Klein ISD VYPE - Spring 2024

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Ferranti, Cain’s Blaine Bullard, Klein High’s Quint Erwin, Forest’s Kyaliah Davis, Cain’s John Clark, Collins’ Za’Riya Bell-Morris and Oak’s Grace Culver

making a stir in Houston with their brilliant play.

on the cover Photo by Bradley C. Collier

Sophie Smith, Klein Oak, Missouri-signee

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.

Klein ISD’s athletic success is made possible through the collective efforts of our parents, fans, and community members, and it’s a joy to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our student-athletes across both winter and spring sports seasons in Klein ISD. I was especially proud to see our elite studentathletes who are set to continue their athletic careers at top universities nationwide on National Signing Day, which was a momentous occasion for our Klein, Texas community. Congratulations to these students, their families, and their coaches on this significant achievement!

Together, we are a winning team, and I am honored to share in the joy of your accomplishments!

Gratefully,

My name is Brandon Baker, and I’m honored to be the Executive Director of Athletics & Student Services for this outstanding school district. I’ve been a member of the Klein ISD Family since 2007 and most recently served as the principal of Klein High School. I have a lifelong love of athletics, having wanted to become a coach ever since I was a kid in elementary school. I took that enthusiasm and focused it on being the best teacher, coach, and that I could be for students throughout my career.

As the leader of Klein ISD Athletics, I’m looking forward to sharing my passion for athletics and the leadership experiences that I’ve gained with the incredibly talented student-athletes and dedicated coaches throughout Klein ISD. I’m excited to be a part of the hard work, talent, and commitment of these incredible individuals who continue to make Klein ISD a top-rated district.

Your support is what fuels our students' drive and passion, ensuring the legacy of Klein ISD's Athletic Program continues. I’m excited to get to know all of you, and as we move forward, let’s continue to cheer on our student-athletes, celebrating every victory and supporting them through every challenge.

Cathy

President

Retired Klein ISD Educator

Klein ISD Parent

KLEIN ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dustin Creager

Vice President

Klein ISD Parent Klein Volunteer Firefighter

Ronnie Anderson Trustee

Klein ISD Alum

Klein ISD Parent

Dustin Qualls Trustee

Klein ISD Parent

Secretary

Klein ISD Parent

Klein ISD Grandparent

Rob Ellis

Doug James Trustee

Klein ISD Alum

Klein ISD Parent

Klein ISD Second-Generation Board Member

Chris Todd Trustee

Klein ISD Alum

Klein ISD Parent

Arellano

Caleb Evans

Gabrielle Halliburton

Jacob Ellerd, Evan Duncan, Isaac Sheeran and Kenny Nichols

Corliyah Payne, Abi Diamond, Alissa Bryant and Marckalia Celestine

COLD FRONT

THE KLEIN BEARKATS KICKED OFF THE SEASON WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS LED BY WRESTLER ISAAC SHEERAN, WHO DEFENDED HIS 2023 STATE TITLE, GIVING HIM BACK-TO-BACK GOLD MEDALS. THE GIRLS SOCCER PROGRAM STEPS ONTO THE PITCH WITH NEW LEADERSHIP, AS KLEIN HIGH ALUM KELLY BENDELE TAKES OVER THE REINS OF THE TEAM AFTER SERVING AS AN ASSISTANT COACH FOR FIVE YEARS. BOYS AND GIRLS BASKETBALL ARE POSITIONING THEMSELVES FOR A PLAYOFF SPOT IN A TOUGH DISTRICT, LED BY CALEB EVANS AND ABI DIAMOND, RESPECTIVELY. QUINT ERWIN AND EMMA SMOTEK ARE THE HEADLINERS FOR COACH JIM SVOBODA’S SWIM TEAM.

Nick Ivins, Caleb Evans, Xavier Westmoreland and Xavier Zerai

Quint Erwin, Trenton Cassens and Ethan Samuels

Brad Tran

Kenneth Nichols & Evan Duncan

Navidad Martinez, Sienna Batiste, Abby Ewing and Alissa Perez

Abi Diamond

Ethan Samuels

Anthony Blankenship, Brad Tran, Jared Narvaez and Enrique Ventura

Emma Smotek, Ava McCormack, Kinnley Shanor and Kalie Shanor

Marckalia Celestine

Xavier Westmoreland

Victoria Delatorre, Maria Swanson, Gabrielle Halliburton, Olivia Knight and Samantha Stephens

Alissa Perez

Tawnie Martin

Kamdyn Spencer

John Stewart

Jebediah Gordon

OUT OF HIBERNATION

SPRING HAS SPRUNG AS KLEIN HIGH HEADS TO THE OUTDOORS FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE FIELDS OF PLAY. CARRYING THE BATON FOR THE BEARKATS TRACK AND FIELD ARE KATIE KOONTS (TULSA-COMMIT) AND NALA BEST ON THE GIRLS’ SIDE, WHILE JAXON LEWIS AND TORREY PAUL HEADLINE THE BOYS SQUAD. ON THE DIAMOND, COACH BARRY SMITH HAS A LOADED LINEUP WITH BANKSTON LEMBCKE (PARIS JC), JEBEDIAH GORDON (CENTENARY) AND JEREMIAH TORRES (RANGER COLLEGE), WHILE COACH JESSICA LANGE LEANS ON KENNEDY CUTBIRTH TO LEAD A YOUNG SOFTBALL SQUAD. JOHN STEWART AND EMMA VICKERS WILL CAPTAIN THE GOLF TEAMS.

Megan Meinhardt, Kennedy Cutbirth, Alana Padill, Paityn Lee and Mikayla Holcomb

Cameron Chambers

Olivia Ruiz, Katie Koonts, Amalia Gonzalez, Kamdyn Spencer and Nola Best

Kennedy Cutbirth

Christopher Loorkhoor

Kendall Huch, Emma Vickers, Isabelle Thompson, Kenley Helm and Tawnie Martin

Jaxson Lewis, Torrey Paul, Christopher Loorkhoor, Rian Torres and Xavier Westmoreland

Xavier Westmoreland

Alana Pedilla

Jeremiah Torres, Javier Rodriguez, Cameron Chambers, Bankston Lembcke, Jebediah Gordon and Brody Kouns

August Schindler, Noah Goerlich, John Stewart, Gage Peterson and Grant Nicholson

VIBE

ERWIN FOUND HIS “CLIQUE” IN KLEIN SWIM A

\\ By Matt Malatesta

WHEN A NICKNAME FITS, IT JUST STICKS.

Quint “QT” Erwin loves the story.

“One of my closest friends is named Quinn and I am Quint,” he said. “Coach Svoboda would call out ‘Quinn’ and we would both turn and head his way. It was super confusing and annoying for all of us. Coach made the decision that he would be Quinn and

I would be QT.”

It has stuck ever since.

“I know when you run it together it sounds like cutie,” he laughs. “I get that all the time. It’s a conversation starter, for sure.”

Erwin enters his junior season as one of leaders of the Bearkat swim and dive team, specializing in the 200 butterfly and 50 freestyle.

“What really kept me inspired happened during my freshman year,” he said. “Every season, Coach Svoboda pulls up one swimmer from the junior varsity to swim in the varsity district meet. He picked me. That has really kept me going. It gave me so much confidence.”

Two years later, he has lofty goals entering the 2024 season.

“I’m looking at getting to state,” he said. “I also want to go back to the Junior Nationals and eventually swim in college.”

Erwin found himself in the pool.

“I tried all the sports growing up,” he said. “I just found my clique with swim. I love being with my friends and I also like getting up early to practice. It makes me feel like I’ve done something during the day.”

What does he listen to before a big race?

“This sounds weird, but I listen to country music ballads,” he said. “Something like Jimmy Buffett or Kenny Chesney. My heart rate is super high during a meet, I need something to calm me down.”

Outside of the pool, Erwin is the outdoorsy-type.

“I love to fish, bike, hike and water ski,” he said. “I love the beach or biking the trails of Colorado. I could see myself travelling to state parks across the country when I’m older and being a part-time park ranger. I’m also dabbling into art a little bit.”

His uniqueness doesn’t stop there.

“I’m big into reading about history,” he said. “My favorite subjects are Henry Ford and Alexander Hamilton. They are really fascinating.”

QT Erwin beats to his own drum, which is unique in the world of high school where everyone is trying to just fit in. That sets him apart as he swims upstream in pursuit of his goals.

GOOD VIBES ONLY

CAIN’S CLARK IS THE LIFE OF THE PARTY

\\ By Matthew Ogle

HAVING A 6-FOOT-8 FRAME WITH THE SKILL-SET TO BACK IT UP TENDS TO BRING AUDIENCES TO THE CONCLUSION THAT JOHN CLARK HAS BEEN A STAR ATHLETE ALL HIS LIFE.

However, it might come as a shock that Klein Cain’s premier power forward wasn’t always the picture of athleticism you see now.

“When I was younger I was a pretty chubby kid, so my Mom wanted me to get into sports,” he said. “She signed me up for the YMCA

basketball league and ever since then I just kind of fell in love with the game.”

Despite his humble beginnings, Clark’s journey thereafter has ascended him to become one of the top college prospects in the state of Texas in the Class of 2025.

“I feel like what gives me an edge on the court is my rebounding ability,” said Clark. “I have a high motor when I’m playing, so I feel like both of those aspects provide a useful

combination for my skill-set and height.”

Clark has programs such as the University of Houston, Texas A&M, Texas and Sam Houston State, among others recruiting him during his junior season. But, it all starts at home for the Klein Cain hooper.

“My biggest motivation is definitely my family,” he said. “I want to make sure that my family is straight and get them in a better place down the line.

“The college recruitment is honestly a blessing. I can’t thank God enough for it. That motivates me to go harder, because I know that everybody is going for my head and wants to be where I am. Because of that, I know that I’ve got to bring it every game, every practice and every workout.”

It’s not only his work ethic that sets Clark apart from the rest, however. His greatest asset is far less tangible.

“I feel like I’m a pretty cool guy to talk to,” he said. “I tend to interact with everyone. I guess my being a good vibe makes me unique. Being sociable is useful anywhere you go, so that’s going to help me in life.”

It’s no wonder that he and his teammates have the chemistry they do.

“We’re not only friends on the court,” Clark said. “We do stuff off the court together which correlates the game, and that’s why we’re so well-rounded and play so well together.

“The most fun memory I have with the guys is during my sophomore year, when we were in Dallas for a tournament. We were all in the hotel and brought our SplatRBall guns. We stayed staying up late, getting keys to each other’s rooms and messing with each other. It was great.”

With another year left in his high school career, there’s still plenty of time for more memories to be made.

Perhaps a district title and more?

Ava Cuellar

Morgan Nance

Jada Colbert

Jose Sandoval, Landon Clark, Jake Cruz and Ramal Anglin

STORM WARNING

THE BIG MAN ON CAMPUS THIS WINTER FOR KLEIN CAIN IS UNDOUBTEDLY JOHN CLARK, WHO IS GUIDING THE HURRICANES TO A POTENTIALLY HISTORIC SEASON AS THEY PURSUE THE TEAM’S FIRST DISTRICT TITLE. CAMRYN BECK AND JADA COLBERT CREATE A DYNAMIC DUO ON THE GIRLS’ SIDE OF THE COURT. ON THE PITCH, TEAGAN MADDUX AND COURTNEY CALLANAN HEADLINE COACH CHRISTIE MESTAYER’S CLUB WHICH NARROWLY MISSED THE POSTSEASON IN 2023. THE BOYS AIM FOR A RETURN TO THE PLAYOFFS, WITH ADRIAN CHAVIRA AND SAMUEL REYES LEADING THE ATTACK. GABRIELLA VON HAVEN AND JAKE CRUZ WILL CAPTAIN THE WRESTLING TEAM. THE HURRICANES ARE EXPLOSIVE IN THE POOL, ALWAYS CHALLENGING FOR A DISTRICT SWIM TITLE. JAMES GOTTFRIED (BROWN-COMMIT) IS A NAME TO REMEMBER.

Eric Rangel

Nick Delgado, John Clark, Koye Rondeno and Braden Fobbs

Talyn Naylor, Gabriella VonHaven, Allison Gonzalez and Madison Mansour

Landon Clark & Jake Cruz

Braden Fobbs

Rebecca Wylie, Jordyn Sims, Ava Cuellar and Ava Mendez

Lola Hackradt, Jada Colbert, Camryn Beck and Sariah Fuentes

Riley Sadosky, Nathan Martinez, Adrian Chavira and Samuel Reyes

TaylorLee Goebel, Eric Rangel, James Gottfried and Christopher Harris

Catherine Benavente, Morgan Nance, Courtney Callanan and Isabel Garcia

Koye Rondeno

Nathan Martinez

Lola Hackradt

Carlo Almendarez, Justin Gilmore, Ian Standlee, Cooper McEnroe and Blaine Bullard

Felicity Hamilton, Daisha Rodgers, Kiyah Rawls, Tirea Reed and Journey Jones

Darius Rodgers

Joshua McGown

Amia Shead & Reighlyn Jefferson

BRIGHT FORECAST

AS THE CLOUDS PART FROM THE WINTER SKY, THE SPRING LOOKS TO BE SUNNY FOR KLEIN CAIN. ON THE GOLF COURSE, ZOE HOBBS AIMS TO CAP OFF HER HIGH SCHOOL CAREER IN STYLE BEFORE HEADING TO ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM. THE BASEBALL TEAM HAS TREMENDOUS TALENT, SUCH AS BLAINE BULLARD (TEXAS A&M), COOPER MCENROE (NORTHWESTERN STATE), AND IAN STANDLEE (ARMY), WHICH SHOULD ENSURE A PLAYOFF BERTH. ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DIAMOND, COACH ERIN PLEDGER WILL NEED TO HAVE BIG SEASONS FROM SOPHOMORES AMIA SHEAD AND REIGHLYN JEFFERSON ON THE MOUND. KLEIN CAIN BOYS TRACK IS GOING TO BE INCREDIBLY BALANCED WITH AN ASSORTMENT OF ELITE SPRINTERS, JUMPERS AND THROWERS. THE GIRLS ARE LED BY FELICITY HAMILTON AND SOPHOMORE JOURNEY JONES.

Kiyah Rawls

Tyrell Willis, Darius Lewis, Darius Rodgers and D’Vonte Williams

Layla Mendez, Yaretzi Islas, Kaylee Kang, Taylor Theriot and Zoe Hobbs

D’Vonte Williams

Lex Barlow, Keaton Blume, Joshua McGown, Jaxson Dittmer and Jake Robinson

Ian Standlee

Daisha Rodgers

Leilaniz Nieves, Delilah Gonzalez, Amia Shead, Reighlyn Jefferson, Jazmine Freeman and Madison Luark

ONE BLOCK AT A TIME

KLEIN COLLINS’ BELL-MORRIS A BIG PIECE TO TIGERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP PUZZLE

\\ By Matt Malatesta

KLEIN COLLINS SOFTBALL DOMINATED DISTRICT PLAY IN 2023 AND ADVANCED TO THE THIRD ROUND OF THE POSTSEASON. BUT THAT ISN’T THAT FAR-FETCHED, SEEING THAT THE TIGERS HAVE REACHED THE STATE FINALS AS EARLY AS 2012 AND 2019.

They have that look again heading into 2024 with the likes of Texas Statesignee Savannah Carter and Northwestern Statesignee Ary Garcia leading a talented senior class.

However, junior Za’Riya Bell-Morris will continue to build her high school resume after a breakout season last year. She could be the key to the Tigers’ run for Red and Charline McCombs Field and the State Tournament.

“I like positivity,” BellMorris said. “We have that in this team… a good vibe. We have great pitching, defense and we are an explosive team on offense. We lost to Langham Creek in the third-round last year, but I think we have the pieces in place to make it all the way to State.”

Speaking of pieces, when Bell-Morris isn’t running down softballs in the outfield or punishing pitchers in the batter’s box, she is settling into her favorite hobby.

“It sounds crazy, but I love building Legos,” she laughed. “If I got one Christmas gift, I would want a Lego set. I just built a Bonsai Tree of Legos. It is beautiful! I don’t know, with all it takes to be a student-athlete, it helps me breathe, focus and lock in to connecting blocks. It’s how I take time for myself.”

Bell-Morris had a big sophomore season at the plate and patrolled the outfield for Klein Collins and in summer ball. Her abilities have drawn the attention of college scouts and her phone is starting to ring.

“In recruiting, colleges take pitchers and catchers first, then middle infielders,”

she explained. “Then outfielders who can hit, and that is me. I have taken a few visits and I’ve found that I want to go Division I, but not too big of a DI. I’m looking for a smaller school and when I step on the campus, I’m like ‘wow’. A fun program with a nice environment.”

In the meantime,

however, the superstar athlete enjoys being a kid.

“I love anime, listening to ‘Lil Boosie and dancing,” she laughed. “I’m in the outfield just dancing away between outs and especially during my walkout song.”

And, of course, building Legos.

Andrea Nunez

Sofia Palma, Meadow Kessler, Taylor Welker, Gisselle Garza and Mya Young

Sam Hinson, Boedy Zentz, Ryland Abad and Ryan Kelley

Almoni Malone, Aaron Perez, Gregory Jackson and Frederick Taylor

Makayla Noe, Raegan Mulloy and Loricia Awad

CLAWS OUT

THE KLEIN COLLINS TIGERS OPENED THE WINTER POUNCING ON THE COMPETITION, WITH THE GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM DOMINATING THE DISTRICT AS AN AREA POWER, LED BY CHRISTIN CALLENS (ST. MARY’S-COMMIT). ADDITIONALLY, FRESHMAN A’NIYAH HARMON HAS BURST ONTO THE SCENE AND WILL BE A FUTURE STAR IN THE CITY. THE BOYS HAVE BATTLED FOR A PLAYOFF SPOT BEHIND THE STELLAR PLAY OF SENIORS AARON PEREZ AND GREG JACKSON

III. JAKE BERRARA (UT-TYLER) WILL LEAD THE BOYS SOCCER PROGRAM, WHILE MEADOW KESSLER (BLYNN) WILL ANCHOR THE KC DEFENSE ON THE GIRLS’ SIDE. MAKAYLA NOE IS A SPEEDSTER IN THE POOL AND IS COMMITTED TO ST. PETER’S UNIVERSITY. THE WATER POLO TEAM SHOWED MARKED IMPROVEMENT THIS SEASON. ON THE MAT, ANIYEA DICKERSON (HOWARD) AND ASHON FOSTER HEADLINE THE WRESTLING TEAM.

Grace Davis, Grant Showan, Taegen Hejl, Tommy Watson, Kamryn Carson, Luke Johnson and Gabriella Vazquez

Dedrick Young, Jayden Flagle, Ashon Foster and Daniel Chacon

A’Niyah Harmon, McKinley Coleman, Brooklyn Bailey, Alana Fontenot and Christin Callens

Godfrey Ponce

Ulises Diaz, Godfrey Ponce, Jake Berrada, Andres Palma and Bridge Mwambukiri

Sam Hinson McKinley Coleman

Andrea Nunez, Aniyea Dickerson, Darlyn Medrano and Gabriella Martinez

Mya Young Loricia Awad

Gregory Jackson

Tori Petrovich, Meadow Kessler and Angelina Dinh

Jonathan Juarez, Dylan Jasek, Grayson Murillo, Chase Madden, Brice Romero and Quinton Jefferson

Jarrod Penright

Khalia Duffy

Jacob Vasquez

FEAR THE ROAR

KLEIN COLLINS HAS SET ITS SIGHTS ON GOLD, ESPECIALLY IN SOFTBALL. THE TIGERS WENT THREE ROUNDS DEEP IN THE PLAYOFFS A YEAR AGO, AND CURRENTLY MAINTAIN THAT CHAMPIONSHIP-CALIBER LOOK WITH SAVANNAH CARTER (TEXAS STATE-COMMIT), ZA’RIYA BELL-MORRIS, AND ARIANAYS GARCIA (NORTHWESTERN STATE) ALL RETURNING TO THE DIAMOND. QUINTON JEFFERSON (RANGER COLLEGE), ALONGSIDE PITCHERS CHASE MADDEN AND GRAYSON MURILLO HAVE BIG-GAME EXPERIENCE FOR KC BASEBALL, AS THEY ALSO SEEK A RETURN TO THE POSTSEASON. ON THE TRACK, DAVID JOHNSON (TEXAS A&M-CORPUS CHRISTI) LEADS THE BOYS TEAM, WHILE BROOKLYN BARGER (SFA) WILL RACK UP POINTS FOR THE GIRLS. MEADOW KESSLER (BLYNN) WILL PROVIDE LOW SCORES FOR THE GIRLS GOLF TEAM, WHILE NOAH GUINN WILL AIM TO SHOOT UNDER PAR FOR THE BOYS.

Arianays Garcia

Noah Guinn, Timo Pozza, Ethan DeHoyos, Grayson Murillo and Jacob Vasquez

Ahnye’ Jones, Brooklyn Barger, Khalia Duffy, Ava Flugence and Laila Holliday

Lalla Holliday

David Johnson

Arianays Garcia, Za’Riya Bell-Morris, Savannah Carter, Devyn Davenport and Mia Quiroga

Jonathan Juarez

Angelina Dinh

David Johnson, Micah Washington, Evan Ealy and Andrew Jones

BASEBALL

Chase Childs • Dallas Christian College

Tanner Cooper • Hill College

EJ Garcia • Coastal Bend College

Jeb Gordon • Centenary College of Louisiana

Austin Hardy • Wharton Junior College

Gage Kooyers • Cisco College

Bankston Lembcke • Paris Junior College

Reed Osborne • Western Texas College

Javier Rodriguez • NJIT

Makoy Stone • UT Permian Basin

Josh Szabo • East Texas Baptist University

Jeremiah Torres • Ranger College

FOOTBALL

Sam Coleman • Texas Wesleyan

Brock Dodge • Hendrix College

Mason Faye • Oklahoma Baptist

Jabaris Gaines • Langston University

Jabre Gaines • Langston University

Kolin Garner • Blinn Junior College

Carson Johnson • Midwestern State University

TJ Jones • Blinn Junior College

Carson Johnson • Midwestern State University

Will LeBlanc • UT Permian Basin

Jaxon Lewis • Southern Nazarene University

Brady Marshall • Sul Ross State

Isaac Mooring III • UT Permian Basin

Abhinav Pothuri • Washington University

Kory Pradia • Texas Wesleyan University

Beldon Smith • Midwestern State University

Kamrin Waddy • Bethany College

Kelvin Williams • Benedictine University

GOLF

Meadow Kessler • Blinn College

Emma Vickers • Bluefield University

LACROSSE

Jazzmin Jackson • University of Charleston

Kyndell Jackson • Anderson University

SWIM SOCCER

Jake Berrada • UT Tyler

Ariana Diaz • McPherson College

Gabrielle Halliburton • Maryville College

Riley Knox • St. Edwards University

SOFTBALL

Trinnity Blatz • Angelina Junior College

Keirsten Bradshaw • Angelina Community College

Mia Quiroga • University of St. Thomas

Brielle Moreland • University of Mary Hardin Baylor

Dani Reynoso • San Jacinto Community College

Maggie Hunt • Nebraska (Kearney)

Makayla Noe • St. Peter's University

VOLLEYBALL

Olivia Murillo • Colorado School of Mines

Kinslee Smith • Erskine College

Alexis Waddy • Erskine College

Faith Williams • Odessa College

WRESTLING

Abby Ewing • University of Jamestown

Kennedi Lewis • William Penn College

Isaac Sheeren • Lander University

Matthew Johnson

Jeidi Diaz

Shayda Fletcher, Mar’Reonna Little and Kaiya Carter

Kory Pradia, Trenton Burkhalter Jr., James Dancy and Leonardo Salazar

Nadine Sanchez

RISE UP

THE KLEIN FOREST GOLDEN EAGLES HAVE BEEN A BASKETBALL POWER UNDER THE DIRECTION OF LONG-TIME COACH CARY BLACK. OMAR DAVIS, MATTHEW JOHNSON, DAMARIAN JACKSON, AND CHASE SANDERS ARE THE LEAD BIRDS AS KLEIN FOREST CHASES A PLAYOFF SPOT. THE GIRLS ARE A GUARD-HEAVY GROUP WITH THE LIKES OF KAIYA CARTER, SHAYDA FLETCHER AND NEIMAN BERRY RUNNING THE FLOOR. SOCCER COACH LUIS OCHOA HOPES TO GET OVER THE HUMP IN 2024 AFTER NARROWLY MISSING THE POSTSEASON LAST YEAR. MARVIN JUAREZ AND DENNY ALCANTARA LEAD THE ATTACK, WHILE ALEJANDRA ROMO AND DARLA ARTOLA HEADLINE THE GIRLS TEAM. THE WRESTLING PROGRAM HAS INCREASED IN NUMBERS, WHILE SENIOR ELIZABETH MACIAS GIVES THE SWIM TEAM VALUABLE EXPERIENCE.

Leila Garcia

Denny Alcantara, Marvin Juarez, Anthony Zavala and German Garcia

Ximena Medellin, Arizel Aguilar, Hayley Castro and Elizabeth Macias

Kaiya Carter

Hayley Castro

Tamia Sabari-Brown, Jade Turner, Jeidi Diaz and Heven Turner

Omar Davis

Damarian Jackson, Omar Davis, Chase Sanders and Matthew Johnson

Kory Pradia

Maxine Bravo, Nadine Sanchez, Alejandra Romo, Darla Artola, Leila Garcia and Samantha Ventura-Guerra

Denny Alcantara

THE 411

KLEIN FOREST’S DAVIS BUILDING ON IMPRESSIVE TRACK RESUME

\\ By Matt Malatesta

THE KLEIN FOREST GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD TEAM EARNED A PAIR OF GOLD MEDALS AT THE STATE MEET IN 2023 AS THEY CONTINUE TO BUILD ON THEIR ILLUSTRIOUS RESUME ON THE OVAL.

So, what will the Eagles do for an encore?

Back on the oval is junior sprinter Kyaliah Davis, who helped lead Klein Forest to gold in the 4x100 and 4x200 relays in Austin.

“We are great at relays because we are really close as a team,” she said. “You have to have great chemistry to get the stick around the track. The handoffs win or lose the race for you and we practice really hard at it.”

While the girls’ team had a tremendous 2023, winning silver at State, the boys took gold.

“We practice together and are all great friends,” she said of her boy counterparts. “They make us better, but we always argue with them about who is going to win State. It’s all in good fun.”

As the track season turns from practices to meets, Klein Forest and Davis will have a bull’s eye on their backs as soon as they get off the bus. They welcome the competition.

In our 411 feature, we get into the head of one of the state’s top sprinters… Kyaliah Davis.

VYPE: What makes a great track athlete?

DAVIS : It’s really 20-percent athleticism and 80-percent mental. If you are mentally strong, the track part will take care of itself.

VYPE: What is your dream car?

DAVIS: A Dodge Challenger

VYPE: Where is your dream vacation?

DAVIS: Hawaii

VYPE: What is your favorite place to eat?

DAVIS: That’s easy, Wing Stop.

VYPE: What is your dream college?

DAVIS: Arkansas

VYPE: What is your favorite movie?

DAVIS: Really, any scary movie.

VYPE: W hat can you see yourself doing in 10 years?

DAVIS: Being a veterinarian.

VYPE: Who is your inspiration?

DAVIS: My Dad. He coaches me in AAU track and he has really pushed me to where I am today.

VYPE: How did you get into track?

DAVIS: My sister started running, so I just followed her early on. She quit after a month and I’ve stuck with in ever since.

ON YOUR MARK

KLEIN FOREST HAS EMERGED AS A STATE POWER TRACK AND FIELD SCHOOL. THE BOYS WON THE CLASS 6A STATE TITLE IN 2023 AND IN 2019 UNDER THE DIRECTION OF LEGENDARY COACH REMON SMITH. BACK ON THE TRACK IS STAR AHMIR ROBINSON (INCARNATE WORD) AND SENIOR TEAMMATES JOSEPH AJAYI, LAWSON JACOBS (UL-L) AND KYZLER JOHNSON.

WATCH OUT TEXAS, HERE COME THE GOLDEN EAGLES, BUT IT’S NOT ONLY THE BOYS. THE GIRLS FINISHED SECOND AT THE STATE MEET IN 2023 AND ARE LOADED AGAIN. THE LADIES WON THE 4X100 AND 4X200 RELAYS AT STATE AND LOOK TO DEFEND THEIR TITLES. KYALIAH DAVIS, MAR’REONNA LITTLE AND AVIA JONES WILL ANCHOR THE TEAM FOR COACH SHANNON WRIGHT. MICHAEL MARTINEZ (ST. THOMAS) AND BELDON SMITH (MIDWESTERN STATE) ARE NAMES TO LOOK OUT FOR ON THE DIAMOND, WHILE SENIOR SHORTSTOPS JAYLA TOLEDO AND MARIAH VASQUEZ ARE ATHLETIC AROUND THE BASES FOR THE SOFTBALL TEAM.

Shiliane Kent, Zuhnyae Little, Keniya Simpson, Janiyah McDonald, Makayla Baptiste, Ayana Lowe, Kyaliah Davis, Avia Jones, Maddison Evans and Tenia Morris

Jayla Toledo

Ahmir Robinson

Avery Warren, Chloey Garcia, Jaquelin Garcia, Gabrielle Apodara, Sydney Vo and Angelina Huynh

Avia Jones

Kaiden Sziy

Jayla Toledo, Lily De La Torre, Mariah Vasquez, Izabella Diaz and Alicia Martinez

Kyzler Johnson, Lawson Jacobs, Ahmir Robinson and Joseph Ajayi Michael Martinez

Francisco Chapa, Kaiden Sziy, Michael Martinez, Beldon Smith, Logan White and Andrew Flores

Brennan Webb

Kira Schkade, Riley Knox, Trinity Jefferson and Grace Culver

Laita Perez

Maci Mote

Bella Leggiero & Kaitlyn Kelly

PANTHER PRIDE

AFTER MAKING SCHOOL HISTORY WITH AN APPEARANCE IN THE 2023 REGIONAL FINAL, COACH JOSHUA ERVIN HAS SET THE BAR HIGH FOR KLEIN OAK HOOPS. THE PANTHERS WILL EARN A PLAYOFF WITH THE HELP OF ISAIAH WALKER, BRYSON HOLMES, AND BRENNAN WEBB. THEIR FEMALE COUNTERPARTS ARE THRIVING, WITH FRESHMAN MACI MOTE LEADING THE WAY. KHLOE VAUGHN AND KIANA VEGA PROVIDE SUPPORT IN SCORING AND EXPERIENCE. ON THE PITCH, THE GIRLS SOCCER TEAM IS AIMING TO SURPASS THEIR THIRD-ROUND PLAYOFF APPEARANCE FROM A YEAR AGO. THE PANTHERS BRING BACK SCORERS GRACE CULVER AND RILEY KNOX. MEANWHILE, THE BOYS ARE LOOKING TO RE-ENTER THE DISTRICT CONVERSATION. REIGNING STATE CHAMPION RYLEE FERRANTI HEADLINES A TALENTED WRESTLING GROUP, WITH ASPIRATIONS FOR A REPEAT. ISABELLA LEGGIERO AND ANDREW CARLSON LEAD A YOUTHFUL SWIM TEAM.

Miguel Lamadrid

Bryson Holmes, Isaiah Walker, Brenna Webb and Noah Franklin

Dino Navarro, Jayden Jones, Christian Aranda and Carter Canizaro

Christian Arando

Michael Reese

Dino Navarro

Jonah Marquez & Andrew Carlson

Bryson Holmes

Maci Mote, Khloe Vaughn, Kiana Vega and Londyn Colon

Riley Knox

Khloe Vaughn

Kira Schkade

Noah Franklin

Alexis Hernandez, Miguel Lamadrid, Wilmer Quintero and Michael Rees

Chloe Hanes, Laita Perez, Rylee Ferranti and Malaina Jones

OAK’S FERRANTI IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN LOCKED

\\ By Matthew Ogle

THE TERM, “BEING WISE BEYOND ONE’S YEARS” IS THROWN AROUND FAIRLY OFTEN TO DESCRIBE SPECIAL STUDENT-ATHLETES.

Klein Oak’s Rylee Ferranti is one of those special athletes, who truly manifests that notion into reality.

While she has dabbled in numerous sports over the years, including football, softball, baseball, basketball and swimming, Ferranti would eventually find herself on the wrestling mat.

“I was actually going to try football my freshman year because I’ve always been a bigger girl since I was little,” she said. “But, then I found wrestling and my coach told me I was a perfect fit because of my strength and size. It was

IN

a sport that made me feel welcome for my size, and I’m used to being physical having grown up in a house full of boys.”

It was a decision that undoubtedly paid off, given that the Klein Oak junior would go 46-3 and win State in the 185-pound weight class as a sophomore.

She would go undefeated and win another state title this winter.

“At first, I didn’t know that I had won because I thought we were in the second period when it was actually the third,” Ferranti laughed. “After they made the announcement, I was just thinking, ‘Wow, I did it’. I took a big breath of relief because I had put so much effort into it. Having all of that pay off was surreal.”

Ferranti isn’t done, yet.

“I feel like I can always improve,” she said. “If you don’t have that mindset, then you’ll never get better. Thinking you’ve hit your peak just slows you down. My goal this year was plain and simple – I wanted to go undefeated.”

Mission accomplished.

Her goals don’t end at the high school level. Ferranti naturally has her sights set on even greater ambitions.

“Long-term, I intend to take this to the collegiate level and I’m eventually going all the way up to the Olympics,” said Ferranti. “I don’t care how good of shape I need to get in or the mental pressure that comes with it. If I put my mind to it, I will get there.”

Considering all she has already accomplished, that

statement feels more like a promise than a prediction. But, just how is it that Ferranti maintains this level of laser-focus?

“I’ve always had things going on in my life. It can all pile up on you, if you let it,” she said. “If I always have something to keep striving for, that just keeps me going and focused on the good things.

“If I want to be the best of the best, nothing is stopping me, except for myself,” she said.

With maturity beyond her years, coupled with her unwavering determination, it won’t come as a shock to see Ferranti live out her dreams in the near future. The first step is an undefeated State Championship in her junior season.

TITLE CHASERS

KLEIN OAK BASEBALL CARRIED THE BANNER LAST YEAR, AS THE PANTHERS WON DISTRICT EN ROUTE TO REACHING THE THIRD ROUND OF THE POSTSEASON. THE PANTHERS ARE LOADED ONCE AGAIN, WITH MATT SCOTT (TEXAS-SIGNEE) AT THE PLATE, AND MAKOY STONE (UT-PERMIAN BASIN) ON THE MOUND. GAGE KOOYERS AND AUSTIN HARDY ANCHOR THE DEFENSE. THE SOFTBALL TEAM ALSO REACHED THE POSTSEASON IN 2023, AND WILL RELY ON OFFENSIVE MVP SOPHIE SMITH (MISSOURI) TO PROVIDE POWER AT THE PLATE AND SLICK FIELDING FROM THE SHORTSTOP POSITION. GIRLS GOLF IS YOUNG AND TALENTED, WHILE BRODY POLZIN PROVIDES EXPERIENCE FOR THE BOYS. DARRYL YOUNG IS ONE OF THE TOP JUMPERS IN THE STATE OF TEXAS, WHILE THE KLEIN OAK GIRLS RELAY SPRINTERS SHOULD CHALLENGE TO REACH THE REGIONAL MEET.

EJ Garcia, Makoy Stone, Tanner Cooper, Matt Scott, Gage Kooyers, Austin Hardy and Reed Osborne

Darryl Young, Jacob Everson, Justin Hart, Kensington Vidito and Hunter Hendry

Taylor Kerns, Lindy Morvan, Aniyah Ramirez, Alexa Smothers and Londyn Colon

Anjali Nair, Gabby Gonzales, Lauren Ybarra, Ann Katherine Smith and Allie Hensley

Rey Rodgers

Trinnity Blatz

Tanner Cooper

Lauren Ybarra

Katelyn Havemann, Brielle Moreland, Trinnity Blatz, Carly Zahn, Sophie Smith and Aubrey LaCour

Rey Rodgers, Cooper Nixon, Brody Polzin and Carson Sellers

Kinsington Vidito

Austin Hardy

Makoy Stone

Londyn Colon

Katelyn Havemann

Klein oak photo feature

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