Fort Bend ISD April 2025

Cover Feature

BONDS HAVE LED PRESTON-CAVER TO STATE FINALIST HIGHTOWER AND BEYOND \\ Matthew Ogle ALL ABOUT THE SISTERHOOD

sense—it felt like home, and they hold the same values I’ve come to know at Hightower.” As one of the team’s veteran leaders and a future member of Loyola’s “Wolf Pack,” Preston Caver embraced her role as a mentor. She made it a point to set the example for the next generation, including standout sophomore and fellow All Tournament Team selection, Ogechi Okeke. “I had to be a vocal leader, both on and off the court,” Preston-Caver said. “I wanted to relay what I’ve learned in this program—that we have to ‘stay consistent’ and ‘push ourselves’ every day. At a certain point, we began to rise, and I could see all the growth in our game. Even though I’m graduating, I know this team is in great hands moving forward.” With her high school career now behind her, Preston-Caver leaves a legacy of leadership, determination, and resilience— qualities that will undoubtedly serve her well as she takes the next step in her journey.

impressive list of accolades. She was named to the State All-Tournament Team, earned TABC All-State honors, and was selected as the Co-District 21 6A Offensive Player of the Year. Though the ending wasn’t what she had hoped for, she has no regrets about transferring to Hightower from Hardin-Jefferson during her sophomore year. “Our program is built on sisterhood,” she said. “That’s something we preach, and you’ll see it on a lot of our graphics. We truly buy into the ‘family’ mentality, and that has helped me develop both as a player and a person in the short time I’ve been here.” That same sense of belonging ultimately led Preston-Caver to commit to Loyola University in New Orleans, marking a full circle moment in her basketball journey. “Loyola’s program felt the most like what I’ve experienced these past few years,” she explained. “My future coach (Kellie Kennedy) actually coached Coach Brewer when she played there. It just made

PEOPLE OFTEN COMPARE THE POINT GUARD POSITION TO A QUARTERBACK IN FOOTBALL, REQUIRING LEADERSHIP AND CONTROL. Chandler Preston-Caver exemplified that for Hightower with precision. Preston-Caver played a pivotal role in the Hurricanes’ historic run to the UIL 6A-DII State Championship. It was the program’s first trip to the State Tournament since 2019 and the first time since 2010 that they advanced to the Final. “The work we put in made all the difference,” Preston-Caver said. “Coach (Jasmine) Brewer pushes us to our limits and makes us set new ones. We were tested early in the season, but we knew consistency was key if we wanted to go far. We kept pushing, and the results spoke for themselves.” Despite their incredible run, Hightower ultimately fell to the No. 1-ranked team in Texas, Boswell, in a hard-fought 51-42 battle. Still, Preston-Caver finished the season with an

36 \\ FORT BEND ISD \\ APR 2025 \\ fortbendisd.com