VYPE Houston Magazine January 2019

H O U S TO N H I G H S C H O O L S P O R T S

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Greatest Team Ever?

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NORTH SHORE WINS THRILLER, CAPS HISTORIC SEASON WITH TITLE

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What A Finish!

If you would have told me in August that just a few months later this was going to be the finish we would get to the 2018 football season, I might not have believed you.

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In fact, I would have told you to go write it as a script for the next great sports movie.

Three Houston-area teams went to AT&T Stadium at the end of December vying for that state championship – an east-side power, the new kids on the block and the group that finally got over their fourth-round curse.

North Shore, Shadow Creek and Fort Bend Marshall all made it to the final week of the season undefeated.

Start with the Sharks of Shadow Creek and the job that Brad Butler did guiding them in their inaugural season. The Sharks were trying to become the first team since 1982 to win a title in its first season. Shadow Creek fell short to the powerhouse that is Highland Park.

But the fact that Shadow Creek was in this game in its first season is phenomenal. Talk about setting the bar high for the program. Now, it really is state championship or bust for Shadow Creek moving forward. They are young and will be back.

For Fort Bend Marshall it was a stretch of two weeks that no player, coach or administrator ever wants to face. While, making history – reaching the state semifinals for the first time with a win against Huntsville – the Buffs family lost a member.

Senior defensive back Drew Conley died after being shot in a domestic dispute.

The loss shook, but didn’t break, the team. It drove them to #Remember3 and #DoIt4Drew. The Buffs got to the title game but didn’t have enough to overpower the juggernaut that was Aledo.

During the medal ceremony two Buffs players held up Drew’s jersey on a coat hanger. He got his medal and hat. Drew made it to state.

Finally, the most memorable finish to a game in my career happened just 10 feet away from my spot in the end zone. I watched as Dematrius Davis heaved one final prayer to the end zone. My eyes went as wide as they could get as Ajani Carter made the catch for the game-winning score.

North Shore did it. The Mustangs gave us the greatest finish for what I believe is the greatest team to ever come out of Houston.

What’s crazy for all three of these teams is a majority of their stars are back in 2019!

I can’t wait to see what the encore to 2018 will be.

Joshua Koch Managing Editor of VYPE Houston joshua.koch@vype.com

HOUSTON STAFF PUBLISHER SPORTSMEDIA FUTURE, LLC PRESIDENT Derek Dusek CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER Matt Malatesta MANAGING EDITOR Joshua Koch DIGITAL EDITOR Matt Reese CREATIVE DIRECTOR Daniel Tiller CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS Carrie Follis STAFF WRITERS Angel Verdejo Jr., Dennis Silva II, Matt Malatesta, Joshua Koch CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Bradley Collier/VYPE Media, Jamey Wright, Lloyd Hendricks INTERNS Joey Allender, Ryann Booth, Reagon Carter, Savio Le, Jade Salinas, Tommy Yarrish, Kathryn Falterman, Ally Henderson, Hannah Williams, Lily Timperman CONTACT INFORMATION WEBSITE: vypehouston.com EDITOR: matt.malatesta@vype.com ADVERTISING: 832.451.6566 or derek.dusek@vype.com COMMENTS & FEEDBACK: matt.malatesta@vype.com PHONE: 832.606.7057 VYPE is published monthly by SportsMedia Future, LLC. Reproductions in whole or in part without permission are prohibited.

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on the cover Photo by Bradley Collier/VYPE Media GREATEST TEAM EVER?: North Shore players and coaches celebrate with the 2018 Class 6A Division I State Championship trophy and medals after a thrilling 41-36 victory against Duncanville on December 22.

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triple play Hello 2019! It is time for the first Triple Play of the New Year and we are ready to dive in with some of the area’s top athletes to get to know them better. The Woodlands lacrosse team won state last season and Diego Zimmerman (@dzimm_42) was a key piece, and returns for a potential repeat in 2019. Avery Barron (@

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Harry Potter

Wonder

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Rae Sremmurd or Lil Wayne

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What is your favorite hobby?

Video Games or Watching Netflix

Traveling

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Who is your Favorite pro athlete?

DeAndre Hopkins

Alex Bregman

LeBron James

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Black Ops 4

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Manage Time More Efficiently

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SPEED • STRENGTH • FLEXIBILITY • ENDURANCE • SELF-CONFIDENCE 4 \\ V YP E \\ J A N 2019 \\ vypehouston.com

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Playmakers

AJANI CARTER – NORTH SHORE FOOTBALL You want to talk about the play of the year? North Shore’s Ajani Carter owns it! With three seconds left, North Shore quarterback Dematrius Davis heaved the ball towards the end zone. Carter, in between two Duncanville defenders, somehow came down with the football in bounds. The 45-yard touchdown reception with no time left won North Shore its third state championship.

ARESA GIPSON – HIGHTOWER GIRLS HOOPS Hightower is off to an unbelievable start to the 2018-2019 season. Hurricanes senior Aresa Gipson has been a big part of it. Gipson’s 9.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game (in 20 games) have been a key to Hightower’s 26-1 start and No. 3 ranking in TABC’s December 31 Class 5A State poll. Gipson has five double-doubles this season already.

Expect more the rest of the way.

JADA MALONE – THE VILLAGE SCHOOL GIRLS HOOPS Jada Malone is only a sophomore but already is a captain of The Village School girls basketball team and ranked No. 24 in ESPN’s 2021 HoopGurlz Terrific 25. She has more than 10 Division 1 offers already. Malone surpassed the 1,000-point mark for her career on November 26. This season, Malone has broken The Village School’s single-game points (42) and rebounds (27) records. Malone is averaging 25 points and 15 rebounds per game, shooting 68-percent from the floor.

BRYCE GRIGGS – HIGHTOWER BOYS HOOPS Bryce Griggs is only a freshman but doesn’t play like one. Griggs has helped guide Hightower to 17 wins in its first 24 games of the season, and his hot play has already garnered college offers from major programs. Griggs this fall already has been offered

by Kansas and the University of Houston. This is only the beginning for Griggs, who scored 37 points against Plano East in the Texas Invitational. Expect big things from him the rest of the year.

MONTAVIOUS MURPHY – CONCORDIA LUTHERAN BOYS HOOPS Concordia Lutheran won 24 of its first 25 games of the 2018-2019 season and Montavious Murphy has been a big key to that. The Kansas State-commit is averaging 19.5 points and 10.7 rebounds per game and has registered 15 double-doubles already.

Murphy’s biggest night came against Holy Spirit Prep when he scored 31 points and 14 rebounds (11 defensive boards).

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THE AD ALDINE’S THOMPSON WANTS ACTION, NOT LIP-SERVICE \\ By Matt Malatesta

working and disciplined coaches, who care about our kids 100-percent.

“I don’t want lip service, I want action. One thing I learned being a head coach is that once the kids know that you have their hearts in mind, they will give you everything they have.

You can read all the books you want and attend all the coaching seminars out there, but when your kids know how much you care, coaching gets much easier.

A

ldine’s Dre’ Thompson has been waiting for this opportunity. He was the head coach at Eisenhower and the assistant AD for the district for several years. When Richard Delgado retired, Thompson got his shot.

In year one of the Thompson-era, he is putting his stamp on Aldine ISD. He is implementing his plan with the help of new superintendent Dr. LaTonya Goffney and things are looking up on Houston’s north side.

VYPE caught up with Thompson to get a peek inside his offices to see what the future brings in Aldine.

VYPE: This is your first full year as the Athletic Director of Aldine ISD. What has been the most important part of the job?

THOMPSON: “I wanted to get in here and establish my vision. I want to run it a certain way. I want to establish a culture of hard-

“I look at Jon Kay at North Shore. I’ve seen him around his kids. They respond to him because he cares. It might be tough love, but he cares.

“It trickles down to the elementary and middle schools. If a family sees that you care about their kids in high school, they are going to send their younger siblings to you. The messaging has to be consistent from the high school all the way down to their feeder schools.

“I try and bring in two to three coaches each day from across the district. I want to pick their brains and see if they are the right fit for my vision.”

VYPE: Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

THOMPSON: “That’s easy. There are really three men who I consider mentors and all three taught me different things.

“I played at Madison for Ray Seals. Coach Seals invested in the kids who played for him. You have to know who you are coaching, and he was

the best at that. His players would go through a wall for him and he made them feel part of his extended family.

“When I was at Hightower with Kevin O’Keefe, I learned how to build a program. It’s all about the details. What set him apart is the way he put together a coaching staff. The staff I was on, we had 10 assistants who would become head coaches. The other would become a principal.

He built a staff of leaders. He built a staff of role models.”

“I didn’t coach for Mack Brown, but I’ve consulted with him many times. What I took away from him while he was at Texas was presentation.”

VYPE: Presentation? Dive into that.

THOMPSON: “Everyone wants to look the part, whether it be uniforms, locker rooms or stadiums. We want our students to not feel lesser than anyone they play, from what they wear to where they play.

“It even comes down to coaches’ offices. They need to be immaculate with some pictures. It’s the little things that make the difference. When you buy a house, something sold you on that neighborhood – a fountain, a beautiful sign or landscaping. It’s the same thing with high school athletics.

“Mack Brown at Texas started that trend years ago. He believed his athletes deserved the best from state-of-the-art facilities to academic centers. I believe in that too.”

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8 \\ V YP E \\ J A N 2019 \\ vypehouston.com

picture this PLAY OF THE YEAR

With three seconds left, North Shore’s Ajani Carter somehow battled between two Duncanville defenders to come down with the football for a 45-yard game-winning touchdown catch to win the Class 6A Division I State Championship inside AT&T Stadium. photo by Lloyd Hendricks

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photos by Bradley Collier 1-Fort Bend Marshall’s Dalevon Campbell makes a catch for a touchdown against Aledo during the Class 5A Division II State Championship game inside AT&T Stadium.

2-Shadow Creek’s Jamarian George strides down the sideline for a record-breaking 99-yard rushing touchdown – the longest in Texas high school football championship game history.

3-North Shore’s Ajani Carter looks up at the video board inside AT&T Stadium as his final catch goes under review by the officials.

4-Fort Bend Marshall’s Malik Hornsby reacts to scoring a rushing touchdown against Aledo in the Class 5A Division II State Championship game.

5-North Shore running back Zach Evans heads up the middle as his offensive line clears the way for him.

6-Fort Bend Marshall’s Warren Robinson blows up a play as Aledo quarterback Jake Bishop lies on the turf and Robinson celebrates.

picture this

EYE ON THE BALL

Shadow Creek’s Jared Jackson leaps into the air and comes down with the ball for an early touchdown against Highland Park in the Class 5A Division I State Championship game. photo by Lloyd Hendricks

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photos by Bradley Collier 1-Shadow Creek’s Marquez Huland revs up for a run against Highland Park. Huland finished the year with more than 1,300 yards rushing in 2018.

2-North Shore’s Shadrach Banks breaks away from Duncanville defenders during the Class 6A Division I State Championship game. Banks had nine catches for 179 yards and two scores.

3-North Shore center Luke Chavanne puts up the No. 1 sign after receiving his hat and medal for winning the state championship.

4-Fort Bend Marshall running back Jerry Davis takes the ball up the middle against Aledo during the title game at AT&T Stadium.

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photos by Lloyd Hendricks & Bradley Collier 1-North Shore’s Upton Stout stares down Duncanville receiver Daveon Walker as they get ready to go head-to-head.

2-Shadow Creek’s Alec Bryant comes around the end and gets an arm on Highland Park quarterback Chandler Morris as he steps up to make a throw.

3-Shadow Creek’s T.J. Marshall and Jevin Murray celebrate after a big play against Highland Park.

4-North Shore senior linebacker Alan Lee raises his arms in the air in celebration after a wild 41-36 victory against Duncanville.

CELEBRATE

North Shore defensive lineman Jordan Revels raises his arms in celebration as he strides into the end zone on a receiving touchdown. Revels had three receiving touchdowns in the playoffs as a defensive end. photo by Bradley Collier

feature

Houston’s Greatest Team Ever?

NO R TH S H OR E MAK E S S OLID C A SE TO BE C ON SIDER ED I T \\ By Angel Verdejo Jr.

Photos by Bradley Collier

History was there for the taking.

North Shore just had to take it. Or to be more specific, the Mustangs had to take it back.

Three seconds was all they had and ultimately, all they needed to propel themselves into a conversation that may never find an answer but could be exciting in trying to get there.

So, are North Shore’s 2018 Mustangs the greatest high school football team Greater Houston has ever seen?

“Every team is special in their own right but once you put that gold medal around your neck, you have an argument,” North Shore coach Jon Kay said moments after his team beat Duncanville 41-36 in the Class 6A Division I final, the win coming on a Hail Mary as time expired inside AT&T Stadium.

It’s a list that features 1985 Houston Yates, 1990 Aldine, 2003 North Shore and Katy’s 2012 or 2015 teams. It might include one of La Marque’s championship teams.

“They’ve earned that,” Kay said.

Yates is regarded as the standard, as the 1985 Lions went 16-0 in the state’s largest classification at a time when only two teams per district made the postseason and before each class split into two divisions. They recorded 64 takeaways and only allowed 4.8 points per game – Yates posted eight shutouts with the eighth a 37-0 win in the final against Odessa Permian, who won state the year prior.

62 points in its 16 wins on the Div. II-6A title. Katy went five straight games without allowing a point during one stretch and didn’t allow an opponent to reach double digits until Cypress Ranch in the second round of the playoffs.

This season’s North Shore team doesn’t feature as many shutouts (only four), but it’s hard to argue the resume the Mustangs put together in 16 games.

“Play us and find out,” said junior running back Zach Evans, regarded as one of the top recruits on a Mustangs’ roster loaded with players headed to the next level.

“That’s what it is – any team that wants to play us will find out how tough we are and how hard we want to fight.”

The win gave North Shore its second championship in four years and third in program history.

North Shore’s 2003 team outscored its opponents 702-89 on the way to a 15-0 season and Division I-5A crown. Only Lamar reached double digits against the Mustangs, who beat Austin Westlake 49-7 in the semifinals and defeated The Woodlands 23-7 in the final.

The Mustangs played eight teams that won at least 10 games this season, including Katy twice.

Besides Duncanville, only Katy in the postseason played within 11 points of North Shore.

The win also continues the debate of best ever – one that gained traction throughout the playoffs.

Katy’s offense in 2012 was elite, while the 2015 defense was historic. The Tigers allowed just

Beaumont West Brook, which played in the Division II-6A championship and won 13 games,

lost to North Shore by 49 points.

Westfield (12-2) and Cy-Fair (11-3), who both reached regional championship games, lost by 32 and 17 points, respectively.

North Shore handed Lake Travis (13-2) its worst playoff loss in program history. The Mustangs won that game by 41.

The state championship didn’t come without a fight. Duncanville twice held a lead in the fourth quarter, the second coming with 62 seconds left in the game. But North Shore found a way, driving 78 yards with the final 45 coming on a Hail Mary with three seconds left that A.J. Carter caught among a sea of hands.

It wasn’t a shutout or a blowout, but the win solidified 2018 North Shore as one of the best.

“At the end of the year, it’s about winning this game right here,” Kay said. “That’s what we worked toward – give ourselves an opportunity. Didn’t quite script it like this but I’ll take it any way I can get it.”

By the Numbers

NORTH SHORE WINS WILD GAME AGAINST DUNCANVILLE

997 \\ By Joshua Koch

The number of total yards put up in the North Shore-Duncanville game. North Shore had 509 yards (333 passing, 176 rushing), while Duncanville had 488 yards (445 yards coming on the ground).

333

The number of yards that North Shore quarterback Dematrius Davis passed for. Davis finished the game 19 of 28 with five touchdowns. Davis became the fourth quarterback in the history of the Class 6A State Championship game to pass for five touchdowns. Davis joined Waco Midway’s Tanner Mordecai (2017), Allen’s Kyler Murray (2014) and Southlake Carroll’s Chase Wasson (2003). His 333 yards passing ranks fourth all-time for most yards in a Class 6A State Championship game. Davis passed Southlake Carroll’s Greg McElroy’s mark of 328 yards set in 2005.

317

This was Shadrach Banks’ final total for all-purpose yards in the Class 6A Division I State Championship Game.

Banks had 151 first-half receiving yards and finished the game with nine receptions for 179 yards and two touchdowns. Banks’ 179 yards ranks third all-time for receiving yards in a Class 6A State Championship game. Banks finished just 12 yards shy of breaking the all-time record of 190 yards set by Waco Midway’s C.J. Williams in 2017. Banks also had 138 yards on kick returns.

80

That number stands as the longest passing and receiving touchdown in a Class 6A State Championship game. As time expired at the end of the first quarter, Dematrius Davis hit Shadrach Banks over the middle and he pulled away from the defense for the 80-yard receiving touchdown. The previous longest receiving touchdown was 78 yards set by Midland Lee’s Cedric Benson in 1999. His quarterback that year, Jon Rogers, threw that pass, which was also the longest passing touchdown in history.

41

The amount of points it took North Shore to capture the program’s third state championship in program history. It is the most points scored by a Mustangs’ group in a state championship game in history.

The previous high was 23 against The Woodlands in 2003.

10 3

Three different players on North Shore’s defense racked up 10 tackles apiece during the championship game. Keeyon Stewart, Daymond Lewis and Marco Crawford each finished with 10 tackles. Crawford also had one forced fumble.

The number of State Championships North Shore High School now owns in football. The first came in 2003, second in 2015 and now in 2018. North Shore finished as the No. 1-ranked high school football team in the country by MaxPreps. The Mustangs entered the game as the No. 2 team in Texas.

What A Catch!

NORTH SHORE WINS THIRD STATE CHAMPIONSHIP ON HAIL MARY

\\ By Joshua Koch

Somebody call Hollywood.

North Shore, out of field goal range and with just three seconds left in the game down by one had one option – heave it for the end zone.

Dematrius Davis felt the pressure, stepped up into the pocket like a veteran quarterback would, reached back and fired it for the back corner of the end zone.

“I saw a tiny corner,” Davis said.

Standing back there was two of the taller wider receivers on the Mustangs’ roster –Shadrach Banks and AJ Carter.

As the ball arched into the end zone, no time left on the clock, Carter rose up, as did the 42,363 fans on hand.

In between defenders, the senior brought down the ball for the 45-yard game-winning touchdown and secured North Shore’s third-ever state championship with a 4136 victory against Duncanville inside AT&T Stadium.

“Definitely was in slow motion,” Carter said. “I saw the ball in the air and just being a receiver the ball is up in the air, you have to go up and get it.”

National Voices Weigh In \\ Gathered by Matt Malatesta

“The game was amazing. It’s the true definition of Texas High School football. Obviously not the way you want to win if you have to throw up a prayer and hope someone comes down with it, but you would rather be on the right side of that play. HISTORY. #EASTSIDE” K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU DE, Won state at North Shore in 2015 “Outstanding game. That’s why you play four quarters. They never gave up, fought to the end.

That’s North Shore football.”

Eric Monroe, LSU DT, Won state at North Shore in 2015 “Not only talented but character-kids to overcome Duncanville, home field and 10 penalties to win. The best overall North Shore team I have seen.”

Gary Joseph, Katy head coach and winner of four state titles as head coach, Over 200 wins and National Coach of the Year “We don’t realize it yet, but it will go down as the greatest play associated with a Houston-area team, ever. If you were there to see it live, consider yourself lucky.”

Adam Coleman, Houston Chronicle “It was a tremendous game from start to finish. I think those two teams were the fastest match-up I’ve ever seen in a state final. Ever. Both teams could absolutely fly and could score from anywhere.

The two QBs played really well. And then the last throw and catch, that’s just one of those plays you’ll remember for as long as you’re a football fan. You’ll remember where you were when you saw it, who you were with, the whole nine yards. Just amazing.”

Bobby Burton, Founder and former co-owner of 247 Sports; former Rivals executive “A heavyweight fight. North Shore had not been hit in the mouth like this all season. They hung in until the last possible chance and delivered a knockout punch for the ages. Duncanville has a great team; the QB is a great leader. I won’t be surprised to see them meet again for the rematch next year.”

Bobby Reid, North Shore legendary QB, State Champ and four-star athlete. Played at Oklahoma State

“It is a shining moment for a community of great young men, coaches, teachers and parents. They work really hard to be successful every single day.

I am positive that the final play was not drawn in the dirt on the sideline. It was taught by great teachers, worked on at practice over and over, and executed by a collection of bright young men who play to win.”

Thomas Dunson, UH assistant coach and former North Shore assistant “A game for the ages. Best finish to a high school game I’ve seen since I began watching and covering the sport. This historically great North Shore team will forever live in Texas High School Football lore.”

Sam Khan, ESPN.com “The best two teams in Class 6A DI going down to the last second. Texas High School Football at its best! The game showed all the hard work and passion that goes into years of dedication and sacrifice that all teams strive for. Congrats to the North Shore Nation.”

Jeff Ellison, Odessa Permian head coach and former North Shore assistant “Three things come to mind. That game was a pure example of persistence and overcoming adversity.

There were so many opportunities for both teams to lay down and neither did. Opportunistic teams create their own fortune and both did just that. North Shore was a great example of a poised team who relied on their training even in the most challenging circumstances.”

Drew Svoboda, Rice assistant coach and former Klein Collins head coach “Crazy and unreal. But I can say this about Jon Kay, every aspect of the game is worked on in practice. I know that the team was prepared for everything. I’m happy for him and North Shore nation.”

Lee Martinez, Goose Creek ISD assistant AD, former North Shore baseball coach and football assistant “Outstanding athletes, atmosphere and physicality on display. Must have been how the Romans felt like watching the Gladiators battle in the Coliseum.”

John Snelson, Dickinson head coach

Right before this play happened, the Mustangs were flagged for a hold, driving them back and out of field goal position.

Knowing that the only play they had left to call was a Hail Mary, North Shore coach Jon Kay just took his headset off and watched.

“They call it a Hail Mary for a reason,” Kay said. “We put it up there and see AJ in there and Shadrach in there that gives you a little bit of confidence. Especially when you know the resiliency that those kids are bringing day in and day out.”

Not joining Kay in watching what would be the final play of the 2018 season was senior defensive lineman Tony Bradford.

While the play was happening, Bradford was not up along the sideline with the rest of the team.

“I was on my knees behind the bench praying,” Bradford said.

With his eyes closed praying, the moment he knew something good had happened was when he heard the roar of the North Shore crowd.

“I looked up, somebody had caught the touchdown pass, I didn’t even know who it was,” Bradford said.

The pandemonium ensued on the field in the end zone as what seemed to be the entire team rushed down there to pile on top of Carter – who had to be carried by two coaches back to the bench.

With plays being reviewed for the first time in the history of the Texas high school football state championships, it went under review.

Once the play was reviewed, referee Grady Dale stepped out and confirmed the call of touchdown on the field.

North Shore had won its first state championship since 2015 in miraculous fashion.

“There’s a wall that has the two state championships,” Davis said. “I’ve been telling myself since I was in the eighth grade, I want to add another one on there.

“Now, today we’re adding it.”

feature

Young Sharks Gain Invaluable Experience S H AD O W CR EEK DEF EN SI VE U N IT L E AR N S T HR O UG HO U T IN AU GU R AL S E A S ON \\ By Angel Verdejo Jr.

Photos by Bradley Collier Shadow Creek did so - and many of those players will be back.

“I’m extremely excited about the future,” Shadow Creek Head Football Coach Brad Butler said. “And to be honest with you, we had a freshman class that is good.

We have good young kids and I’m extremely excited about where we can go as a program.”

Linebacker Warren Shankle, who led the Sharks in total tackles with nine, is a junior.

So is defensive back Xavion Alford (eight total tackles). So are defensive lineman Alex Bryant (six) and linebacker Courtney Brown (five). And so are fellow linebackers Jeremiah Harris (four) and T.J. Marshall (four).

Despite the score and final outcome, the future looks bright for Shadow Creek.

Sure, Highland Park beat the Sharks 27-17 to claim the Class 5A Division I state championship.

The title was the Scots’ third in as many years, which is also the same number of years Shadow Creek has existed.

But for a defense continually asked to slow down Highland Park,

Highland Park came into the Class 5A DI state title game, averaging 41.93 points per game. The Scots scored fewer than 28 points just once before meeting Shadow Creek. That came in a 10-7 victory against Frisco Lone Star earlier this season.

The Sharks did their part defensively, including a trio of three-and-out Highland Park possessions at critical times. The first came after a long Scots’ kickoff return and short touchdown

18 \\ V YP E \\ J A N 2019 \\ vypehouston.com

drive. Shadow Creek answered with a touchdown.

The second followed that score.

semifinals in its second season and hasn’t missed the postseason since, including a second semifinals berth.

The third came midway through the fourth quarter after Shadow Creek cut its deficit to 10 points on quarterback Jamarian George’s 99-yard touchdown run.

Manvel, which started varsity in 2008, played for a title in its fourth season and has won no fewer than nine games since 2010.

Highland Park quarterback Chandler Morris completed a short pass on first down, but was sacked on consecutive plays by Ronald Nunnery Jr. and Harris. That forced a punt and gave Shadow Creek life and the ball back with 5:23 remaining.

“We didn’t come into today wanting to come in second,” Butler said.

“We really didn’t. As a program, we just build on it. The seeds are planted for our young kids. I think they’ll be extremely excited for the future and the next opportunity we find ourselves here, we can end up finishing the deal.”

“It’s really reflective of the way they played (all year),” Butler said.

“Those guys are just extremely fast, they cause problems and it’s just kind of the same as our whole football team.

“It’s about not getting in a hole, keep fighting and those guys truly believe that if they get the ball back, the offense is going to go out there and turn it into points.”

Now, it’s moving forward with a group that is no longer going through its first varsity season but instead will be going into its second having experienced nearly everything a team can in one season.

It’s happened before, where new programs turn early success into a prolonged window. Pearland Dawson reached the state

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20 \\ V YP E \\ J A N 2019 \\ vypehouston.com

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feature

Drew’s Medal

F O R T BEN D MAR SH AL L HO H O N O R S FAL L EN T E AM MAT E U N T IL T HE END \\ By Joshua Koch

Photos by Bradley Collier Tyrek Tasby and Ja’Mikel Williams-Sims each took their spot in the line of Fort Bend Marshall players along the sideline inside AT&T Stadium.

The team had just given its all but fell short in the Class 5A Division II State Championship game.

The two senior defensive backs between them held up a Buffs jersey donning the No. 3.

It was the jersey that fellow senior defensive back Drew Conley had worn all season.

The duo held it up as the silver medals were being presented.

Once the presentation got to them, a silver medal was draped around the black coat hanger that propped up the No. 3 jersey.

Drew Conley had gotten his state medal.

“He’s here, he’s a part of it,” Fort Bend Marshall coach James Williams said.

“Drew’s here.

He deserves a medal.

Unfortunately, his life was cut short but he was here for a reason.

He brought light to this team. He

22 \\ V YP E \\ J A N 2019 \\ vypehouston.com

had an infectious smile that was so great.

about football a lot. We wanted to go to state.

“These kids loved him. They’re always going to love him.”

“He wanted to go to state.”

Conley was tragically killed in a domestic dispute just after midnight on December 11.

Williams referred to that week as the “toughest week” of his life. But the mission was to honor Drew.

His No. 3 jersey traveled with the team to San Antonio a week ago during the State Semifinal against Calallen, which they won to punch the program’s first-ever ticket to state.

On December 21, the No. 3 jersey made its way into AT&T Stadium and was on the sideline for the entirety of the Class 5A Division II State Championship game.

Rallying around the loss of Conley and playing for their fallen teammate in the end fueled the team to its most historic season in program history, finishing at 15-1.

“I’ll never forget this season,” Fort Bend Marshall quarterback Malik Hornsby said. “This is going to stick with me forever. No matter where I go play college ball, if I get to the NFL. This season is going to stick with me. This Marshall 2018 team is going to stick with me.”

In the end the result wasn’t what the team wanted but Williams admitted it is one of the most special teams he’s ever been associated with.

The team went through an emotional last 10 days leading up to this game, including attending the funeral of Conley on Wednesday.

“Very special, we’ll remember these guys forever,” he said. “I told these guys these are lifetime memories you’ve made right here.

We’ll remember this game, we’ll remember this team forever.

“Drew wanted it a lot,” Fort Bend Marshall senior running back Jerry Davis said. “I don’t know what they did in his last school but he talked to me at school and we talked

“I told them you’re going to tell your grandkids about this team. I’m truly blessed and proud to coach them.”

vypehouston.com \\ J A N 2019 \\ V YP E \\ 23

feature

ALL-VYPE

Public School Football \\ By Joshua Koch & Matt Malatesta

Photos by Llyod Hendricks, Tim Craig & Bradley Collier

Dematrius Davis, North Shore

Coach of the Year Jon Kay, North Shore

Honorable Mention Coach of the Year

Brad Butler, Shadow Creek James Williams, Fort Bend Marshall Todd McVey, Katy Tompkins David Snokhaus, Jersey Village Brady Pennington, New Caney Matt Meekins, Westfield

MVP

Dematrius Davis, North Shore

Offensive Player of the Year Kenyon Green, Atascocita

Defensive Player of the Year Tony Bradford, North Shore

Newcomer of the Year Jamarian George, Shadow Creek

Kenyon Green, Atascocita

1st Team All-VYPE

2nd Team All-VYPE

Honorable Mention

QUARTERBACK JD Head, Pearland John Matocha, Magnolia West

QUARTERBACK Eric Rodriguez, Fort Bend Travis Ryan Stubblefield, Foster

DUAL-THREAT QUARTERBACK Malik Hornsby, Fort Bend Marshall Raymond Richardson, Jersey Village

DUAL-THREAT QUARTERBACK Carson Danner, Cy Woods Clifton McDowell, Spring

QUARTERBACKS Julian Brown, Cy Creek Bryan Bush, Summer Creek Zion Childress, New Caney Gavin Esquivel, Clear Falls Chandler Galban, Tomball Memorial

RUNNING BACKS Zach Evans, North Shore Deondrick Glass, Katy

RUNNING BACKS R.J. Smith, Tompkins Isaiah Spiller, Klein Collins

WIDE RECEIVERS Shadrach Banks, North Shore Jordan Patrick, Katy Parker Washington, FB Travis

WIDE RECEIVERS Demond Demas, North Forest Logan Kyle, Tomball Memorial Ainias Smith, Dulles

TIGHT END Jalen Wydermyer, Dickinson

TIGHT END Thomas Gordon, Strake Jesuit

ATHLETE Devon Achane, Fort Bend Marshall Tyson Thompson, Klein

ATHLETE Shadeed Ahmed, Foster Kealon Jackson, Shadow Creek

OFFENSIVE LINE Cole Birmingham, Katy Damieon George, North Shore Isaiah Hookfin, Dulles Tyler Johnson, Oak Ridge James Taylor, North Shore

OFFENSIVE LINE Hayden Conner, Katy Taylor Sincere Haynesworth, Pearland Cam’ron Johnson, Shadow Creek Mckade Mettauer, The Woodlands Javonne Shepherd, North Forest

KICKER Fabrizio Pinton, The Woodlands

KICKER Andre Baud, Strake Jesuit

DEFENSIVE LINE Alec Bryant, Shadow Creek Braedon Mowry, Katy Taylor Jordan Revels, North Shore Marcus Stripling, Mayde Creek T’Vondre Sweat, Huntsville

DEFENSIVE LINE Jevon Leon, Alief Hastings Peter Mpagi, George Ranch Chidozie Nwankwo, Foster Bryson Stewart, Ridge Point Bryton Thompson, Atascocita

LINEBACKER David Gbenda, Cinco Ranch Tyrique Matthews, Eisenhower Warren Shankle, Shadow Creek Josh White, Cy Creek

LINEBACKER Corey Flagg, North Shore Jett Bush, Strake Jesuit Landon Roque, Dickinson David Ugwoegbu, Seven Lakes

SECONDARY Keeyon Stewart, North Shore Erick Young, Fort Bend Bush Austin Winfield, The Woodlands Xavion Alford, Shadow Creek

SECONDARY Upton Stout, North Shore Jamal Morris, Fort Bend Bush Ronald Nunnery Jr., Shadow Creek Jaylen Neal, New Caney

PUNTERS Max Gonzalez, Oak Ridge Ty Warwick, New Caney

PUNTERS Kaden Wooster, Kingwood Cameron Duncan, Alvin

Tony Bradford, North Shore Jamarian George, Shadow Creek

RUNNING BACKS Jaelin Benefield, Pearland Todd Hudson, Clear Springs Jordan Shelton, Kempner D’Anthony Simms, Klein Michael Wiley, Strake Jesuit WIDE RECEIVER Payton Finch, Magnolia West Dylan Goffney, Bridgeland Darryl Harris, Dickinson Rodney Hudson, Klein Oak Troy Omiere, Fort Bend Austin TIGHT END Asher Alberding, Clear Lake Peyton Sobosle, College Park ATHLETE Frank Brown, Houston Sterling Kasen Handal, Tomball Chris Herron, Langham Creek Shae Suiaunoa, Clear Lake OFFENSIVE LINE Andrew Coker, Katy Taylor Jackson Fort, College Park Brock Gunderson, Cy Woods Graham Lakin, Cy-Fair Patrick Paul, Jersey Village Layden Robinson, Manvel KICKER Kaleb Cue, Katy Tristan Heaton, Atascocita Caleb Mendez, Pearland Kyle Ramsey, Ridge Point Eduardo Rosales, Angleton Jake Ruiz, Cy-Fair John Villalobos, North Shore DEFENSIVE LINE Vernon Broughton, Cy Ridge Nelson Ceasar, Ridge Point Gilbert Ibeneme, Pearland De’Undre Potts, Fort Bend Marshall Sean Stavinoha, The Woodlands LINEBACKER Gerard McKnight, Cy Ranch Franklin Montgomery, Westfield Tre’von Mosley, Cy-Fair Frank Osagiede, Ridge Point Jaylen Phillips, Katy Cale Sanders Jr., New Caney Zach Zimos, Fort Bend Travis SECONDARY Corien Azema, Langham Creek Marcus Banks, Dekaney Omar Battles, Klein Cameron Oliver, Fort Bend Travis Alex Hogan, Lamar Payton Tally, Cy-Fair Ke’Vric Wiggins, Klein Collins PUNTERS Chance Ceasar, Hightower Jonathan Cervantes, Jersey Village Luis Gonzalez, Westbury Alan Lerma, C.E. King Stephen Pijnnaken, Fort Bend Austin Pryce Powell, Katy Tompkins Zach Siefkas, Klein Cain

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Hear more from Andy at 26 \\ V YP E \\ J A N 2019 \\ vypehouston.com

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ALL-VYPE

Private School Football \\ By Joshua Koch & Matt Malatesta

Photos by Jamey Wright

Coach of the Year Nathan Larned, Kinkaid

MVP

Grant Gunnell, St. Pius

Offensive Player of the Year Josh Williams, Kinkaid

Defensive Player of the Year Jordan Wells, Episcopal

QUARTERBACKS Zach Daniel, Kinkaid Jack Granack, Legacy Christian Peyton Matocha, St. Thomas Nick Mayberry, Episcopal Evan Minarovic, John Cooper RUNNING BACKS Jaylen Davis, Episcopal Andrew Elder, Concordia Lutheran Beau Psencik, Lutheran South Malcolm Sturgis, St. John’s Ian Wheeler, St. Thomas WIDE RECEIVERS Joseph Carbone, Cypress Christian Jalen Curry, St. Pius Thomas Elkhoury, John Cooper Jacob Justice, Lutheran South Chase Lane, St. Pius Logan Leax, John Cooper Genson Hooper-Price, St. John’s Trent Waggoner, St. Pius CJ Williams, Episcopal Wyatt Young, Kinkaid OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Brant Banks, Westbury Christian Davis Havens, Kinkaid Matthew Hopper, Bay Area Christian Donovan Jackson, Episcopal Ameer Mustafa, Kinkaid Miguel Serna, St. Pius Nicholas Van de Graaf, Concordia Lutheran

DEFENSIVE LINE Patrick Bayouth, Episcopal Harrison Fernelius, St. John’s Bryce Ganious, Westbury Christian Thomas Good, St. Pius Ryan Hirschbuehler, Houston Christian Tyler Holt, Second Baptist Braeden Kobza, Tomball Rosehill Roman Lewis, St. John’s Jordan Ricks, Kinkaid Garri Smith, Village School Chidera Umeh, St. Thomas James Walker, Lutheran North LINEBACKERS Bruno Forestieri, St. Pius James Hamm, Concordia Lutheran Matt Krehbiel, John Cooper Matthew Kushwaha, St. John’s Kamal Nader, Kinkaid James Ogunrin, Episcopal Cameron Reed, John Cooper DEFENSIVE BACKS Danile Coco, St. Thomas Dylan Dixon, St. Thomas Grant Dore, Second Baptist Victor Garza, Kinkaid Johnathan Gooden, Second Baptist Christian McDonough, Bay Area Christian ATHLETES Christian Fleischhauer, Cypress Christian Casey Hampton, Westbury Christian Colin Howard, Concordia Lutheran TJ Spriggs, Westbury Christian

Grant Gunnell, St. Pius

vypehouston.com \\ J A N 2019 \\ V YP E \\ 27

Oak Ridge’s Tyler Johnson (Texas-signee)

Fort Bend Bush’s Erick Young (Texas A&M-signee)

St. Pius X’s Grant Gunnell (Arizona-signee)

VYPE’s 2019 Hot 100

feature 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100

Kenyon Green, Atascocita, OL, Texas A&M Grant Gunnell, St. Pius X, QB, Arizona Tyler Johnson, Oak Ridge, OL, Texas Braedon Mowry, Katy Taylor, DE, Texas A&M Erick Young, FB Bush, DB, Texas A&M Deondrick Glass, Katy, RB, Uncommitted Marcus Stripling, Mayde Creek, DE, Oklahoma Jalen Wydermyer, Dickinson, TE, Texas A&M Isaiah Spiller, Klein Collins, RB, Texas A&M Kori Roberson, Manvel, DE, Oklahoma Marcus Banks, Dekaney, DB, Alabama T’Vondre Sweat, Huntsville, DE, Texas Jamal Morris, FB Bush, DB, Oklahoma David Gbenda, Cinco Ranch, LB, Texas Isaiah Hookfin, Dulles, OL, Texas Nelson Ceasar, Ridge Point, DE, Houston Layden Robinson, Manvel, OL, Texas A&M Jalen Curry, St. Pius, WR, Arizona Javonne Shepherd, North Forest, OL, Texas Arjei Henderson, FB Travis, WR, Florida David Ugwoegbu, Seven Lakes, DE, Uncommitted Cam’Ron Johnson, Shadow Creek, OL, Uncommitted Tony Bradford, North Shore, DE, Texas Tech Cole Birmingham, Katy, OL, Oklahoma State Peter Mpagi, George Ranch, DE, Texas Gilbert Ibeneme, Pearland, DE, Texas Tech Ronald Nunnery Jr., Shadow Creek, DB, Houston Bobby Wolfe, Madison, DB, Arizona Chris Herron, Langham Creek, Athlete, Kansas State Michael Wiley, Strake Jesuit, RB, Arizona Ainias Smith, Dulles, WR, Texas A&M Gabriel Hall, Waller, DT, Baylor Corien Azema, Langham Creek, DB, Northwestern Zach Zimos, FB Travis, LB, Arkansas Chase Lane, St. Pius, WR, Texas A&M Nathanial Beal, Strake Jesuit, WR, Iowa State Andrew Coker, Katy Taylor, OL, TCU Thomas Gordon, Strake Jesuit, TE, Northwestern Tyrique Matthews, Eisenhower, LB, Texas Tech Marques Caldwell, Alvin, CB, Texas RJ Orebo, Dayton, LB, Texas A&M McKade Mettauer, The Woodlands, OL, Cal Simon Gonzalez, Magnolia West, TE, Texas Tech Rodquice Chaney, Elsik, OL, Houston Alex Hogan, Lamar, DB, Texas Tech Terrance Gipson, Westfield, QB, SMU Harrison White, Klein, DE, Baylor Jason Gold, Clear Springs, DE, Northwestern Ulysses Bentley, CE King, RB, SMU Isaiah Essissima, Hightower, CB, Houston Patrick Paul, Jersey Village, OL, Houston TJ Goodwin, Cy Falls, QB, UTEP Kealon Jackson, Shadow Creek, Athlete, North Texas Dorian Hewett, North Shore, DB, Syracuse Chayse Todd, Crosby, OT, Houston Genson Hooper-Price, St. John’s, WR, Northwestern Sincere Haynesworth, Pearland, OT, Tulane Clifton McDowell, Spring, Athlete, ULL Keeyon Stewart, North Shore, DB, Texas Tech Tyler Hudson, Klein Oak, WR, Uncommitted Brant Banks, Westbury Christian, OL, Nebraska Corey Williams, Episcopal, Athlete, Uncommitted Shae Suiaunoa, Clear Lake, Athlete, Uncommitted Jackson Fort, College Park, OL, Tulane Logan Compton, Tomball, DE, Baylor Jevin Murray, Shadow Creek, S, North Texas Garrison Johnson, Manvel RB, Uncommitted Bryton Thompson, Atascocita, DE, Uncommitted King McGowen, Willis, OT, SMU Kaymen St. Junious, Shadow Creek, DB, Air Force Shea Whiting, Alief Taylor, WR, Boise State Ajani Carter, North Shore, WR, UTEP Korey King, FB Marshall, WR, Uncommitted Asher Alberding, Clear Lake, TE, North Texas Brock Gunderson, Cy Woods, OL, BYU Gerald Irons, Klein Oak, DT, Army Kenneth Dotson, Lamar, DE, North Texas Jevon Leon, Hastings, DE, Uncommitted Rayshawn James, Westfield, RB, Uncommitted Kasual Savoy, Hastings, DT, Uncommitted Ladarius Owens, Manvel, RB, TSU Raymond Richardson, Jersey Village, QB, Uncommitted Rason Williams, Elsik, DE, Houston Peyton Sobosle, College Park, TE, UTSA Christian Lovick, Tomball Memorial, RB, Tulsa Gerard McKnight, Cy Ranch, LB, UTSA Myles Heard, Dulles, DB, Uncommitted Jett Bush, Strake Jesuit, LB, New Mexico State Todd Hudson, Clear Springs, RB, Uncommitted La’Darrion Florez, Clear Brook, WR, Tulsa Jordan Revels, North Shore, DL, Uncommitted Peyton Matocha, St. Thomas, QB, Uncommitted Ben Montgomery, Taylor, DB, Yale Jacorey Howard, Aldine, RB, Uncommitted Jaelin Benefield, Pearland, RB, Uncommitted Zane Knipe, Lamar, WR, Rice Christian Richmond, Cy-Fair, Athlete, Uncommitted Alex Brown, Klein Collins, WR, Wyoming Austin Landry, Pearland, Athlete, Uncommitted Jordan Jones, Jersey Village, WR, Uncommitted

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feature

NEVER STOP IMPROVING

ALI EF EL S IK B OY S S O C C ER R O SE TO TOP IN 2 018, R E ADY TO D O IT A G AIN I N 2 019 \\ By Joshua Koch

Photos by Jamey Wright

VINCENZO COX VIEWS HIS TEAM JUST LIKE HOW A CAR COMPANY EVALUATES ITS TOP-SELLING MODEL. The car design is ahead of its time, it’s winning multiple national awards and everyone wants it.

While all that is going on, in the back of their minds, the company is already working on and improving its next model.

Cox is working on his next model of Alief Elsik boy’s soccer.

“You want to be that car of the year,” Cox, the head coach of the 2018 Class 6A Boys State Soccer Champions, said. “To do that you have to enjoy what’s going on the outside of the car but you still have to make sure that the car is the finished product. So, you have to

constantly watch and improve.”

dynasty could be easy to fall into.

Elsik is entering unchartered waters in 2019 – playing as defending state and national champions.

Not for Cox and company.

But no one is or wanting to talk about last year.

“What happened last year was last year,” Elsik junior Andrei Aguirre said. “Now it’s our turn for us to make our own chapter, write our own story.”

“This is a new team,” Elsik junior Mayno Linares added. “It starts all over again.”

With a solid class of juniors returning, including Aguirre, Linares, Edgar Renteria and Danford Ndabah, the trap of talking of repeat or the starting of a

30 \\ V YP E \\ J A N 2019 \\ vypehouston.com

“There’s temptation to think that,” Cox said. “I’m almost afraid to indulge in that. Whenever you look at great teams that have gone down, whenever they get comfortable, that’s where the beginning to the end starts.

“I don’t want any parts of that.”

The offseason for Elsik has been full of accolades and talks of the 2018 title run. It was hard to get away from.

In December, the final piece to close the book on last season was presented to the Rams in the form of their state championship ring.

In an extravagant presentation – including Houston Mayor Sylvester

Turner presenting the rings to the players and coaches – the final celebration had taken place.

The ring brought closure to last season, Cox said and they can now fully focus on 2019.

“We can still improve. That’s what will keep me from sitting on it,” he said. “I see improvement that we need every day.”

For the players, getting to the mountaintop and all that comes with it has fueled them to be even better this season.

“It’s the drive to win more,” Renteria said. “This is not enough, we want more. Coach has told us since day one last year is last year.

We leave that behind.”

TARGET ON THEIR BACKS H O U S TO N M EM OR IAL W IL L TR Y TO DEF END TITLE W ITH NE W-LO OK TE AM \\ By Dennis Silva I I

Photos by Jamey Wright

THE BAR’S BEEN LIFTED FOR HOUSTON MEMORIAL’S GIRLS SOCCER PROGRAM AFTER THE MUSTANGS ROLLED TO THE CLASS 6A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP LAST SEASON VIA A 28-0-1 CAMPAIGN. But as they look to defend their title in 2019, the Mustangs will do so with a new batch of talent, returning just four starters after graduating nine seniors.

Not only that, but two of last season’s standouts in forward Grace Collins (TCU-signee), the Texas Girls Coaches Association’s Girls Soccer Player of the Year in 2018, and midfielder Maddie Dichiara (Oklahoma signee) elected not to play their senior seasons.

“It’s been a phenomenal situation,” Memorial coach Lindley Amarantos said. “Now we feel like we have a giant target on our back, and it’s a different team this year. A new set of girls.”

The Mustangs will lean on junior midfielder and University of Texas verbal commit Kelsey Hranicky, who has taken on more of a leadership role and boasts terrific technical skills that makes her hard to defend. Memorial will also look to junior midfielder Blakeley Buckingham, a first-year starter who had already notched two goals through the first three games this season.

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Sophomore defender Juliann Kidd, whose vision and speed were vital as a freshman starter last year and junior defender Reagan Goodwine, a three-year starter, steady the backline.

Sophomore Maddie Dukes will start between the posts after being a backup to Bella Killgore, now at Rice, last season.

as scoring threats.

the direct play it employed last season.

The Mustangs are virtually a blank-slate at top, the coach said, though Hranicky, Buckingham, senior forwards Chandler Maloney and Emily Ridge, and varsity newcomers Caroline Prewett and Faith Askew have shown promise

“The work ethic that was compiled last year has set the tone for this year,” Amarantos said. “And the expectations … they’re not going to settle for anyone not giving their all.

“This is a team that will continually grow throughout the season.”

“Even though our starters are kind of young, they do have plenty of experience,” Amarantos said. “Even though they may be sophomores and juniors, they were a part of that huge run last year. That knowledge background is big.”

Amarantos said the team will play a more possessionbased style of soccer opposed to Financing Available

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feature

FORGOING SENIOR YEAR

ALI R U S SEL L C HO O SE S E AR LY ENR OLLMENT OVER F INAL H IGH S CH O OL SE A S ON \\ By Dennis Silva I I LAST SEMESTER, CINCO RANCH HIGH GIRLS SOCCER COACH FREDY SANGUINETTI OCCASIONALLY RAN INTO HIS FORMER STAR PLAYER, SENIOR FORWARD ALI RUSSELL. “OK, so are you failing? You can stay and play next semester?”

Sanguinetti would ask, grinning.

Russell just returned the smile and laughed, knowing plans for her senior year had been put into motion five years earlier.

It was during her eighth-grade year that Russell knew she wanted to play college soccer. She also knew she wanted to play at Texas A&M, where her dad and sisters attended.

So, Russell established an agenda to graduate high school early and get a head start in College Station during what would otherwise have been the spring semester of her senior year.

Graduating high school early is the norm for Texas A&M women’s soccer players; three of four Aggie signees for the Class of 2019 are graduating early. Russell, who was offered a scholarship by Texas A&M during September of her freshman year, is one of the three.

Russell, who formally signed the offer in November, set foot onto the Texas A&M campus January 6, two days before her fellow Cinco Ranch Class of 2019 members began their final semester of high school.

“I’m excited for the challenge of working to be a better player myself and better the team I’m on,” said Russell, who graduates from Cinco Ranch on January 24. “I like challenges. I love competition.

I think it’s going to be a whole different level that teaches me so many more things on and off the field.”

Russell said starting early at Texas A&M is beneficial for getting

acquainted with the team, campus and academics before her freshman season officially starts in August.

She will create friendships earlier and become more comfortable with workouts. The team plays spring games that she will be able to participate in.

Russell told Sanguinetti, who coached Russell for 18 months in club soccer before coaching her all three years of high school, of her intentions to graduate early, therefore bypassing her senior season, during her freshman year.

Russell only second-guessed herself once, when the Cougars, after making the state tournament for the second time in three years, fell to Flower Mound Marcus in overtime in the Class 6A state semifinals last spring.

“I was like, OK, so if I stay, do you think we could win state?” Russell recalled. “It was a big thing. I wanted to win state so bad, and we were so close so many times.

“But I know in the long run this

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would be better for me.”

It makes for a unique circumstance.

Russell was an all-state forward at Cinco Ranch. Three years with the Cougars saw her produce 120 goals and 51 assists.

She has dreams of playing professionally, ideally for the Houston Dash of the National Women’s Soccer League.

With her, Cinco Ranch is a probable favorite to return to the state tournament.

Without her, the Cougars are

mixing and matching personnel to re-establish footing.

“For this team, it’s not about wins or losses,” said Sanguinetti, who knows of just one other player who graduated high school early to jump start their college career. “It’s about the process. The girls took Ali’s situation as so great and were so happy for her and her decision.

“We’re dealt with what we’re dealt, and we have to work with what’s there. Would I have loved another year? Absolutely. It wasn’t good news for us, but great for her, and we all just wanted her to keep going. It’s amazing.”

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TEAMS TO WATCH TOP R ATED S O C C ER P R O GR AMS IN THE H OU S TON AR E A \\ By Joshua Koch

Photos by Bradley Collier & Jamey Wright

GIRLS PUBLIC SCHOOLS 1 Katy Tompkins 2 Kingwood Park 3 Houston Memorial 4 Kingwood 5 The Woodlands 6 Cinco Ranch 7 Deer Park 8 Tomball 9 Friendswood 10 Nederland OTHERS TO WATCH: Atascocita, Porter, Katy, Magnolia, Stratford, Clear Springs, Cy Woods, Klein, Klein Oak, Port Neches-Groves, New Caney PRIVATE SCHOOLS 1 Kinkaid 2 St. Agnes 3 St. Thomas Episcopal 4 Second Baptist 5 St. John XXIII Academy

(LEFT) Houston Memorial’s Ashley Arbour, Blakeley Buckingham, Juliann Kidd, Reagan Goodwine and Kelsey Hranicky (RIGHT) Katy Tompkins’ Lauryn Wild, Barbara Olivieri, Terin Graham, Skylar Parker and Avery Burchett

OTHERS TO WATCH: Concordia Lutheran, Houston Awty, Cypress Christian, Northland Christian, Spring Frassati Catholic

BOYS PUBLIC SCHOOLS 1 Alief Elsik 2 Katy Tompkins 3 North Shore 4 The Woodlands 5 Cy Ranch 6 Strake Jesuit 7 Houston Wisdom 8 Channelview 9 Dobie 10 Nimitz

Kingwood Park’s Bailey Schoener, Brooke Baldon and Taylor DeBrosky

Kinkaid’s Jordan Guy and Lena Provenzano

OTHERS TO WATCH: Conroe, Cinco Ranch, Waltrip, Kingwood Park, Crosby, Galena Park, Magnolia West, Cy Ridge, Seven Lakes, Waller PRIVATE SCHOOLS 1 Lutheran South Academy 2 Episcopal 3 St. Thomas 4 British School 5 St. Pius X OTHERS TO WATCH: St. Thomas Episcopal, John Cooper School, Sugarland FB Christian, Kinkaid

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Lutheran South’s Aaron Morales, Kyle Dagley, Alex Canales, Kyle Kerr and Zack Roberts

Alief Elsik’s Mayno Linares, Edgar Renteria, Andrei Aguirre and Danford Ndabah

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1- Clear Springs’ Sydney Robinson and Sarah Evans 2- Dobie’s Alberto Chavez, Illsen Urrutia, Oscar Trevino and Raul Hernandez 3- St. Agnes’ Kenna Sanders and Leah Klenke 4- Cinco Ranch’s Alexis Vera, Christian Coburn, Joe Burt and Roger Sanguinetti 5- Galena Park’s Jorge Abarca, Brandon Luevano and Carlos Quinones

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6- Tomball’s Priscella Caruso 7- Atascocita’s Ainsley Cunningham, Emma Keiser, Erin Peters and Nia Rampersad

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8- St. Pius X’s Abraham Lopez, Gavin Texas Gaytos, Jaime Castro and Thomas Williams 9- North Shore’s Lenny Sagastizado 10- Katy’s Ava DaSilva, Peyton McVey and Sofia Carbajal 11- St Thomas’ Alessandro Rivero, David Steffes, Jordan Augustine and Zachary Blice 12- Pearland’s Avery Barron

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1-Episcopal’s Ivan Bastidas, Juan Rodriguez, Memo Rodriguez, Jose Reyes, Victor Velasco, Humberto Leal 2-Alief Elsik’s Edgar Renteria 3-Montgomery’s Sarah Trotter 4-Kingwood Park’s Taylor DeBrosky 5-Katy Taylor’s Ellie Cardner 6-Stratford’s Ally Pardon and Ashton Kettler 7-The John Cooper School’s Evan Burchfiel, Jacob Gunter, Tega Ewherido and Thomas Elkhoury 8-St. Thomas Episcopal’s Kat Lazor, Reese McDermott and Sofia Snyder-Perez 9-St. John XXIII’s Sabrina Hillyer 10-College Park’s Reagan Scott 11-Magnolia’s Erin Mooneyham, Izzy Cardenas and Surya Nero 12-Klein’s Madelyn Davis 13-Waltrip’s Claire Aldis 14-Clear Falls’ Madelynn Anderson 15-Katy Tompkins’ Jovan Prado, Arlen Oni and Bryce Robisc 16-Kingwood’s Catherine Childs, Colleen Feagins and Sarah Schumacher 17-Cypress Ranch’s Brody Conley, Lineker Santos, Ethan Rimbey and Matthew Ferguson

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18-The Woodlands Ky Hudson, Lauren Toma, Peyton Graves and Shianne Knight 19-Tomball Memorial’s Lorelai Stramrood 20-Klein Oak’s Taylor Pounds 21-Memorial’s Kelsey Hranicky 22-Porter’s Daniela Valencia, Denise Gomez and Kylie Wilson 23-Magnolia West’s Victor Chavez-Soto, Jeremias Gonzalez, Parker Hawks and Brandon Setoda 24-Tomball Memorial’s Briana Beaty 25- Spring Woods’ Angel Originales, Walter Constanza, Carlos Lopez and Cesar Cabrera 26-Nimitz’s Jared Flores, Alberto Sosa, Denzel Martinez, Jesse Orenday and Eduardo Romero 27-Seven Lakes’ Apple Nguyen, Arianna Ghafari and Victoria Diaz 28-Nimitz’s Jesse Orenday 29-North Shore’s Agustin Banos, Carlos Figueroa, Lenny Sagastizado and Boris Trejo 30-Cinco Ranch’s Abby McCain, Sophia Green, Makayla Wang and Ashley Bencivengo 31-Katy Tompkins’ Terin Graham

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\\ By Matt Malatesta

TOP GIRLS PROGRAMS 1 Kinkaid Falcons 2 The Woodlands Highlanders 3 St. John’s Mavs 4 Lamar Texans 5 Kingwood Mustangs

The rich get richer. Houston’s girls’ lacrosse has been dominated by St. John’s, but there are a few other programs who are getting some state shine.

The Mavs have filled their trophy case with state trophies over the past few decades, but Kinkaid has it rolling right now. The Falcons reached the state finals last season and are VYPE’s No. 1.

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Returners for Kinkaid include Chloe Hunter (Penn)

The Woodlands could contend for another state appearance.

Mikela McCauley (Dartmouth), Gabriella Fuller, Nakeeya McCardell and Lila Griggs.

St. John’s is loaded again with Caroline Pressler, Andie Kapiloff and Alex Lewis back in the fold, while Regan Arkless (UC-Davis), Charlotte Dale, Sophie ChongAhmed and Kaelin Issacson run the show for Lamar.

The upstart Highlanders of The Woodlands are trending of late.

Caleigh Wilbourn (Stony Brook), Shaelin Murphy (Fairfield), Clare Finney and Madeleine Saucier.

TOP BOYS PROGRAMS DI 1 The Woodlands Highlanders 2 St. John’s Mavs 3 Kingwood Mustangs 4 Kinkaid Falcons 5 Memorial Mustangs DII 1 Klein Bearkats 2 Langham Creek Lobos 3 The Woodlands DII 4 Atascocita Eagles 5 Stratford Spartans

After over a decade, Houston is back on the lacrosse state map.

The Woodlands carried the torch for Houston-area lacrosse and finally took down Dallas to win the 2018 state title.

“I think I received over 250 text messages from people I’ve never met before congratulating us for representing Houston,” The Woodlands coach Keith Tindle said.

“We battle each other during the regular season, but we felt like everyone was on our side going into the state tournament.

“The support was tremendous.”

The Highlanders graduated 16 seniors and several went on to play in the college ranks. The team left a huge legacy but also a giant target on the program’s back.

“We aren’t creeping up on anybody

this year,” Tindle said. “There are pros and cons to being the hunted versus the hunter. The breakthrough took a lot of time and we went through so much adversity, but it was worth it. Now, we go back to work.”

The storybook ending for the Highlanders went like this … The Class of 2018 lost in the state finals as freshmen on the same field in Austin.

“It was surreal that we won it on the same field that eight of those guys lost on four years earlier,” Tindle said. “Then we went through the toughest draw, having to beat

three Dallas-area teams. We were also coming off Hurricane Harvey that set everyone back. It couldn’t have been a better time for us to win it.”

Coaches would say that winning a state title validates their program like nothing else.

It makes going to practice and workouts easier, and the coach’s voice can be heard louder and clearer.

“Let’s just say that everyone from our first-graders to seniors in high school have a pep in their step,” Tindle laughs. “From players to parents, everyone has a little

different walk. I think the lacrosse community in Houston feels the same way too.”

Back in the fold are all-staters Jason Kroslowitz in goal and Diego Zimmerman in the middle.

All-district returner Ben Langston will also lead the 2019 squad along with Sam Sullivan, Dylan Binney, Ryan Farquhar, Gabe Coates, Matthew Nunes, James Pendley and move-in Scyler Merriman.

So, who will challenge the defending state champs?

The St. John’s Mavs return a ton of talent from a team that reached the Super Regionals. They fell to

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feature the state conversation.

While these teams battle each other in the high school ranks, several of Houston’s finest just won the Adrenaline Challenge’s 2020 Division in California with the Ironhorse HTX select squad in January.

It was a combination of Houstonarea athletes who took on power programs around the nation. Platt and Tindle coached the local allstar group.

“It puts Houston back on the map as an emerging hot-bed of talent,” Tindle said. “It’s just another example that Houston is on the map.

The numbers are growing as well.

eventual state finalist St. Mark’s, but bring back Ashton Anton, Austin Beebe, Peter Cannon and Cameron Howley.

reached the Super Regionals and coach Jeremy Platt welcomes back Lucas Borchers, Garrett Graham and John Imperato.

The Kingwood Mustangs also

Other teams to watch include

Kinkaid, Memorial and Strake Jesuit in DI. Jacob Magelssen and CC Jeffers will lead Kinkaid, while Jace Johnson carries the torch for Strake Jesuit. Jacob Maddox and Jax Rawlinson will put Memorial in

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“Dallas has run the show for a decade, but as far as growth, Houston is growing much faster right now,” EJ Neese, Sports Star Athletics director of lacrosse said.

“Kids who play football are loving lacrosse. Instead of banging heads every play, kids are able to be physical and show their athleticism in a very fluid sport.

“The coaching is getting much better and Houston is coming.”

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