Klein ISD VYPE - March 2023

Dear Klein ISD Community,

I’m so proud to share with you the amazing accomplishments our students and staff have achieved so far in Klein ISD as we celebrate our “AAA” school district known for its tradition of excellence in Academics, the Arts, and Athletics.

We’re thrilled to be able to showcase the incredible skills of our talented student-athletes and dedicated coaches and sponsors at all our award-winning high schools. We recently joined forces with parents and families on National Signing Day to celebrate students who will be taking their athletic talents to top universities across our great Nation. Congratulations to these elite student-athletes, along with their families and coaches, on this tremendous accomplishment!

With the spring season around the corner, we're looking forward to even more successes from our talented students. We want to give a huge shout-out to our fantastic parents, fans, and community members for their unwavering support of our excellent Athletic Program in Klein ISD. Your dedication makes a positive difference in the lives of our top-notch student-athletes, and we appreciate and value our partnership!

To all of our amazing student-athletes—thank you for sharing your talents with our community. When you’re out there fiercely competing and submitting those college applications, don't forget to let the entire world know that you proudly represent Klein, TX!

Thank you for being part of our winning team!

Dr. Jenny McGown Superintendent

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

GET TO KNOW THE KLEIN ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Klein ISD Alum Klein ISD Parent Second-Generation Board Member

Klein High Alum Klein ISD Parent

CREAGER

Klein ISD Parent Volunteer Firefighter

Retired Klein ISD Educator Klein ISD Parent

Retired Klein ISD Educator Klein ISD Parent

Klein ISD Parent Klein ISD Grandparent

Klein Oak Alum Klein ISD Parent

Carleigh Arnold, Klein Collins

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Photo by Bradley Collier

READY FOR LIFTOFF: Klein ISD is looking to make a splash this Spring with the likes of Klein High’s Dy’Osarithz Travis, Klein Oak’s Matt Scott II, Klein Forest’s Jelani Watkins, Klein High’s Edi Webster, Klein Cain’s Kacie Rhodes and Klein Collins’ Savannah Carter leading the way.

Myles Arterberry, Klein High

AROUND THE HORN

IT’S TIME TO PLAY BALL. KLEIN ISD IS LOADED WITH BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL STARS WHO ARE HOUSEHOLD NAMES AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD. KLEIN OAK BASEBALL REACHED THE SECOND ROUND OF THE POSTSEASON A YEAR AGO, WHILE CAIN REACHED THE PLAYOFFS BEFORE BOWING OUT IN THE OPENING ROUND. THE DISTRICT WILL BE BALANCED AS OAK, CAIN, COLLINS AND KLEIN HIGH WILL BATTLE FOR THE FOUR COVETED PLAYOFF SPOTS IN 2023. IN SOFTBALL, IT WAS KLEIN COLLINS WHO DOMINATED THE DISTRICT A YEAR AGO. IT LOOKS LIKE THE TIGERS ARE UP TO THEIR WINNING WAYS IN 2023 ALREADY. HIGH AND CAIN WILL BATTLE FOR THE TOP SPOT. IF THEY FALL SHORT, THEY WILL STILL QUALIFY FOR THE POSTSEASON. LET’S HIT THE DIAMOND.

Daniela Gutierrez, Klein Collins

Austin Hardy, Klein Oak

Kyliee Lanclos, Klein High

Logan White, Klein Forest

Aniah Jones, Klein Forest

Trinnity Blatz, Klein Oak

Mason Lemons, Klein Collins

Danielle Reynoso, Klein Cain

Carlo Almendarez & Alphonso Camcho, Klein Cain

Sophie Smith, Klein Oak

Colton Griffith, Klein Collins

Summer Sloan, Klein High

Brielle Moreland, Klein Oak

Kaiden Sziy, Klein Forest

Vincent Munoz, Klein High

Alayna Sloniewsky, Klein Cain

Klein Collins Baseball

Klein High Baseball

Klein Cain Softball

Klein Forest Softball

Klein Oak Baseball

Klein Colliins Softball

Klein Cain Baseball

Klein Forest Baseball

Klein Oak Softball

Jazmine Freeman, Klein Cain

Bret Deegan, Klein Oak

Kade Hanks, Klein Cain

Cooper McEnroe, Klein Cain

Jaccie Burton, Klein High

Alexa Mendoza, Klein Forest

UNPRECEDENTED

KLEIN OAK HOOPS MADE STRIDES IN UIL PLAYOFFS

\\ By Matthew Ogle

KLEIN OAK BASKETBALL WAS THE TALK OF THE DISTRICT OVER THE WINTER, ADVANCING TO THE UIL REGIONAL FINALS, MARKING THE FIRST TIME IN SCHOOL HISTORY.

The Panthers experienced tremendous success on the hardwood this year, going 20-12 and finishing No. 2 in the District 15-6A (10-4). That was the regular season. They were just

getting started as they went on a tear in the postseason.

Klein Oak knocked off Langham Creek, Grand Oaks, Cypress Springs and Mansfield Legacy to reach the Regional Finals.

Klein Oak’s dynamic group was sent off with uproarious applause from their classmates and families as they geared up to head to Lufkin, Texas, to

face

off against Desoto.

“Since I got here in June, I can see the selflessness in these guys—they just put their heads down and work hard. They don’t complain about anything and are always on time,” coach Joshua Ervin said. “They’re the hardest working bunch I’ve seen, and honestly, they’re the greatest team I’ve ever been around.”

This team possessed a slew of athletes who had the potential to go off in any game, particularly post TJ Robinson (Sr.), guard Bryson Holmes (Jr.), and post Brennan White (Sr.). Each were essential to the consistent success the Panthers experienced this Winter.

“This means the world to me. We’ve been a family

during this whole journey. We’ve been putting in work, striving, grinding and practicing together,” TJ Robinson said. “Without these guys, an opportunity like this doesn’t happen. I’m so blessed to be a part of this group.”

Panthers’ hoops proved to be a formidable adversary in the Regional Finals. However, they ultimately fell to Desoto (53-64), who advanced to the State Tournament.

Despite their historic season ending sooner than expected, Klein Oak accomplished the unprecedented for the school. This season showcased what the Panthers are capable of, and more of the same should be expected in the future.

TJ Robinson

Brennan White Bryson Holmes

Coach Joshua Ervin

POWER ‘KATS

Kris Grimes, Klein High School Baseball

THE 411

EDI WEBSTER

\\ By Matthew Ogle

KLEIN’S EDI WEBSTER TAKES TO THE LINKS THIS SPRING WITH HOPES OF WRAPPING UP HER HIGH SCHOOL GOLF CAREER WITH LOW SCORES AND FOND MEMORIES.

The Bearkat is headed to Ole Miss next fall hoping that she has left a legacy for her teammates over the years.

VYPE caught up with Webster for our fan-favorite 411 Feature.

VYPE: So, why golf?

WEBSTER: My twin brother and I have played our entire lives. I just hopped along, and we’ve played together for years. I got more serious about it in the eighth grade. At some point, I just fell in love with the sport.

VYPE: What do you love about the sport?

WEBSTER: I like the challenge. Golf teaches you

life lessons like patience and the ability to keep calm when you are faced with pressure. You have to keep your emotions in check when it matters the most.

VYPE: You are talented in the classroom as well. How does that help your golf game?

WEBSTER: It helps me strategize. I think it’s more like putting in the hard

work. I have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), so I’ve had to put in a lot of work to get to where I am now. It helps with dedication.

VYPE: You don’t plan on playing college golf, so what do you see yourself doing in 5 or 10 years.

WEBSTER: I’m going to major in Business. My Dad owns a company, so I’ll do something like that. I want to do project management at some point. Having played golf will also help me in the business world.

VYPE: What’s it like being a twin?

WEBSTER: When we were young, we didn’t get along. We are really close now. We have the same friend group and we definitely count on each other.

VYPE: Outside of golf, what do you like to do?

WEBSTER: I really love doing people’s makeup. I also like to run. Other than that, I don’t have too much free time.

VYPE: What’s your binge show?

WEBSTER: I love The Office and Friends .

VYPE: With ADD, how do you stay focused in a game like golf?

WEBSTER: It takes some work. I read this book about staying in your ‘playbox’ and being in this ‘mental state’ of trusting your swing and staying focused while remaining relaxed. Because of my ADD I love to play golf, but I can’t watch it.

OFF THE TEE

THE KLEIN BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ GOLF TEAMS HAVE BEEN HARD AT WORK ON THE LINKS WITH HOPES OF SHOOTING THEIR PERSONAL BESTS. LEADING THE BOYS’ TEAM ARE CAPTAINS MARTIN PEREZ AND NATE WEBSTER. JAMES LASHLEY, GRANT NICHOLSON AND JOHN STEWART CAN ALSO GET HOT AT THE RIGHT TIME. EDI WEBSTER IS THE LEADER OF THE LADIES AND IS JOINED BY ASHLEY SETO AND JULIA GARZA IN THE SENIOR CLASS. JUNIORS KENDALL HUCH, EMMA VICKERS AND SOPHIA MAZZOCCHI HAVE BRIGHT FUTURES, ALONG WITH FRESHMAN ISABELLE THOMPSON.

Klein High Boys Golf

Gage Patterson Emma Vickers

Martin Perez

Klein High Girls Golf

Grant Nicholson

Julia Gaeza

Kendall Hoch

TRACK STARS

THE KLEIN BEARKAT TRACK AND FIELD TEAMS HAVE STAR POWER. INDIA ALIX, WHO HAS SIGNED WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, IS ONE OF THE TOP JUMPERS IN THE COUNTRY. SHE CURRENTLY HOLDS THE NATION’S LONGEST TRIPLE JUMP (42-2.5) AND THE FOURTH BEST LONG JUMP IN THE COUNTRY (19-10.5). THE SENIOR CAN FLY. THOMAS KUBALA, KRISTEN MCHUGH AND KATHRYN KOONTS ARE A TRIO OF THE STATE’S TOP LONG-DISTANCE RUNNERS, WHILE SOPHOMORE ADRE’N SKIPPER IS ALSO GAINING MOMENTUM AS A DISTRICT FRONT-RUNNER IN JUMPS AS WELL. OTHER UP-AND-COMING TRACK STARS INCLUDE KAMDYN SPENCER (MID-DISTANCE, JUMPS), AMALIA GONZALEZ (POLE VAULT) AND XAVIER WESTMORELAND (THROWS).

Thomas Kubala

Madison Walker

Klein High Boys Track and Field

Chikere Nwachuku

Torrey Paul

Klein High Girls Track and Field

M’Wey Robinson

Katy Koonts

Jerry Mendez

A STORM IS COMING

Jack Pope, Klein Cain Hurricane Golf

FAMILY TRADITION

CAIN’S RHODES FOLLOWING IN SISTER’S FOOTSTEPS

\\ By Matthew Ogle

AS THE UIL TRACK & FIELD SEASON PROGRESSES THIS SPRING, KLEIN CAIN WILL LOOK FOR THROWER KACIE RHODES TO PROPEL THE HURRICANES INTO POSTSEASON CONTENTION.

Rhodes has built a phenomenal high school career in shot put (Personal Record: 12.89m), discus (PR: 42.35m) and hammer (37.38m). Furthermore, the work she’s put in at the USATF Junior Olympics has made her a seven-time AllAmerican.

The path to success for Rhodes began early on, competing as early as six years old. She was following the footsteps of her older sister Kiana Lowery, who would inspire her to push even further.

“When I got to high school and I saw my older sister [Lowery] move to the next level, I thought ‘this is what I really want to do, too’,” said Rhodes. “She’s now at the University of Texas. I learned from her to never be afraid to put myself out there. There’s always going to be competition along the way, and one should always do their best. She is always very resilient, so that rubbed off on me and makes me aspire to compete at a higher level.”

As it turns out, Rhodes will be joining her sister in Austin following her upcoming graduation. The soon-to-be Texas Longhorn had an easy choice to make upon where she intended to continue her track and field career.

“The environment [at UT] appealed to me the most,”

Rhodes said. “The track team is like a family, they’re very welcoming. The city of Austin is beautiful and seeing how much fun my sister is having out there, I knew that she would never go somewhere she wasn’t enjoying. She’s also my best friend, so being there with her will really make me happy.”

None of this would have been possible if not for

Rhodes’ persistence.

During her sophomore year, Rhodes suffered an ACL tear playing basketball in the ‘Canes’ first game of the season.

“That tear set me back an entire year in track,” she said. “So, I didn’t get to compete in school track, and I wasn’t supposed to compete at all until I was cleared. I began to throw

again in the summer, but it was a mental game for me. I was trying to break 40 meters, and that willed me back into contention.”

Rhodes intends to make a push for State this Spring, prior to becoming a Longhorn. As luck would have it, the UIL State Meet is on the campus of the University of Texas. This script just writes itself.

SCRATCH GOLFERS

KLEIN CAIN GOLF WILL BE DISTRICT HOPEFULS AS THE SEASON COMES TO A CLOSE. THE GIRLS’ TEAM WON THE MARVIN DAMERON MEMORIAL HOSTED BY WACO MIDWAY HIGH SCHOOL IN MARCH AS ZOE HOBBS LED THE WAY. ROUNDING OUT THE TOP FIVE ALL SEASON HAVE BEEN TAYLOR THERIOT, AUDREY VEISEH, LAYLA MENDEZ AND YARETZI ISLAS. LYNLEY POPE AND KAYLEE KANG HAVE ALSO PLAYED SIGNIFICANT ROLES ALL SEASON. ON THE BOYS’ SIDE, CAIN HAS A LARGE ROSTER TO CHOOSE FROM. JOSHUA MCGOWN, ADRIAN RODRIGUEZ, JACK POPE, CARLOS GARZA AND KARSON SAM ARE THE HEADLINERS, WHILE JAXSON DITTMER, LEX BARLOW AND BRAYDEN HUERTAS ARE ALSO IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTORS. THE SKY IS THE LIMIT FOR CAIN GOLF.

Klein Cain Girls Golf

Brayden Huertas

Joshua McGown

Zoe Hobbs

Klein Cain Boys Golf

Taylor Theriot

Adrian Rodriguez

Karson Sam

Daisha and Darius Rodgers

HURRICANE WARNING

THE KLEIN CAIN TRACK AND FIELD TEAMS ARE LOADED WITH STARS. STARTING WITH THE LADY ‘CANES THROWERS, WHO DOMINATE THE COMPETITION. KACIE RHODES (TEXASSIGNEE), CASSIDY BALL, KIYAH RAWLS AND TIREA REED ARE ALL COLLEGE-LEVEL THROWERS, WHO CAN RACK UP POINTS FOR THEIR SQUAD. JOURNEY JONES IS A TALENTED HURDLER AND FELICITY HAMILTON IS AN ELITE MID AND LONG-DISTANCE RUNNER. THE BOYS’ ARE LED BY POLE VAULTER TYLER HEPWORTH, ONE OF THE BEST IN THE STATE. DAMARIEN JACOBS, TYLINN LEWIS AND DARIUS RODGERS LEAD THE SPRINTS AND MAYREN WHITMILL IS THE TOP HURDLER. CAMDEN GIBSON IS A SOLID MID-DISTANCE RUNNER AND IS ONLY A FRESHMAN.

Cassidy Ball

Felicity Hamilton

Mayren Whitmill

Tyler Hepworth

Grayson Dunbar

Klein Cain Boys Track and Field

Klein Cain Girls Track and Field

Dvonte Williams

Kiyah Rawls

STRENGTH OF THE DEN

Elizabeth Banks, Klein Collins Track and Field

Klein collins

AT THE TURN

KLEIN COLLINS BOYS AND GIRLS GOLF ARE HONING THEIR GAMES WITH HOPES OF A SOLID PERFORMANCE IN THE DISTRICT TOURNAMENT. THE BOYS ARE LED BY GRAYSON MURILLO, COLBY VINING, NOAH GUINN AND AIDEN WITHERBEE. ON THE GIRLS’ SIDE, IT WILL BE ANNALISE MUNOZ, MORGAN LENTSCH, SOPHIE WITTMER, JESSICA NETTLES AND GRACE INDELICATO SHOOTING FOR LOW SCORES.

Klein Collins Boys Golf

Grace Indelicato

Colby Vining

Klein Collisn Girls Golf

Noah Guinn

Aiden Witherbee

Sophie Wittmer

Morgan Lentsch

Miguel Hall

RUN, JUMP, THROW

THE KLEIN COLLINS TRACK TEAMS HAVE SHOWED SOME PROMISE IN THE PRE-DISTRICT MEETS. THE TIGER HURDLERS HAVE BEEN IMPRESSIVELY LED BY SENIOR MIGUEL HALL, EVAN EALY AND YOUNGSTER ANDREW JONES. ELISE MBILIZI AND ASA BROWN ARE MANNING THE SPRINTS, WHILE ANTOINE MILON, MASON FAYE AND KELVIN WILLIAMS ARE THE TOP THROWERS. WATCH OUT FOR JARROD PENRIGHT AND RODNY OJO IN THE JUMPS. FOR THE GIRLS, AVA FLUGENCE, ALICIA LONG AND BROOKLYN BARGER ARE THE HEADLINERS FOR THE TIGERS.

Ava Aldridge

Klein collins Track and Field

Klein Collisn Girls Track and Field

Mason Faye

Aniya Brown

Dylan Yarbrough

Natalie Rall

Klein Collisn Boys Track and Field

Jaida Rucker Asa Brown

EARNING HER STRIPES

COLLINS’ CARTER LEADING TIGERS’ RESURGENCE

\\ By Matthew Ogle

THE REIGNING 15-6A CHAMPS ARE BACK FOR MORE WITH TALENT ACROSS THE BOARD ON A REVAMPED ROSTER.

Despite being upset in the Bi-District round of the UIL postseason, Klein Collins is on the prowl for a playoff run to the Regional Tournament and beyond.

With RHP/1B Savannah Carter in the dugout, the Tigers’ chances are better than most.

The junior will play an integral role in the Tigers’ imminent Spring

campaign while adding to the accolades she’s already received that include the 2022 District 15-6A Offensive Player of the Year and two-time Team MVP. Carter has established herself as a leader of the pride with the supportive presence she provides.

“I’m always the loud person in the dugout, cheering people on,” Carter said. “I try to be that person who can provide inspiration and support for my teammates.”

Carter has always been an alpha and an athlete at heart. That goes back to her genes.

“My Mom, Amanda Carter, really got me into softball,” she said. “She played at LSU as part of the first-ever softball team there. My Dad has really pushed me the whole way, too. I knew that picking softball over the other sports I played would benefit me in the long run.”

It has as the 5-foot-8 Carter has become a highly-sought-after college

prospect.

“I’m looking for a school that is a drivable distance,” she laughed. “I want to go to a DI school that feels like home. Hopefully, it’ll feel like I have a family there, so I’m not crying to Mom and Dad that, ‘I want to come home’.”

Time will tell where the prolific prospect goes. For now, she has unfinished business at Klein Collins on the diamond under her parents’ roof, where she can’t get homesick.

SAVE THE DATE

KLEIN ISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION 5K AND KIDS’ FUN RUN

5.6.23

BENEFITING:

KLEIN ISD EDUCATION

FOUNDATION TEACHER GRANTS & STUDENT LED INNOVATION CHALLENGES

RACE REGISTRATION & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: WWW.THEKEF.ORG

2023

THE FOREST

Parker Jenkins, Klein Forest Golden Eagle Track (UH Football-Signee)

QUIET COMPETITOR

KLEIN FOREST’S WATKINS FOCUSED ON THE NOW AND FUTURE

\\ By Matt Malatesta

JELANI WATKINS COULD BE CONSIDERED QUIET TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD, BUT HIS ACTIONS ARE LIKE A BULLHORN.

The Klein Forest junior exploded onto scene when he arrived at the north Houston campus on the track and the football field.

“I just keep my head down and go to work,” he said. “I put my headphones on when I get to a track meet. I know people are looking at me, but I don’t pay attention to it.”

People have a reason to look.

As a freshman, he placed sixth in State in the 200-meters. As a sophomore he won gold at State in the 200-meters and led the 4x200 relay team. He’s only getting better because he is quietly going about his work.

“After my freshman year, I told myself that I would be back and that I would win it,” he said. “My coaches helped me get there. They preached the weight room, so I got more serious about it. They were right.”

His prowess on the track translates to the football field. They are woven together.

“I’ve always been a competitor and you have to be very competitive in both sports,” he said. “Track helps so much with my speed and hip mobility. Football keeps me in the weight room to get stronger.”

The 5-foot-10, Four-Star receiver has become a national recruit. The firstteam, all-district selection has college offers from

across the country. He’s witnessed the recruiting process first-hand, seeing his older brother, Ahmonte Watkins, sign with TCU and now start at New Mexico State.

“The goal is to do both in college,” he said. “I’m looking for a place where I can see myself fitting in for three to four years and having good people around me. I’m big on that. I want to see what the players are like and what they like about the school, during my visits.”

One school has emerged early… LSU

“My parents were athletes from Laplace, Louisiana. That is where we came from,” he said. “What makes it home is the food… mostly the crawfish. When I’m watching football, I’m watching (LSU’s) Odell Beckham, Jamar Chase and Justin Jefferson.”

While he has a bright future, he is firmly planted where his feet are.

“I’ve got goals this year,” he said. “I want to run

at 10.1 (100-yard dash), a 20.3 (200-yard dash) and a 1.22 in the 4x200-yard relay. In football, I want to have over 1,000 yards receiving.”

When he’s not on the fields of play, Watkins is watching Outer Banks on Netflix, listening to NBA YoungBoy and hanging with his little brother playing video games.

“I’m big on family,”

he said. “I give my little brother a lot of advice and like hanging out with him. I want to be successful in something so my mom doesn’t have to work.”

When asked which he covets most – a Super Bowl or an Olympic medal?

“Wow, that’s tough,” he said after contemplating. “It would have to be a Super Bowl.”

C’Nai

SPEED MERCHANTS

KLEIN FOREST HIGH SCHOOL IS A TRACK AND FIELD SUPER-POWER. THE GOLDEN EAGLES BOYS WON STATE IN 2019 AS A TEAM AND PLACED THIRD LAST YEAR IN AUSTIN. KLEIN FOREST HAS THAT CHAMPIONSHIP LOOK AGAIN WITH THE LIKES OF JELANI WATKINS, PARKER JENKINS, JADEN GALLOWAY AND AMIR ROBINSON LEADING THE WAY. THE SPRINTS AND RELAYS ARE WHERE THE EAGLES RACK UP THE POINTS AND ALL FOUR MENTIONED WERE NAMED PRESEASON ALL-AMERICANS. THE GIRLS ARE ALSO STEALTHY. SENIOR CHARNAY DERRICK, AVIA JONES, KYALIAH DAVIS, CORNELIA WATTS AND C’NAI CHILDRESS MAKE FOR A BALANCED TEAM ON THE TRACK AND IN THE FIELD. AS OF EARLY MARCH, THE GIRLS HAD THE TOP TIME IN THE STATE OF TEXAS IN THE 4X100M WITH A MARK OF 46.10. KLEIN FOREST WILL BE ONES TO WATCH AT THE 2023 UIL STATE MEET ON THE CAMPUS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS. STAY TUNED.

Ahmir Robinson

Klein Forest

Track and Field

Klein Forest Boys Track and Field

Klein Forest Girls Track and Field

LaTavia Smith

Kyan Stringer

Cornelia Watts

Lawson Jacobs

GRIP IT, AND RIP IT

Abraham Pena, Klein Forest Golf

BLACK AND GOLD

YOUTH MOVEMENT

THE KLEIN OAK GOLF PROGRAM IS YOUNG AND TALENTED. THE PANTHERS’ BEST GOLF IS IN FRONT OF THEM, BUT DON’T TELL THESE YOUNGSTERS THAT. THE GIRLS’ TEAM IS LED BY FRESHMEN ALLIE HENSLEY, ANN KATHERINE SMITH, GABBY GONZALEZ, KATARINA HOLTZHOUSER, AND SOPHOMORE ANJALI NAIR. KLEIN OAK IS GOING TO BE LOADED IN THE NEAR FUTURE AS THEIR GAMES CONTINUE TO IMPROVE. JUNIOR BRODY POLZIN IS THE ELDER STATESMAN ON THE BOYS’ TEAM, WHICH IS ALSO MADE UP OF COOPER NIXON, FABIAN RODRIGUEZ AND REX RODGERS.

Klein Oak Boys Golf

Brody Polzin

Allie Hensley

Anjali Nair

Klein Oak Girls Golf

James Martinez

Fabian Rodriguez

Ann Katherine Smith

Kayla Kibbie

TAKE YOUR MARK

THE KLEIN OAK PANTHERS ARE LED BY THEIR DISTANT RUNNERS THIS SPRING AS JACK BOYD, AIDEN CERVANTES, LYDIA BUTLER, ELIZABETH WINKLER AND STELLA PHILLIPS WILL CARRY THE FLAG FOR THE BLACK AND GOLD. WINKLER IS AN INTERESTING ATHLETE AS THE STATE’S TOP 2000 METER STEEPLECHASE RUNNER, WHILE BOYD IS COMING OFF A WILDLY SUCCESSFUL CROSS-COUNTRY SEASON.

Jack Boyd

Klein oak Track and Field

Klein Oak Boys Track and Field

Klein Oak Girls Track and Field

Jacob Everson

Temi Ojofeitimi

Grace Culver

Justin Hart

Austin Heflin

Lizzee Winkler

Carleigh Arnold

Myles Arterberry

Cassidy Ball

Patrick Batiste

Ryne Berger

Kaleb Black

Edward Blacklock

Katelyn Bladecki

Jack Boyd

Ryan Brewer

Asa Brown

Kelsie Brown

Isaiah Byrd

Gracie Campbell

Courtney Carter

Justin Castillo

C’Nai Childress

Joshua Cohrs

Bret Deegan

Sierra Dobson

Maggie Ellender

Jackson Felkins

Grace Gabaldon

Rylee Gilbertson

Jonathan Gomez

Ariana Goode

Savannah Green

Colton Griffin

Daniela Gutierrez

SIGNING DAY 2023

Klein ISD student-athletes signed a letter of intent for the college of their choice, many with high-dollar scholarships attached.

Miguel Hall

Kade Hanks

Isabella Harrington

Allen He

Parker Jenkins

Kaleb Jessie

Cameryn Johnson

Mackenzi Johnson

Elizabeth Kaidasz

Eli Keller

Jasmine Kessle

Kayla Kibble

JT Kirbie

Conner Lattelle

Mason Lemons

Tylinn Lewis

Tatum Lockhardt

Liam Lowe

Carys Luther

Sophia Maisel

Davin Martin

TC McGuire

Cole McRorey

Maddie Nissen

Bailey Nixon

Malachi Oldacre

Morgan Oliver

Joey Ortego

Izabella Ortiz

Lili Ortiz

Emma Phillips

Kai Powell

Alejandra Ramon

Diego Rangel

Kacie Rhodes

William Ridley

Jossue Rios

Bailey Roque

Keely Ann Shelnutt

Elena Siekas

Nadazia Simien

Jaelen Smith

Owen Smith

Ty Stamey

Andrew Suarez

Tiana Thompson

Dy’Osarithz Travis

Ronin Turner

Dereck Waite

Madison Walker

Chandler Williams

Tyron Williams

Ashley Wilson

McKinley Wilson

Elizabeth Winkler

EJ Young

FALL WRAP

\\ By Matt Malatesta

VOLLEYBALL : THE TIGERS STAND TALL

AFTER SEVERAL YEARS OF NOT REACHING THE POSTSEASON, THE KLEIN COLLINS TIGERS (33-13 OVERALL) FINISHED SECOND IN DISTRICT 15-6A PLAY AS KLEIN ISD’S TOP VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM.

The Tigers could be even better next season as setter Anna Blaine, libero Olivia Murillo, hitter Kristina Cote and middle Ashlynn Hollis all return to the den in 2023.

There was a huge culture change at Klein Oak as Coach DaVette McCall

led the Panthers (31-13 overall) to the district’s third-place finish. Both the Tigers and Panthers fell in the first round of the postseason, but it was a resurgence for each program. Klein Oak leaned heavily on seniors Gracie Campbell and Maggie Ellender to lead the way for the Panthers.

Klein (21-22 overall), Klein Cain (1222) and Klein Forest (8-27) were on the outside looking in on the playoff picture.

ALL-DISTRICT HONORS

SUPERLATIVES

Hitter of the Year and All State

Gracie Campbell , Klein Oak

FIRST TEAM

Mikala Sampson, Klein

Courtney Carter, Klein Cain

Jaylynn McNeill, Klein Cain

Lauren Dale, Klein Oak

Maggie Ellender, Klein Oak

Tatum Lockhardt, Klein Oak

SECOND TEAM

Kiersten Hay, Klein

Rachel Heilbrun, Klein

Kelly Pawelka, Klein Cain

Carson Roye, Klein Cain

Catherine Singletary, Klein Oak

Tori Leggiero, Klein Oak

FOOTBALL : CAIN, COLLINS SHARE DISTRICT TITLE

WHAT A WILD FINISH IT WAS FOR DISTRICT 15-6A FOOTBALL.

The Klein Cain Hurricanes and Klein Collins Tigers (10-2; 6-1) were co-District Champs, but the ‘Canes won the head-to-head matchup. Cain won their first-round playoff game over Cypress Ranch before falling to The Woodlands. Collins won their first-rounder over Bridgeland before falling to Westfield. It’s no surprise that Collins and Cain virtually swept the

superlatives.

James Clancy (Cain) and Adrian Mitchell (Collins) were Co-Coaches of the Year, while Jaelen Smith of Cain was the District MVP for his versatile play. Klein Forest’s Brad Spence (Arkansas-signee) was the Defensive MVP after a dominant season.

Klein (4-6; 3-4) and Klein Forest (5-5; 3-4) just missed out on the postseason, while Klein Oak (3-6; 1-6) was rebuilding in 2022.

ALL-DISTRICT HONORS

SUPERLATIVES

Co-Coach of the Year:

James Clancy, Klein Cain

Adrian Mitchell, Klein Collins

District MVP

Jaelen Smith, Klein Cain

Defensive MVP

Brad Spence, Klein Forest’

Offensive Newcomer of the Year

Griffin Tillis, Klein

Defensive Newcomer of the Year

Trent Lancaster, Klein Cain

Utility Player of the Year

Justin Castillo, Klein Collins

FIRST TEAM – OFFENSE

Tucker Parks, Klein Collins, QB

Yemi Adeleke, Klein Cain, RB

Parker Jenkins, Klein Forest, RB

Myles Arterberry, Klein, RB

Kyle Wilt, Klein Oak, FB

Ty Stamey, Klein Collins, TE

Donovan Baker, Klein Collins, WR

Jelani Watkins, Klein Forest, WR

Kaleb Black, Klein Oak, WR

Ethan Wyatt, Klein Collins, WR

Gibson Pyle, Klein Cain, OL

Austin Redeo, Klein Cain, OL

Tyrese Deshazo, Klein Collins, OL

Aven Rendon, Klein Collins, OL

Jossue Rios, Klein Forest, OL

Diego Castro, Klein, OL

Johnny Uzcategui, Klein Oak, OL

Jacob Wiley, Klein Cain, OL

Jackson Felkins, Klein Collins, OL

FIRST TEAM – DEFENSE

JP Beavers, Klein Collins, DL

Antoine Milon, Klein Collins, DL

Trent Spence, Klein Forest, DL

Robert Graves, Klein Forest, DL

Ti’Vrell Hollings, Klein Forest, DL

Vincent Wells, Klein, DL

Bryce Adeokun, Klein Collins, LB

Gage Luellen, Klein Collins, LB

Langston Williams-Lomaz, Klein Collins, LB

Logan White, Klein Forest, LB

Alex Marsland, Klein Oak, LB

Patrick Batiste, Klein Cain, DB

Isaiah Byrd, Klein Cain, DB

Zac Cole, Klein Collins, DB

Chris Gant, Klein Collins, DB

Davin Martin, Klein Cain, DB

McKinley Wilson, Klein Oak, DB

FIRST TEAM - SPECIAL TEAMS

Ben Pena, Klein Collins, K

Zach Groux, Klein, P

Teddy Hearne, Klein, Snapper

Breckett McCann, Klein Oak, Snapper

Blaine Bullard, Klein Cain, Returner

Brad Spence, Klein Forest

CROSS COUNTRY : KLEIN GIRLS; OAK’S BOYD HEADLINE SEASON

KLEIN ISD IS HOME TO SOME OF THE STATE’S TOP CROSS COUNTRY RUNNERS AND PROGRAMS.

The Klein girls’ team of Kathryn Koonts, Sophia Goerlich, Kamdyn Spencer, Kristen McHugh, Isabella Rivault, Daniela Mendez and Paige Meinhardt took sixth overall at the State Meet in Round Rock, Texas. The Bearkats were followed by Klein Oak, who finished 11th overall. Panther sophomore Lydia Butler was the district’s top female finisher, who placed 10th. Butler was followed by Klein’s Koonts in 23rd place.

Rounding out Klein Oak’s Top 5 were Elizabeth Winkler, Stella Philips, Emma Phillips and Jazmine McBride.

On the boys’ side, Klein Oak senior Jack Boyd put

a bow on his high school career finishing as the Class 6A runner-up with a time of 15 minutes, 41 seconds.

The University to Texassignee won the District and Regional Meets on the way

to State. He led his team to a 14th place finish as a team. Teammate Derek Waite finished 75th overall to highlight the Klein ISD’s Top 100 finishers.

TEAM TENNIS : HURRICANE WARNING

THE KLEIN CAIN HURRICANES BLEW THROUGH THEIR FALL SEASON, CRUSHING MOST EVERYTHING IN THEIR SIGHTS.

Cain was the District 15-6A RunnerUp, and Bi-District and Area Champion. Leading the way was District 15-6A Girls MVP Angelica Montano and first teamers Katie Haines, Ximena Islas, Angelina Pham, Victoria Salazar/Karla Salazar and Evan Pezirtzoglou/Andie Thomas. The ‘Canes took down Cypress Woods and Oak Ridge in the postseason before falling to eventual State Finalist The Woodlands.

Jack Boyd, Klein Oak

Klein Cain Tennis

WINTER WRAP

WRESTLING : KLEIN ISD WRESTLERS SHINE AT STATE TOURNEY

KLEIN ISD REPRESENTED AT THE UIL STATE TOURNAMENT THIS WINTER.

Most notably, Klein High’s Isaac Sheeran (Jr.) and Klein Oak’s Rylee Ferranti (So.) were crowned as State Champions for their respective weight classes.

“Seeing these hard-working student-athletes excel by winning the State Wrestling Championship is such a remarkable achievement that makes all of us so incredibly proud,” Klein ISD Superintendent Dr. Jenny McGown said. “Isaac and Rylee have shown tremendous dedication, perseverance, and skill in pursuing their passion, and their tenacity has

paid off with excellence as the result. Congratulations to Isaac and Rylee, along with their families and coaches, on this great achievement!”

Klein High’s Issac Sheeran is no stranger to this kind of success.

The committed athlete has already accumulated quite the resume, having previously won State in the 6A 175-pound weight class and being among the top-ranked wrestlers of his class (170 lbs.) in 2022.

Klein coach Joaquin Bautista was obviously incredibly pleased with the Klein junior’s achievement, given how much work he’s put into his success.

“I’m extremely proud of what Isaac did this year. Watching him develop over time into a State Champion has been very exciting,” Coach Bautista said. “His strong work ethic, very coachable mentality, and positive character have made him into one of the most exciting wrestlers in

Texas, maybe nationally. I’m excited to see what more he can achieve in his upcoming senior year.”

Klein Oak sophomore Rylee Ferranti has gained a respected reputation for her diligence in the sport, as well as the impressive manner she represents her school. Furthermore, she has become known for her remarkable leadership and ability to motivate her teammates.

Ferranti’s stats speak for themselves, maintaining a 42-3 record and defeating three seniors en route to her State Title acquisition.

“Rylee has been working on meeting her potential since the first day she joined our team,” said Klein Oak coach Ian Jones. “She is a naturally gifted and athletic wrestler and had some success as a freshman (placing 6th in the Region). Still, this year you could see a real change in her work ethic, her desire to be great, and her improvement in her technique. Despite falling just short of State qualification last year, she bought in and it paid off with a State Championship. I’m incredibly proud of her and how she leads her teammates by her example every day.”

With two more years left in her high school career, the sky is the limit for Ferranti.

STATE MEDALISTS

BOYS:

106 weight class:

(5th place) Brandon Carrillo, Klein HS

132 weight class:

(2nd place) Timothy McGuire, Klein HS

175 weight class:

(1st place) Isaac Sheeren, Klein HS

(2nd place) Nico Lozano, Klein Cain HS

GIRLS:

132 weight class:

(3rd place) Elena Gutierrez, Klein Cain HS

145 weight class:

(2nd place) Talyn Naylor, Klein Cain HS

185 weight class:

(1st place) Rylee Ferranti, Klein Oak HS

Rylee Ferranti, Klein Oak

Isaac Sheeren, Klein High

\\ By Matt Malatesta

BASKETBALL : KLEIN COLLINS LEADS THE WAY

KLEIN ISD BASKETBALL PROGRAMS EARNED THREE OF THE FOUR BOYS’ BASKETBALL POSTSEASON SPOTS AS KLEIN COLLINS (25-10) WON THE DISTRICT FOLLOWED BY KLEIN OAK (24-13) AND KLEIN HIGH (18-14).

Klein Oak made school history in year one of the Joshua Ervin-era, advancing to the Region Finals. Klein Collins reached the Regional Quarters, while Klein fell in the first round of the playoffs. Twins Eli and Ethan Wyatt were named Co-MVPs for the district and Coach Scott Harmatuk was the Coach of the Year.

On the girls’ side, Klein Collins (26-5) swept through the district going undefeated, but bowed out in the first round. Klein Oak earned the fourth spot in district with an 18-16 record.

ALL-DISTRICT HONORS

BOYS

CO-MVP

Eli Wyatt, Klein Collins

Ethan Wyatt, Klein Collins

COACH OF THE YEAR

Scott Harmatuk, Klein Collins

GIRLS MVP

Christin Callens, Klein Collins

COACH OF THE YEAR

Tatiana Lee, Klein Collins

SWIMMING & DIVING : MAKING A SPLASH

THE KLEIN CAIN HURRICANES AND KLEIN OAK PANTHERS HAD SEVERAL ATHLETES ADVANCE TO THE 2023 UIL STATE MEET. The highest finish came from the Cain boys’ relay

team, which finished eighth in the 400-Freestyle Relay.

Here were the State Qualifiers who made Klein ISD proud.

STATE QUALIFIERS

BOYS

Alejandro Michelena, Klein Cain

50 Free; 100 Yard Butterfly

James Gottfield, Klein Cain

200 Free; 100 Breaststroke

Holden Muirhead, Klein Cain

500 Yard Free

Diego Rangel, Klein Cain

200 Yard Free; 500 Free

Skippy Carlson, Klein Oak

100 yard Back

Klein Cain 400 Yard Free Relay

GIRLS

Jessica Powell, Klein

200 Yard IM; 100 Butterfly

Cameryn Johnson, Klein Oak

100 Free

Klein Cain 400 Yard Free Relay

James Gottfield, Klein Cain

Holden Muirhead, Klein Cain

Cameryn Johnson, Klein Oak

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