Vype and Houston Chronicle Preseason rankings/All-Greater Houston preseason team

[Steven Avery]

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VYPE's TOP 20 CLASS 5A PRESEASON RANKINGS

1. Friendswood Mustangs

2. Fulshear Chargers

3. Barbers Hill Eagles

4. Magnolia West Mustangs

5. Lake Creek Lions

6. Foster Falcons

7. Magnolia Bulldogs

8. Manvel Mavericks

9. Baytown Sterling Rangers

10. Fort Bend Kempner Cougars

 

Houston Chronicle

A preseason ranking of the top 10 high school volleyball teams in the Houston area:

1. Tompkins

Tompkins fell a win short of lifting its first state title last November in its best season in program history. The Falcons utilized an underclassman-heavy team to surpass the program win total for the second consecutive season while clinching their first state tournament berth. Eleven players from that history-making team are back, looking to finish the job under coach Allison Merrell, including junior Brooklynn Merrell, who anchored the defense with 104 aces, 680 digs and 110 assists to earn TSWA all-state honorable mention, senior and Florida State commit Skylar Skrabanek, who also earned TSWA all-state honorable mention, and Erica Dellesky, Virginia Tech commit.

 

 

2. The Woodlands

The Highlanders had another strong campaign in 2022, finishing with a 43-10 overall record and sharing the District 13-6A title with Grand Oaks. The Woodlands had a 15-1 mark in league matches, its only loss coming against the Grizzlies. The program always seems to reload, and this year is no exception. The Highlanders have some big shoes to fill after the graduation of setter/outside hitter Claire DeWine, but they do return their kill leader from last season with junior Ella Lewis. Lewis is poised even more success after posting 494 kills last year. Since Terri Wade took over as head coach in 2015, The Woodlands has produced five 40-win seasons and two state tournament appearances, including last season.

3. Grand Oaks

Grand Oaks went toe-to-toe against Bridgeland in a five-set playoff thriller that saw the Bears narrowly escape while the Grizzlies were eliminated in the second-round for the fourth consecutive season. Ten of those players are back, including senior middle blocker and Florida commit Jaela Auguste, who helped the United States U19 squad win the Pan American Cup, junior outside hitter and Pitt commit Samara Coleman, who was named the GHVCA 6A Newcomer of the Year and sophomore outside hitter Halle Thompson, who was named the All-Greater Houston Newcomer of the Year.

4. Clear Springs

Ashley Richardson helped Clear Springs and the Class of 2023 advance to the Region III-6A tournament for the third consecutive season under coach Shannon McClellen. Setter and Southeastern Louisiana commit Richardson, who was named District 24-6A MVP and earned All-Greater Houston honors after recording 741 assists with 479 kills and hitting .366, will now provide the senior leadership alongside a handful of other returners that include Morgen Durgens, 24-6A Setter of the Year, and first-team selections Abby Fuller and Anzley Rinard plus second-team selections Andrea Colocado and Myah Griggs. Expectations will be high for the Chargers, who have suffered only four district losses the past three seasons.

5. Ridge Point

The Panthers saw their 2022 season end in heartbreaking fashion, falling in three close sets against Tompkins in the regional quarterfinals. It was another banner year for Ridge Point, which finished 39-8 overall and 16-0 in District 20-6A. The Panthers have not lost a single district match over the past three seasons, posting a 30-0 record. The program has only lost one district contest over the past four years since coach Lauryn Bailey took the reins. Ridge Point lost its top player from last season with the graduation of outside hitter Sydney Jordan, now at Colorado, but there is plenty of talent still in the fold. That group includes junior Kennedi Rogers, who posted 340 kills last season and has been starting since her freshman year.

6. Cinco Ranch

The O'Brien sisters led Cinco Ranch to the Region III-6A final for the second time in program history and first time since 2009. While outside hitter Courtney signed with Texas Tech after being named the District 19-6A Outstanding Hitter, junior and Kentucky commit Kassie, who is the reigning Outstanding Setter after recording 1,122 assists, still has unfinished business under coach Danielle Wells. To match last year’s intensity, Kassie, who earned All-Greater Houston honors alongside her sister, will lean on nine other returners, including first-team selection senior middle blocker Shea Rainosek, second-teamers senior Emily Killam and junior outside hitter Gabi Martinez, plus honorable mention senior outside hitter Makenna Loo.

7. Cypress Ranch

Cypress Ranch will be aiming for more postseason success after falling to The Woodlands in the second round last year. The Mustangs finished with an impeccable 43-3 overall record, including a 14-0 mark in District 16-6A action. The program has gone 82-7 over the past two seasons combined under coach Chrissy Woodward. The biggest challenge for the team this season might be replacing record-setting outside hitter Bianna Muoneke, now at Texas A&M. Muoneke finished her final prep campaign with 810 kills, earning All-Greater Houston Hitter of the Year honors. The good news for the Mustangs is that junior Taylor Porter is back in the lineup after recording 426 kills last year. She should be a key contributor once again.

8. Manvel

Bea Angeles anchored Manvel’s defense last season with 782 digs as a junior, good for 20th statewide. The libero and St. Edward’s University commit helped the five-player Class of 2023, and the rest of the Mavericks, reach the Region III-5A semifinals for the second consecutive season. Ten players from that squad returned under coach Susan Kennedy. Angeles will be joined this time around by junior Kenedy Massie, who was named the District 18-5A Setter of the Year after recording 1,054 assists, first-team selections senior Christian Fairbanks and sophomore Jasmyn Walker, second-teamer senior Tylisee Brinkley plus honorable mentions sophomore London King and Nevaeh English.

9. Barbers Hill

The 2023 senior class of Avery Wilks and Jacie Meredith and an underclassman-heavy Barbers Hill team captured the most wins in program history with 40. Although the squad fell short of the ultimate goal by falling to Manvel in the third round for the second consecutive season, 11 of those players are back to pick up where they left off under District 17-5A Coach of the Year Casey Veen. The bunch will be led by a pack of seniors that includes HCU commit Payton Fadal, who was named the GHVCA postseason Class 4A/5A/private schools Setter of the Year and District 17-5A Most Valuable Player, and middle hitter Chloe Morgan, who made the GHVCA postseason team and took home District 17-5A Newcomer of the Year honors.

10. Episcopal

Episcopal captured its first Southwest Preparatory Conference title since 2019 last November under a quadruplet of seniors, including Princeton signee Ava Harrington. The Knights set the bar high alongside then first-year coach Cyd McMillian, ultimately going undefeated in league play and winning their 11th conference crown before sweeping their opponents at the SPC championship tournament. Eight of those players returned as seniors, including libero and repeat All-Greater Houston honoree Mykayla McMillian, who earned GHVCA postseason honors alongside outside hitter Allyson Frailey. The new squad will seek to match last year’s intensity into a second consecutive SPC championship.

Honorable mentions: Summer Creek, Columbus, Langham Creek, Bridgeland, Fort Bend Christian, Lake Creek, Dawson, Pearland, Friendswood, Conroe, Deer Park, Tomball, Bellville, Cy-Fair, Stratford, Foster.

All Houston Preseason Team

 

High school teams across the state begin volleyball practice next week, with another talented group ready to compete for championships.

The Houston area includes no lack of outstanding returning players, some of whom will sign with colleges in November.

While many will likely play at a high level this season, we selected 20 of the best for the All-Greater Houston preseason team.

Bea Angeles, Sr., L, Manvel

Angeles was one of the most active defenders in Texas as a junior, ranking 20th with 782 digs (6.0 per set). She added 103 assists and 38 aces as the Mavericks finished 33-11 with the District 18-5A championship and a regional tournament appearance. A Texas Sports Writers Association all-state honorable mention, Angeles is committed to St. Edward's University.

Reese Animashaun, Sr., S, St. John's

Animashaun was the Greater Houston Volleyball Coaches Association Setter of the Year from UIL 4A/5A and private schools last year, leading the Mavericks to a 34-8 record. Animashaun, who is verbally committed to Vanderbilt, amassed 600 assists, 260 kills, 260 digs and 50 blocks as a junior. Her 104 aces ranked 40th in the state, according to MaxPreps, helping her earn all-Southwest Preparatory Conference and All-Greater Houston honors.

HOUSTON HS VOLLEYBALL: 

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Jaela Auguste, Sr., MB, Grand Oaks

Auguste enters her final high school season as a gold medalist, helping the USA U19 team win the Pan American Cup in May. She was one of the state's best middles last year, ranking 16th with 164 blocks and second with a .524 hitting percentage. Committed to Florida, Auguste added 336 kills to earn All-Greater Houston honors. Grand Oaks finished 38-10 with a share of the 13-6A crown and a playoff victory.

Samara Coleman, Jr., OH, Grand Oaks

The Grizzlies return one of the area's most powerful front lines, including Coleman, who is committed to Pitt. Coleman was the GHVCA 6A Newcomer of the Year with 515 kills, 362 digs, 57 blocks and 41 aces while hitting .279. She led a Grand Oaks attack that included freshman standout Halle Thompson.

Peyton Fadal, Sr., S, Barbers Hill

Fadal was also recognized as Co-Greater Houston Volleyball Coaches Association Setter of the Year from UIL 4A/5A and private schools s after a strong all-around junior season. She amassed 1,080 assists, 293 digs, 144 kills, 86 aces and 58 blocks to earn an All-Greater Houston spot. The Eagles finished 40-7 with a 17-5A title and two playoff wins last year and return a productive group including Fadal, who is committed to Houston Christian.

Mykayla McMillian, Sr., L, Episcopal

McMillian's defense was key to the Knights' 35-7 record and undefeated run through SPC for their 11th conference crown. She recorded 435 digs, 102 assists and 74 aces to earn all-SPC honors. McMillian repeated as an All-Greater Houston honoree, helping St. Agnes to the TAPPS state title as a sophomore.

Brooklynn Merrell, Jr., L, Tompkins

Merrell anchored the defense for a 6A state finalist, as the Falcons finished 42-5 and advanced to their first state tournament. She ranked in the top 50 in Texas with 104 aces and 680 digs as a sophomore, adding 110 assists to earn TSWA all-state honorable mention.

Bayleigh Minor, Jr., MB, Fort Bend Christian

In addition to 85 blocks, Minor was one of the most efficient hitters in Texas as a sophomore. She recorded 344 kills with a .468 percentage, ranking fourth in the state. Minor powered the Eagles back to the TAPPS 5A state final, earning repeat All-Greater Houston and TAPPS first-team all-state honors.

Arianna Muoneke, Soph., OH, Concordia Lutheran

Muoneke was the Crusaders' leading attacker as a freshman, finishing with 494 kills, along with 239 digs, 63 aces and 32 blocks. She earned TAPPS second-team all-state and was selected as the All-Greater Houston Newcomer of the Year among private school standouts.

Adell Murray, Sr., MB, FB Austin

Murray had a breakout junior season, leading the Bulldogs with 104 blocks and a .263 hitting percentage while spiking 409 kills. She added 128 digs and 32 aces to earn TSWA first-team all-state. Murray is verbally committed to Penn.

Kirra Musgrove, Jr., S, Lutheran South

Musgrove amassed 439 assists as a sophomore and was even better as an attacker, hitting .307 with 490 kills. She added 313 digs, 81 aces and 52 blocks as the Pioneers finished 30-10-2 and reached the 5A state tournament. Musgrove was a TAPPS first-team all-state and All-Greater Houston selection.

Kassie O'Brien, Jr., S, Cinco Ranch

O'Brien was part of an outstanding sibling duo with Courtney O'Brien last year, finishing with 1,122 assists, 284 digs, 123 kills, 65 aces and 38 blocks as a sophomore. Committed to Kentucky, O'Brien earned an All-Greater Houston spot for her role in a 29-13 season that ended in the Region III-6A final.

Ashley Richardson, Sr., S, Clear Springs

Richardson had an exceptional all-around junior season, balancing 741 assists with 479 kills and hitting .366 to rank among the state's top 50. She added 378 digs, 66 blocks and 55 aces as the Chargers finished 39-9 with an undefeated 24-6A title and a regional tournament appearance. Richardson, who committed to Southeastern Louisiana, made All-Greater Houston.

Kimanni Rugley, Jr., MB, Pearland

Rugley was a force at the net as a sophomore, ranking 15th in the state with 172 blocks and 23rd with a .400 hitting percentage. She recorded 318 kills and 30 aces, earning an All-Greater Houston spot after contributing to a 35-13 record, undefeated 23-6A title and two playoff victories.

Olivia Stringer, Sr., OH, Brazoswood

Stringer took a lot of swings as a junior and connected on many, ranking 21st in the state with 572 kills while hitting .233. She tallied 328 digs, 57 aces and 35 blocks to help the Bucs to a 25-17 record and the playoffs. Stringer is committed to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

Jordan Taylor, Jr., MB, Langham Creek

Taylor is the reigning All-Greater Houston Blocker of the Year, stuffing 197 shots as a sophomore to rank fifth in Texas. Taylor, who is committed to Minnesota, recorded 352 kills and 70 digs while hitting .350. Langham Creek finished 31-14, including two playoff wins.

Sage Thomas, Sr., S, Columbus

Thomas finished second in the state with 1,455 assists, adding 65 kills and 55 aces as the Cardinals reached their second straight 3A state tournament. She made All-Greater Houston and TSWA all-state honorable mention, representing a 45-4 team.

Ally Tribe, Sr., OH, Columbus

Tribe was the finisher on one of the state's most productive tandems, raking sixth in Texas with 751 kills and 17th with a .407 hitting percentage. Tribe, who is committed to UTSA, also contributed 355 digs, 76 blocks and 72 aces to the Cardinals' state semifinal run.

Alice Volpe, Sr., L, Bridgeland

Volpe made All-Greater Houston for the second consecutive season, ranking 34th in the state with 720 digs to go with 183 assists and 48 aces. Volpe, who is committed to TCU, backed the defense of a team that finished 42-9 and finished one victory from a return trip to state.

Shaelin White, Sr., OH, Cy Ridge

White continues to be a full-rotation standout, leading the Rams with 523 digs and 410 kills as a junior. White, who is committed to Sam Houston, hit .218 and served 34 aces for a squad that finished within a game of the postseason.

[BBfan061]

Is there a small school or 4A version of this?

[Steven Avery]

2 hours ago, BBfan061 said:

Is there a small school or 4A version of this?

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I thought there would be but I don't see anything for 4a or below.  There is some private school write ups. 

[vbdiva]

@BBfan061

[BBfan061]

50 minutes ago, vbdiva said:

@BBfan061

Thank you. The sophomore class is pretty strong. They should make deep playoff runs this year and the next two. Hopefully they can finally capture a state championship in the next 3 seasons 

[Bud Kilmer]

Wonder how this weekends results shakes up the 5A rankings. Seems like BH should be #1 after beating FW head to head.