep in last year's postseason.
Akyla Fields -- Manvel Girls Basketball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Despite the challenge of moving up to Class 6A following the UIL’s off-season realignment, the Manvel Mavericks have proven they can compete with the best.
Under the guidance of Coach Jhared Marshall, the team has thrived, particularly in district play. Their dominant 69-22 victory over Pasadena Memorial on Tuesday night pushed their record to 8-3 in District 22-6A and 22-7 overall.
One of the standout contributors to the Mavericks’ success is senior Akyla Fields, who has stepped into a leadership role on a team that features a substantial number of underclassmen.
Fields, the reigning District Defensive MVP from their time in 18-5A, played a critical part in Manvel’s undefeated district championship and Regional Quarterfinals appearance in 2024. She has continued to deliver this season, providing a physical defensive presence and consistently contributing offensively.
Alongside Fields, junior Peyton Cooks (a first-team all-district selection in 2024), sophomore Kylee Yarborough (second-team), and freshman Jada Bankett have formed a dynamic core that has the Mavericks eyeing another deep playoff run.
But before they can turn their sights to postseason play, Manvel must first finish strong in district, beginning with a crucial showdown against Shadow Creek this Friday, as both teams are currently tied with 8-3 records, with the Mavs holding the advantage after claiming a 60-50 win earlier this year.
Ciara Williams -- Dickinson Girls Basketball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Building on last year’s impressive 30-5 campaign and district championship, the Dickinson Gators are once again making a strong push toward the playoffs, now less than a month away.
After securing two nail-biting wins against Deer Park (55-54) and Clear Creek (65-62), the Gators are 20-8 on the season and 7-1 in District 24-6A, positioning themselves for a potential back-to-back district title.
What makes Dickinson such a dangerous team is the depth they possess.
Coach Toya Peterson has a wealth of talent to draw from, with seniors Jazmine Hansley and Kyndall Hosea capable of scoring 15 or more points in any given game, and junior Lindsey Scott consistently stepping up as a reliable contributor.
But the Gators' biggest asset remains their senior forward, Ciara Williams.
Named the District 24-6A Offensive MVP in 2024, Williams continues to lead her team in both points (13.4 per game) and rebounds (8.8 per game), while also contributing roughly 3 steals and an assist per contest. Her all-around play has been essential to Dickinson’s success.
With playoffs nearly secured, the Gators are focused on clinching the top seed in their district.
To do so, they’ll need to defeat Clear Brook this Friday, after the Wolverines edged them out in their first district meeting.
Regardless of where they finish in the standings, the consistent offensive firepower from Williams and her teammates puts Dickinson in a strong position for an extensive postseason run.
Asher Gaworecki -- Clear Lake Soccer
As the tournament portion of the new season concludes, the picture of Houston’s top soccer contenders is becoming clearer.
On the South side, the Clear Lake Falcons have gotten off to a strong start, holding a solid 7-2-1 record.
Though they recently suffered a tough loss to powerhouse Strake Jesuit, the Falcons have shown they can compete with some of the area’s most formidable teams.
Notable victories against Tompkins (4-1) and George Ranch (2-0) to win the recent Clear Creek ISD Tournament have sparked optimism as the squad aims to capture their second consecutive District 24-6A championship this March.
At the forefront of Clear Lake’s offense is junior forward Asher Gaworecki, who has been a key contributor to the team’s attacking success. Gaworecki has already scored 8 of the team’s 21 goals through 10 games, leading the Falcons in that department.
While Gaworecki is undoubtedly the team’s primary goal-scorer, his teammates—Anthony Abusada (3 goals), Josue Reyes (3), Jose Alvarenga (2), and Bryan José Barrios Francois (2)—have shown they are capable of stepping up when needed.
With district play starting next Tuesday with an away game against Brazoswood, followed by a crucial match against Clear Springs the following Friday, the Falcons are focused on continuing their strong form as they look to defend their district title.
Da'Niyah Lewis -- Shadow Creek Girls Basketball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Competing in one of the toughest districts in the city—featuring heavyweights like Pearland, Dawson, and Manvel—Shadow Creek has nonetheless made a significant impact on the Houston-area basketball scene.
With a strong 21-8 record past the season's halfway point, the Sharks have earned impressive victories over teams like Fulshear and Alief Taylor (twice), and they boast an 8-3 district record.
A playoff berth is virtually guaranteed for Coach LaToya Micheaux’s squad, largely due to the standout performances of her star players.
Junior point guard Da’Niyah Lewis has been a driving force for Shadow Creek, leading the team in three major statistical categories. Averaging nearly 11 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals per game, Lewis has showcased her versatility and ability to influence all areas of the game.
In addition to Lewis, the Sharks have enjoyed balanced contributions from other key players. Zoe Senganya (9 ppg, 2 spg), Aliyah Woodard (9 ppg, 2 apg, 2 spg), and Preston Young (6 ppg, 6 rpg) have all played significant roles in the team’s success.
For a team that went three rounds deep in last year’s postseason, expectations remain high for Shadow Creek as they look to build on that momentum in the coming weeks.
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Shadow Creek's Michael Collins
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Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, as the Winter season continues to unfold in the new year.
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Kamryn McLaurin -- Clear Brook Girls Basketball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
What a difference a year makes.
After going through their fair share of ups and downs last winter, things have only been looking up for Clear Brook this time around.
As it stands, the Wolverines are 23-2 are among the most highly-regarded squads, not just in our updated Houston rankings, but in the entire state.
Offensive production has been in ample supply for head coach Mileka Loydrake's roster, and while the two-time District MVP Rezia Castillo (Sr. PG) and Chardel Terrell (Sr. G) are playing phenomenally, Kamryn McLaurin deserves just as much praise.
McLaurin earned first-team, all-district honors in 2024 and looks to be on the same trajectory, if not better, considering she's remained one of the team's leading scorers.
Clear Brook now has their sights set on securing the District 24-6A title in the coming weeks, but they'll have some stiff competition with Clear Creek and Dickinson vying for the same distinction.
A'Zyua Blair -- Pearland Girls Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
As expected, Pearland is red-hot entering the second half of the season, with a 21-6 record to show for it.
The Oilers raised eyebrows recently, when they competed in the Sandra Meadows Classic just before New Year's.
After they toppled the reigning state champs Duncanville in a 68-63 overtime thriller, coach Jere' Adams and co. gave the No.1-ranked team in Texas, the Boswell Pioneers, a run for their money before narrowly falling 44-39.
They were then defeated by St. Francis (Georgia) -- once again by a close margin (53-51) -- to wind up placing 4th overall in the tournament, which is still an impressive accomplishment, given the quality of opponents they faced.
Pearland features several stars, but few have been more essential than sophomore point guard A'Zyua Blair.
On average, Blair puts up 19 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals per game, meaning she can impact any phase of the game.
With the combined efforts of Blair, senior Eliece Perry (13 ppg, 9 rpg), and sophomore Shiloh Grays (9 ppg, 8 rpg), the Oilers are going to be contending with rival Dawson this month (1/25 rematch) for District 22-6A supremacy.
Stay tuned.
Michael Collins -- Shadow Creek Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
When it comes to Texas high school hoops, it simply doesn't get much better than Shadow Creek.
Boasting a record of 19-2, the Sharks are literally 7 points shy of perfection-- their only losses this season came at the hands of state powers, St. Michael's (49-46) and Lake Ridge (70-68).
Regardless of how those two matches ended, this team has proven that they're capable of contending with the state's best.
What makes Shadow Creek so threatening, aside from their irrefutable athleticism, is the fact that they play unselfish ball and each player finds ways to contribute.
However, it's hard to argue against Michael Collins being named the Team MVP down the line.
Collins put up a team-leading 23 points in their recent 82-41 trouncing of Pearland last Friday, which extended their district record to 6-0 on the year.
Of course, he's not alone, considering Bryce Jackson (21 pts), Julian Cuillier (12), Aiden Law (11), and Adin Lewis (10) each had impressive showings in the same win.
Basketball is a team game, but Collins is that dude.
Journey Lovett -- Dawson Girls Basketball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
With Coach Sharee Griffin at the helm, the Eagles (23-4) are coming off an exemplary performance at the Aggieland Invitational to end December, in which they claimed the 3rd Place trophy.
The No. 2-ranked team in our updated H-Town rankings has exceeded expectations the winter and look to continue proving the doubters wrong -- hence their recurring hashtag on Twitter "#NotSatisfied".
This was a truly difficult decision to make, because there a number of individuals who should (and likely will at some point) be on this list.
Mia Barre (Jr. G) is a three-point specialist (she scored 7 in one game at the tournament), while Jaycee Ingram (Sr. F) provides a unique brand of skill and quickness, in addition to veteran experience.
However, Journey Lovett deserves some recognition.
In addition to being named to the Aggieland Invitational All-Tournament team, the junior guard has been Dawson's "Player of the Game" on a number of occasions - most recently in their 77-22 win against Alvin last Friday.
Standing at 6 feet tall, Lovett combines size with finesse, which can make her a handful for any opponent.
Team-wise, Dawson will now gear up for the second round of district-play, and do so with a remarkable 8-0 record in 22-6A.
First up is Tuesday night's meeting with Manvel (20-6; 6-2), on the path towards a district championship and more.
Madden Hill -- Clear Springs Basketball
Clear Springs picked up right where they left off a year ago, when they went 28-10 and reached the Region III-6A Final, only to start this year with a pristine record of 21-3.
They enter the new year on the heels of winning the Conroe Christmas Classic with their 52-39 win over Crosby, prior to making a statement by dominating the reigning district champs Dickinson (79-42) last Friday.
However, one of the most notable headlines regarding the Chargers this winter has been the emergence of freshman point guard Madden "Mighty" Hill.
In his debut with CSHS, Hill has consistently lit up the scoreboard, while efficiently dishing the ball out to his teammates, and making key contributions on defense.
Despite facing a red-hot Dickinson squad, he went on to put up 18 points, 6 assists, and 8 rebounds to help the team clinch a crucial district win.
Alongside the towering Izuchukwu Emelife (Sr. PF/C) -- who was named the MVP of the Conroe tournament and continues to gain attention from college recruiters -- the pair will be a force worth reckoning as they battle their way towards a potential District 24-6A title and ensuing playoff run.