Fort Bend ISD February 2023

FORT BEND ISD HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

FORTBENDISD.COM

FORT BEND ISD ATHLETICS ARE TALK OF TOWN ACTION! LIGHTS, CAMERA,

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pregame

Greetings

As we begin the 2022-23 school year, I am excited to welcome our students back to school, which also means the return of organized team sports. Each year, our student athletes display their exceptional talents and hard work in a variety of sports. I have had the pleasure of attending many events alongside community members, parents, teachers and friends as we all cheered on our students and celebrated their accomplishments. I am confident our student athletes will continue to

represent the community well with outstanding sportsmanship and teamwork. As superintendent of such a large school district, I know the value of teamwork, resilience and perseverance - all traits that serve our students well now and in their future endeavors. I look forward to supporting our teams throughout another exciting year of competitions! And if you listen closely, you will hear me cheering in the stands! Wishing everyone a great season! Dr. Christie Whitbeck (Proud Supt) Fort Bend ISD Superintendent

Makayla Wolfe, Dulles

S P O T L I G H T ARTICLES

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Maximize Your Impact Through Education

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On the Mark State or Bust Born to Ball Behind the Plate

pregame

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Always in Pursuit

Welcome to another great edition of the Fort Bend ISD VYPE magazine. Through our partnership with VYPE, Fort Bend ISD will be spotlighting sports programs and our student athletes from across our great district. Fort Bend ISD coaches, staff, and student athletes plan, practice, and play to win, but our purpose goes beyond this formula. Our commitment to the student athletes of Fort Bend ISD is about so much more than putting points on the scoreboard or winning competitions. Being part of the athletic programs in our district also means that we are developing character, honor, and strong individuals all while instilling the importance of community and servitude. It is our pursuit to help our student athletes be their best; to be one’s best as a teammate, in the classroom, and in the community. Our purpose is to transform lives through participation in sports. Our coaches equip student athletes with the knowledge and skills to perform their sport, and in addition, provide character and leadership skill development that will carry them far beyond the game. Athletes participating in sports

learn many valuable life lessons. Perseverance through adversity is one of the most important lessons we can learn on the field, in the classroom, and throughout our lives. I too learned this lesson early on as an athlete; with my team and coaches by my side. I also learned how to overcome great challenges when I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Learning how to persevere through adversity during my time as a student athlete prepared me to do the same in this situation and with any other challenging situations that may come my way. The Athletic Department is proud to showcase our amazing athletic programs and student athletes of Fort Bend ISD. In the following pages, you will see a range of articles about the fantastic work of student athletes. These stories represent a small part of a larger experience of what it means to be a Fort Bend ISD Profile of a Graduate, team member, leader, and student athlete. I am proud to share with you the accomplishments highlighted within these pages. Always in Pursuit… Dena Scott Fort Bend ISD Athletic Director

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VYPE is published by Vype Media, LLC. Reproductions in whole or in part without permission are prohibited. VYPE is not responsible for the return of unsolicited artwork, photography or manuscripts and will not be responsible for holding fees or similar charges. All digital submissions and correspondence will become property of VYPE. EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER All rights reserved. For editorial matters, please contact the editor. The views of contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the policies of VYPE nor that of the publishers. VYPE has a clear commitment to inviting and publishing corrections of fact and clarifying errors of context. Corrections of errors and mistakes are a necessity in obtaining credibility in the magazine. VYPE supports and encourages our staff and contributing writers and photographers to make any potential error known to our editor. ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER All rights reserved. The views and opinions of VYPE advertisers does not reflect that of VYPE High School Sports Magazine. In accordance with the NCAA Bylaws, VYPE and its advertisers have complied in all advertisements present in VYPE.

FORT BEND ISD HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

FORT BEND ISD HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

FORTBENDISD.COM

FORTBENDISD.COM

on the cover Photo by Bradley Collier

BRIGHT LIGHTS & BIG EXPECTATIONS

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: Welcome to the Fort Bend ISD Winter/ Spring Edition of VYPE Magazine. Gracing the front cover are Ridge Point’s Hunter Wolfinger, Dulles’ Samuel Ang, Travis’ Ariel Kowalewski, Marshall’s Jaland Lowe, Ridge Point’s Kara Canetti, Kempner’s Cody Kuffel and Willowridge’s AuRoyona Seals.

FORT BEND ISD ATHLETICS HAS STAR POWER

on the Back cover Photo by Bradley Collier

FORT BEND ISD ATHLETICS ARE TALK OF TOWN ACTION! LIGHTS, CAMERA,

BRIGHT LIGHTS AND BIG EXPECTATIONS: Hightower’s Eden Pierce, Bush’s Kai’ree Murray, Austin’s Andrea Sturdivant, Clements’ Chris McMeans, Elkins’ Sydney Freeman and Marshall’s Arveryon Davis and Genesis Griffin have star power.

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School Board Message

The Fort Bend ISD Board looks forward to another year of exciting sporting events in our District. We enjoy supporting our student-athletes as they showcase their talents and school pride. Athletics provides opportunities for students to build relationships and acquire leadership and social skills. They create lasting friendships

Thank you to our coaches, staff, parents, local businesses, and community members for your unwavering support -win, lose or tie. We appreciate everything you do to support, encourage and enrich the lives of our students in their athletic pursuits. Fort Bend ISD, let’s go! Kristen Davison Malone President, Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees

and learn the importance of teamwork to achieve a common goal.

Fort Bend Isd Board Members

Judy Dae Vice President

Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam Secretary

Rick Garcia Board Member

David Hamilton Board Member

Angie Hanan Board Member

Denetta Williams Board Member

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Feature

MAXIMIZE YOUR IMPACT THROUGH EDUCATION \\ Trey Samuel

the district. Better still, those who complete the Education and Training pathway are offered a Letter of Intent as teachers, contingent upon their college graduation and state teaching certification, guaranteeing their employment in FBISD after college. More benefits of joining this program: • Observation and practical opportunities at the district’s Early Childhood Enterprise Lab and campuses • Heavy district buy-in and support to produce our next generation of excellent educators • Students that are FBISD homegrown have a more significant stake in seeing quality instruction continued in FBISD We strive to influence the education industry and hope our efforts as a district encourage students to enter this rewarding and impactful industry. Athletic coaches, academic counselors, principals, college professors, etc. all entered their career paths as teachers ready to

preparation Education and Training students will be able to observe and interact with the district’s best and most talented instructors and administrators across both elementary and secondary levels. At the Reese Center, students gain real-world experience by shadowing and observing the Early Education Lab, which. consists of 30 pre-K students taught using the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) curriculum. Students will also shadow secondary teachers as well as athletic coaches and fine arts teachers. They will connect with certified teachers and get a “behind the scenes” look at the ins and outs of the teaching, coaching, and training profession. FBISD offers this dynamic program in partnership with its Grow Your Own program, which provides career planning, scholarships, and employment opportunities for students, even after they graduate. Students can complete the program after just two years and may qualify to serve as an aide in

Students enrolled in this program will attend the James Reese Career and Technical Center, the district’s state-of-the-art campus dedicated to career

FORT BEND ISD’S CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) DEPARTMENT ARE EXCITED TO REINTRODUCE ITS EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM IS A THREE-YEAR PATHWAY, THAT STUDENTS BEGIN IN THEIR SOPHOMORE YEAR, FOCUSING ON PLANNING, MANAGING, AND PROVIDING EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES. COURSES ARE DESIGNED TO PREPARE INTERESTED STUDENTS FOR CAREERS IN EDUCATION AND CORPORATE TRAINING, FOR ROLES SUCH AS K-12 TEACHERS, ATHLETIC COACHES, COLLEGE PROFESSORS, SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, AND MORE.

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skills. In both cases, motivating and encouraging students and athletes to reach their goals is a major component. Both components require a great deal of patience and understanding as well as a passion for helping people reach their goals. “ We hope students are as excited about this new opportunity as CTE is to offer it! The next step for students interested in this opportunity will be to contact your campus counselor to get more information about applying to the Reese Center. For additional information and questions, please contact Education and Training Program Manager, Adam Frenzel at adam.frenzel@ fortbendisd.com or CTE Counselor Dr. Denisa Valenzuela at denisa.valenzuela@ fortbendisd.com. Students and families can view the Education and Training program course sequence by visiting www. fortbendisd.com/cte.

maximize their impact on future generations. They wanted to make a difference and are cause-driven individuals; their foundation of teaching has created many realms for them to further train in various ways. No matter what you are teaching, education is driven by the goal of using your skills and expertise in any area to make a difference for students. Michael O’Connor, CTE Special Education teacher, basketball coach, and past Teacher of the Year is but one example of how to transform a foundation in teaching into a passion for a multi-faceted role in the classroom and on the basketball court. He states, “Being a teacher and a coach, both involve providing instruction and guidance to individuals to help them reach their full potential. As a teacher, I feel I am helping

students learn and grow academically, while as a

coach you are helping athletes develop physical and mental

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Feature

ON THE MARCH

OUR FBISD BAND PROGRAMS HAD AN OUTSTANDING MARCHING SEASON, GARNERING MANY AWARDS AND ACCOLADES THIS PAST FALL.

THE AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL BULLDOG BAND AND ANGELS DANCE TEAM ATTENDED THE BANDS OF AMERICA HOUSTON REGIONAL AND PLACED 6TH OVERALL AND WON THE 3A CHAMPIONSHIP, 3A OUTSTANDING MUSIC PERFORMANCE, 3A OUTSTANDING VISUAL PERFORMANCE, AND 3A OUTSTANDING GENERAL EFFECT CAPTIONS. THEY ALSO EARNED A FIRST DIVISION AT THE UIL REGION 13 MARCHING CONTEST, PLACED 4TH AT THE UIL 6A AREA E MARCHING CONTEST AND ADVANCED TO THE UIL 6A STATE MARCHING BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS.

THE DULLES HIGH SCHOOL VIKING BAND AND DOLLS DANCE TEAM WON 1ST PLACE IN CLASS IV AND 5TH OVERALL AT THE CYPRESS SHOWCASE. THE BAND EARNED A FIRST DIVISION AT THE UIL REGION 13 MARCHING CONTEST AND ADVANCED TO THE UIL 6A AREA E MARCHING CONTEST.

THE BUSH HIGH SCHOOL BRONCO BAND EARNED A FIRST DIVISION AT THE UIL REGION 13 MARCHING CONTEST. THEY WON GRAND CHAMPION AT THE EDNA MARCHING BAND INVITATION OUT OF 33 BANDS COMPETING.

THE RIDGE POINT HIGH SCHOOL PANTHER MARCHING BAND FINISHED 2ND PLACE IN THEIR CLASS AT THE US BANDS—HOUSTON REGIONAL, PLACED 3RD IN THEIR CLASS AT THE BATTLE AT THE BERRY MARCHING CONTEST, AND EARNED A FIRST DIVISION AT THE UIL REGION 13 MARCHING CONTEST AND ADVANCED TO THE UIL AREA E MARCHING CONTEST. FINALLY, THE BAND PLACED 4TH IN THEIR CLASS AND WAS THE VISUAL CAPTION WINNER AT THE US BANDS HOUSTON FINALE.

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THE TRAVIS HIGH SCHOOL TIGER BAND EARNED AN “OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE” AWARD AND COMPETED IN FINALS COMPETITION AT BOTH THE KATY MARCHING CONTEST AND THE GULF COAST CLASSIC MARCHING CONTEST. THEY EARNED A SUPERIOR RATING AT THE UIL REGION 13 MARCHING CONTEST AND WERE A FINALIST IN THE UIL 6A AREA E MARCHING CONTEST.

THE WILLOWRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL EAGLES EARNED A SUPERIOR RATING AT THE US BANDS SHOW-UP AND SHOW-OUT ON THE HILL MARCHING CONTEST AND WON BEST AUXILIARY, BEST PERCUSSION, AND BEST DRUM MAJORS. THE BAND EARNED A SUPERIOR RATING AT THE UIL REGION 13 MARCHING CONTEST AND ADVANCED TO THE UIL 5A AREA E MARCHING CONTEST, THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2008.

THE CLEMENTS HIGH SCHOOL RANGER MARCHING BAND COMPETED IN FINALS COMPETITION AT THE KATY MARCHING CONTEST AND THE GULF COAST CLASSIC MARCHING CONTEST. THEY EARNED A SUPERIOR RATING AT THE UIL REGION 13 MARCHING CONTEST AND WERE A FINALIST IN THE UIL 6A AREA E MARCHING CONTEST.

THE ELKINS HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING KNIGHTS COMPETED IN THE US BANDS AND GULF COAST CLASSIC MARCHING CONTESTS THIS FALL. THE BAND EARNED A FIRST DIVISION AT THE UIL REGION 13 MARCHING CONTEST AND ADVANCED TO THE UIL 6A AREA E MARCHING CONTEST.

THE KEMPNER HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING COUGAR BAND WON FIRST PLACE AT THE CYPRESS SHOWCASE MARCHING FESTIVAL. THE BAND EARNED A FIRST DIVISION AT THE UIL REGION 13 MARCHING CONTEST. THEY PLACED THIRD AND ADVANCED TO THE UIL 5A AREA E MARCHING CONTEST. THIS IS ONLY THE THIRD TIME IN THE SCHOOL’S HISTORY THE BAND ADVANCED TO AREA FINALS.

THE MARSHALL HIGH SCHOOL BUFFALO BAND EARNED EXCELLENT RATING AT THE UIL REGION 13 MARCHING CONTEST, A SUPERIOR RATING AT THE US BANDS MARCHING CONTEST, A SUPERIOR RATING AT THE SUPREME REGIONAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS AND WILL BE THE INVITED WIND ENSEMBLE TO HBCU DIRECTORS’ CONSORTIUM IN ATLANTA, GA THIS SPRING.

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fb austin

Andrea Sturdivant, FB Austin Basketball

THE DOG HOUSE

Swim - Water Polo

AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL IS HAVING A TREMENDOUS SEMESTER LED BY GIRLS BASKETBALL AND SWIM. LADY BULLDOG ANDREA STURDIVANT IS DOMINATING THE HARDWOOD, WHILE THE BOYS SWIM TEAM SET SEVERAL SCHOOL RECORDS THIS WINTER. SOCCER, BASEBALL, SOFTBALL AND TRACK ARE ON DECK. T H E RENAISSANCE

Austin Golf

Bulldog Basketball

Austin Baseball

Bulldog Track

Kelechi Dike

fb austin

Logan Witt

Austin Girls Basketball

Neha Hussain

Austin’s Boy Soccer

Muhammad Kelani

Michael Banes

Chelsi Hawkins

Austin’s Softball

Royell Salmon

Eric Qui

Kelechi Dike

fb austin

Alyssa Carter

Tilak Patel

Austin Girls Soccer

Dillon Trimble

fb Bush

T H E STABLE

Amariya Hardeman, FB Bush Track

fb Bush

Bronco Baseball

Alyssia Rojas

Sheldon Bazuaye

Bush Track and Field

Ryan Hill

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Bush Girls Track and Field

BACKING THE BRONCOS

THE BUSH BRONCOS HAVE A FORMER STUDENT CURRENTLY IN THE NBA (KELLY OUBRE), MLB (ANTHONY RENDON) AND THE NFL (JOSH JONES, EMMANUEL OGBAH AND OLA ADENIYI). NOT MANY SCHOOLS CAN BOAST THAT. CHECK OUT THE CURRENT STARS WEARING THE ORANGE AND BLUE THIS WINTER AND SPRING, MAKING THEIR SCHOOL PROUD. CARRYING THE BATON IN EARLY 2023 WILL BE THE BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM AND THE GIRLS TRACK TEAM, WHICH WON THE CLASS 6A 4X100-METER RELAY A YEAR AGO.

Emily Hernandez

Kiersten Kyle

Christopher Cruz

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Diego Perez

Bush Basketball

Bronco Softball

Kambree Adams

Hailee Davis

Fabian Reyes

Bush Girls Soccer

Bryan Phan & Sheldon Bazuaye

Bronco Soccer

Emmanuel Enyinnaya

Bush Swim and Diving

Joyce Valdez

Sera Cole

Bronco Girls Basketball

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Divine Ugochukwu, FB Clements Basketball

R A N G E R PRIDE

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STATE OR

BUST

JEZEK, CLEMENTS ON THE PATH FOR MORE HARDWARE

\\ Matthew Ogle

THE CLEMENTS RANGERS GOLF TEAM HAS BEEN PICKING UP STEAM THROUGHOUT THEIR IMPRESSIVE SEASON BY CONSISTENTLY PLACING HIGH, IF NOT WINNING, THE MAJORITY OF THEIR TOURNAMENTS. At the beginning of their Spring season, the girls’ team ended up performing exceptionally well in the CHS Invitational at the Quail Valley Golf Course. Despite cold and rainy conditions, the Rangers finished in the No. 1 spot, which is an indication of what to expect from the team going forward. Jason Jezek enters his 19th year as the head golf coach for Clements and is anticipating another special year for his talented group. Considering all the time he has spent molding the individuals that pass through the Clements’ golf program, it should go without saying that he has a special connection with the players. “It’s an honor to gain the trust of the team,” said Jezek. “People that don’t know golf kids don’t know how much time they put in. I know at Clements we’ve had a lot of success, but all these kids in all these programs have worked their tails off. They’re great representatives of their school. It’s cool, you know — it’s an honor. But, it’s more of a testament to these kids and how much passion they put into the game.” The Rangers consistently advance to the Regional Round of the UIL postseason, with occasional individuals

incredibly talented.” This year, the UIL-6A State Tournament will be held at Legacy Hills Golf Club in mid May. Don’t be surprised if you see Clements shooting for birdies and a title.

We’ve had some really strong teams, but timing is key. Teams get hot at the right time when only three teams advance to the State Tournament out of the entire Region. We’ve had some really good opportunities, and we’re young but

and teams going to the State Tournament. This year should be no different. “We’ve been to State a few times,” Jezek said. “I’ve had a boys’ individual champion [Blake Redmond-2007], a girls’ individual champion [Portland Rosen-2009].

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Clements Swim and Diving

Clements Track and Field

R A N G E R

UP

Ranger Softball

THE CLEMENTS RANGERS BOYS AND GIRLS SWIM TEAMS DOMINATED IN THE POOL, TAKING FIRST AND SECOND IN REGIONALS, RESPECTIVELY. THE RANGER BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM REACHED THE POSTSEASON AND WATCH OUT FOR BIRDIES FLYING EVERYWHERE AS GOLF SEASON RAMPS UP.

Corinne Young

Clement Soccer

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Clements Golf

Logan Brown

Makena Maina

Clements Basketball

Clements Baseball

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Clements Girls Hoops

Chris McMeans

Philip Ma

Kayla Fu

Alex Xin

Clements Girls Soccer

Stefano Demeris

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HIGH SCHOOL #12 COMING SOON AUGUST 2023

fb Dulles

Kyle Sutton, FB Dulles Track and Field

BURN

THE BOATS

Dulles Swim and Diving

Kaleb Adamoh

T H E SURGE

THE DULLES VIKINGS ARE “BURNING THE BOATS” AND NOT LOOKING BACK AS THEY TRY AND CONQUER THEIR OPPONENTS THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. LOOK OUT FOR THE SWIMMING AND DIVING TEAMS TO LEAD THE WAY FOR DULLES.

Blake Irwin

Dulles Baseball

Dulles Girls Soccer

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Kimberly Jacob

Dulles Golf

Viking Basketball

Camden Ross

Dulles Girls Basketball

Dulles Softball

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Muhammed Al-Amyan

Chizitara Ume-Ezeoke

Drew Goodrich

Alyssa Mendez

Noah Yu

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Dulles Soccer

Nicco Walls

Camden Matamoras

Hope Burford

Nevaeh Kearnay

Maitri Dharmapatni

Dulles Track and Field

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fb Elkins

Mia Wong, FB Elkins Softball

THE GALLANT KNIGHTS

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Caleb Godfrey

Paris Anderson

Souloymane Faye

Elkins Track and Field

Sofia Mendez

Jae’coby Osborne

Nicole Mitchell

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T H E

A N D BLUE

GOLD

Knights Girls Soccer

THE ELKINS KNIGHTS ARE ONE TO WATCH THIS SEMESTER AS THE GIRLS SOFTBALL AND SOCCER TEAMS LOOK TO BUILD ON THEIR 2022 SEASONS, WHEN THEY REACHED THE POSTSEASON. THE KNIGHTS ARE RICH IN ATHLETIC TRADITION IN BASEBALL AND TRACK AND FIELD, PRODUCING SOME OF THE STATE’S MOST DYNAMIC PLAYMAKERS FOR DECADES.

Mia Wong and Aby Alemendarez

Elkins Soccer

Knights Hoops

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Elkins Baseball

Kaira DeJesus

Rayyan Anwar

Elkins Swim and Diving

Knights Girls Basketball

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Elkins Golf

Mariana DiCesare

Samuel Anigboyu

Braylan Payne

Knights Sofball

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Cameron Thompson, FB Hightower Basketball

W A R N I N G HURRICANE

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Hightower Soccer

Hightower Swim

Hightower Girls Hoops

Hightower Softball

Hightower Girls Track and Field

Jalen Davis

THE ONE AND ONLY

THE HIGHTOWER HURRICANES ARE ONE OF THE BIG BRANDS OF FORT BEND ISD. THE GIRLS AND BOYS BASKETBALL TEAMS HAVE BEEN STATE POWERS FOR DECADES AND THE ‘CANES TRACK AND FIELD TEAMS HAVE ALSO BEEN ONES TO RECKON WITH ON THE OVAL. WHAT WILL THEY DO IN 2023? STAY TUNED.

fb Hightower

Hightower Track and Field

Chandler Caver

Hightower Golf

Andres & Alex Agwunobi

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Hightower Basketball

Lyndon Nguyen

Angel Gutierrez

Hightower Girls Soccer

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fb Hightower

Darius Butler

Noa Mac

Elise Haskins

Hightower Baseball

Alex Agwunobi

Katalina & Kassandra Lagunas

Jenna Gregorio

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fb kempner

Chinedu Achuama, FB Kempner Basketball

C O U G A R

TOWN

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Cougar Baseball

Kempner Swim and Diving

Kempner Golf

Abram Rodriguez

S U G A R STORM

KEMPNER HIGH SCHOOL IS NAMED FOR THE FOUNDER OF IMPERIAL SUGAR – ISAAC KEMPNER – WHO DEVELOPED MOST OF SUGAR LAND. THE FOURTH FBISD HIGH SCHOOL TO OPEN HAS HAD SO MANY TALENTED STUDENTS WALK THE HALLS IN THE LAND OF THE COUGARS FROM NFL STARS CHRIS BANJO AND GEORGE ILOKA TO THE FIRST FAMILY OF INTERNATIONAL TAEKWONDO – THE LOPEZ FAMILY. WHO ARE THE NEXT KEMPNER LEGENDS?

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Kempner Girls Hoops

Cody Kuffel

Diego Sandoval

Cougar Track and Field

Sophie Kocich

Kempner Girls Soccer

fb kempner

Kempner Soccer

Jade Bell

Noel Ike

Ian Daniel

Sanai Buford

Kempner Softball

Kayla Fierro

Cristy Hernandez

Tammie Ma

Kenna Negassa

Cera Moreno

Kempner Hoops

Zara Khan

Josue Lopez

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Kameron Williams, FB Marshall Track

M - BLOCK

BORN TO

BALL

MARSHALL’S LOWE HAS HOOPS IN HIS GENES

\\ Matthew Ogle

experience.” Marshall has gone 32-0 the last two seasons in district play due to the extraordinary play of Lowe, who averages nearly 25 points, eight rebounds and six assists a game. As his career wraps up as one of the greatest players in the history of the program, Lowe will take his lethal jump shot to the University of Pittsburgh. “The coaching staff, the opportunities and the playing style really helped me choose Pitt,” he said. “Head coach Jeff Capel and assistant Milan Brown stayed in constant communication with me, which created a great relationship between us. They told me how I would fit into Pitt’s program and how my game translates to the winning culture that they have built there. Coach Capel trusts his guards to really run his team and told me he thinks I’d be able to help run it next year.” So, with the keys to a DI program in his pocket, what are his ultimate goals? “In five or 10 years, I see myself playing on an NBA team trying to win a Championship and hopefully be considered one of the best players in the NBA,” said Lowe. “I also see myself as being a player that a lot of people can look up to.” For Fort Bend Marshall fans, Lowe will not soon be forgotten as he helped reverse the direction of the program for years to come.

players helped guide the way for me. He knows what it takes to get to the next level and has trained and coached me in the right direction to help me get there.” The Fort Bend Marshall product

Basketball. With that being said, Jaland has always been around the game. “My Dad has influenced me a lot,” Lowe said. “Being able to watch him coach so many different pros and college

JALAND LOWE’S BASKETBALL ROOTS DATE BACK TO WHEN HE COULD FIRST BOUNCE A BALL. His father Marland Lowe is a powerbroker on the AAU circuit as the Southwest Director of Grassroots

has had the green light

to shoot from anywhere on the court for coach Ronnie Courtney since arriving as a sophomore from Kinkaid. “I would describe my style of play on the court as smooth, tough and strategic,” said Lowe. “My experience at Marshall has helped me and my game a lot. Coach [Ronnie] Courtney trusts me to run his team. His system has helped to enhance my game and has given me a lot of confidence. The opportunity to play public school basketball at Marshall under Coach Courtney has been a great

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fb Marshall

TaJai Young

Marco Lemus & Robert Green

Deselah Hawkins

Marshall Track and Field

B U F F A L 0

RUN

FB MARSHALL IS A MAGICAL PLACE. WHERE IRON SHARPENS IRON, WHETHER IT BE ON THE BASKETBALL COURT, FOOTBALL FIELD OR THE TRACK. THE BUFFALOS COMPETE AGAINST EACH OTHER, SO THEY ARE READY FOR THEIR OPPONENTS. THAT’S WHAT MAKES THEM ELITE. THE TRACK AND FIELD TEAMS WILL CARRY THE BANNER FOR MARSHALL THIS SPRING AS THEY TRY AND WIN ANOTHER STATE TITLE.

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Tyeler Moore

Marshall Girls Soccer

Marshall Basketball

Buff Softball

Marshall Swim and Diving

Troy Scott

fb Marshall

Stefan Velasquze

Buff Baseball

Marshall Girls Basketball

Genesis Griffin

Naheim Northern

Marshall Soccer

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fb Ridge Point

T H E STANDARD

Carter Groen, FB Ridge Point Baseball

fb Ridge Point

Panther Golf

Ridge Point Swim and Diving

Panther Softball

Ridge Point Girls Soccer

TyAmber Amadi

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Ridge Point Baseball

P U R P L E REIGN

RIDGE POINT HIGH SCHOOL HAS BEEN A FORCE IN FORT BEND COUNTRY SINCE OPENING IN 2010. THERE HAS BEEN SO MUCH SUCCESS INSIDE THE PANTHER ATHLETIC HALLWAY FROM FOOTBALL AND VOLLEYBALL IN THE FALL, TO BASEBALL, SOCCER AND BASKETBALL IN THE SECOND SEMESTER. HOW FAR CAN THEY GO IN THE POSTSEASON? STAY TUNED.

Edyn Breaux

Kara Holm

Parker Brannon

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Kaila Correa and Ali Rezac

Ridge Point Girls Golf

Panther Soccer

Ridge Point Girls Hoops

Dayo Tennyson

Panther Basketball

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Avi Ettinger

Jackson Goss

Travis Vlasek

Ridge Point Track and Field

Hunter Wolfinger

Hana Soriano

Dorian Hayes

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fb Travis

Devin Cummings, FB Travis Baseball

HOLD THAT

TIGER

BEHIND THE PLATE

KOWALEWSKI AIMS TO LEAVE A LEGACY AT TRAVIS

\\ Matthew Ogle

amazing experience and I hope the school helps me to realize my future. I hope to be an engineer, with two dogs and a family of my own one day.” Anticipate another stellar season from Ariel Kowalewski and the Travis Tigers. She certainly will.

November and will anchor the Gators’ battery for years to come. “I loved the coaches at Florida… I loved the feel of the campus… I loved everything about it,” Kowalewski said. “The school just felt like home. Playing softball there should be an

been a hard worker and it was my dream to play in college. I just put my mind to it.” Kowalewski’s dream has come true, considering she will be continuing her softball career at the collegiate level. She signed with the University of Florida in

TRAVIS SOFTBALL RETURNS TO THE DIAMOND THIS SPRING ON A MISSION TO EARN THEIR THIRD CONSECUTIVE DISTRICT 20-6A TITLE, WHILE ALSO MAKING A PUSH FOR SOME HARDWARE IN THE POSTSEASON. Fortunately for the Tigers, they’ll have an All-American headlining the team yet again. Senior catcher/RHP Ariel Kowalewski enters her final year at THS as the back-to back Unanimous 20-6A MVP, and it wouldn’t be a shock if she ends her high school career with a third. Despite Travis’ defeat to Cinco Ranch in the Bi-District round of last year’s UIL postseason, she has high expectations for this season and hopes to lead her team to greatness. “We want to win district again and go deeper in the playoffs than we did last year,” said Kowaleski. “We’re going to do the best we can. Furthermore, I want to leave this school knowing that I was a good leader on and off the field, and always helped my teammates do their best.” Kowalewski, the youngest of the three children in her family, began her softball journey at a young age when she was compelled to join in. “Both of my sisters [Ashley and Amber] played softball for a very long time,” she said. “They didn’t end up continuing through college, but they played through high school. I was inspired by my sisters and I wanted to be like them, so I just got into the game. I’ve just always

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Travis Hoops

Travis Golf

Omar Tahir

Travis Girls Soccer

Travis Girls Basketball

Miya Greer

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Kacy Perkins

T H E

A N D SCARLET

GRAY

TRAVIS HIGH WAS THE 10TH SCHOOL OPENED IN FBISD. IT DIDN’T TAKE LONG FOR THE TIGERS TO MAKE THEIR PRESENCE FELT, WINNING A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN BASKETBALL IN 2013 WITH THE FAMOUS HARRISON TWINS (ANDREW AND AARON), WHO WENT ON TO STAR AT KENTUCKY. LOOK FOR THE SOFTBALL TEAM TO DOMINATE THE HEADLINES AT TRAVIS THIS SEMESTER.

Tiger Baseball

Camille Glath

Niya Wholester

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Sydney Whitten

Travis Soccer

Travis Softball

Justin Mack

Tiger Swim and Diving

Travis Track and Field

Baylei Sandford

SAVE THE DATE May 17, 2023 The FAB Awards will be held at RIVER POINTE CHURCH 21000 Southwest Freeway Richmond, Texas 77469

6:00 - 9:00 P.M. Doors will open at 5:15 P.M.

Attire will be dressy/black tie

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Natalie Green, FB Willowridge Basketball

T H E ORIGINAL

Willowridge Track and Field

Eagles Soccer

Duronice Murray

Abygail Castro

FLY WITH EAGLES

Willowridge Baseball

WILLOWRIDGE HIGH IS RICH IN TRADITION. THE ‘RIDGE WAS HOME TO AN NFL HALL OF FAMER (THURMAN THOMAS), ONE OF THE MOST DOMINANT HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAMS IN HOUSTON HISTORY (1999-2001) ALONG WITH THE VOICE OF THE CITY – SCARFACE. THE EAGLES HAVE SOARED TO AMAZING HEIGHTS OVER THE DECADES. WHO WILL BE NEXT?

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Willowridge Basketball

Jazmine Espinoza

Eagle Swim and Diving

Willowridge Girls Basketball

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Eagle Soccer

Willowridge Golf

Ricky Adams

Willowridge Softball

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Jorge Barragan

Bradley Cross

Kyrah Carter

William Goff

Roselyn Alfaro

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FREDDY’S LOCATIONS

99

GRAND PARKWAY 69

®

SOUTHWEST FREEWAY

WE ARE HIRING!

FBISD.01/2023

FORT BEND ISD HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

FORTBENDISD.COM

BRIGHT LIGHTS & BIG EXPECTATIONS

FORT BEND ISD ATHLETICS HAS STAR POWER