In the vibrant heart of Houston, anticipation is building as the Houston Sports Awards make their grand return on Jan. 30, promising an unforgettable night celebrating athletic excellence. While the spotlight often shines on the feats of professional athletes, this grand event is poised to illuminate the extraordinary talents of high school athletes and the dedicated coaches who shape their journeys.
It’s not just about professional prowess; it’s about celebrating the rising stars who bring their A-game to the local stage. Join us as we take a closer look at the promising high school athletes nominated for accolades at the Houston Sports Awards, and delve into the stories of the coaches vying for the coveted title of Coach of the Year.
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Nominees for Male High School Athlete of the Year
- Jaland Lowe, Thurgood Marshall High School: Hailing from Thurgood Marshall High School, Lowe played a pivotal role in steering the Buffaloes to the playoffs during his remarkable senior season. His on-court prowess didn’t go unnoticed, as he clinched the prestigious title of Houston Area Basketball Player of the Year in 2023.
- Jelani Watkins, Klein Forest/Atascocita High Schools: Renowned as the Houston Area Track and Field Athlete of the Year, Watkins has left an indelible mark on the local sports scene. In a dazzling display of athleticism, Watkins secured victory in the 200m and played a pivotal role in clinching the team state title at Klein Forest. But his talents aren’t confined to one field—literally. In the fall of 2023, he showcased his versatility on the football field at Atascocita, adding another layer to his impressive athletic portfolio. Looking ahead, he has already committed to play football at LSU next year, promising an exciting future for this exceptional talent.
- Karson Gordon, Episcopal High School: Gordon’s impact reverberates across multiple sports, showcasing his exceptional prowess on both the football field and the track. In a dazzling feat, Gordon led Episcopal to the state championship in football in 2023, leaving an indelible mark on the school’s athletic legacy. Beyond the gridiron, his achievements on the track have garnered national acclaim. Crowned the Gatorade Athlete of the Year, Gordon’s prowess in the triple jump has propelled him to the #1 ranking in the nation.
- D.J. Lagway, Willis High School: Lagway’s impact on the gridiron has been nothing short of transformative, as he played a pivotal role in guiding his Willis team to its best season in 60 years. Lagway’s prowess as a quarterback has not only earned him local acclaim but has positioned him as one of the top talents in the country. Widely regarded as a quarterback of exceptional skill and strategic acumen, Lagway’s commitment to play at Florida in college underscores the recognition of his talent on a national level.
- Donte Lewis, St. Thomas High School: Lewis is not just a standout in one sport but excels in two, showcasing his versatility and athletic prowess on the fields. In a remarkable feat, Lewis led the Eagles to a state championship game appearance in 2023, leaving an indelible mark on the school’s athletic achievements. As a 2-sport star, his impact is not limited to one season; come spring, he’ll be lending his skills to guide the baseball team, with aspirations of bringing home a coveted title.
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Nominees for Female High School Athlete of the Year
- Ava Brown, Lake Creek High School: Brown’s impact on the sports scene goes beyond the ordinary, as she played a pivotal role in guiding the Lions to back-to-back state titles, solidifying her legacy as a key player in the team’s success. Brown’s exceptional talents have not gone unnoticed on a national scale. In 2023, she was honored with the prestigious title of National Player of the Year by Gatorade.
- Bayleigh Minor, Fort Bend Christian Academy: Minor’s prowess extends across multiple disciplines, as she competes with equal fervor in both volleyball and track. Minor’s track achievements are nothing short of remarkable. Last summer, she not only competed but emerged victorious in the highly competitive 400m at the USA Track & Field Junior Olympic Championships. What sets Minor apart is her consistent excellence – a gold medalist in each of the last four age groups she’s competed in, showcasing her dominance and skill in the world of track and field.
- Jaele Auguste, Grand Oaks High School: Auguste’s impact on the sports landscape is nothing short of extraordinary, as she played a pivotal role in leading her team to the coveted state championship in 2023. Beyond the high school arena, Auguste’s talents have reached international heights. During the summer, she showcased her skills on a global stage by competing with the US Under 19 National Volleyball team, adding another layer to her already impressive athletic portfolio.
- Rhylee Grays, Pearland High School: Grays’ impact on the basketball court is nothing short of exceptional, earning her the prestigious title of Houston Area Girls Basketball Player of the Year. In a phenomenal season, Grays played a pivotal role in guiding Pearland to an outstanding 35-4 record and a remarkable appearance in the state semifinals in 2023. Her skills, leadership, and contributions to the team’s success have not only brought recognition to her but have elevated Pearland High School to new heights in the realm of girls’ basketball.
- Madison Canales, Foster High School: Canales has etched her name into the annals of high school wrestling, earning the well-deserved reputation as the best female wrestler in the state. With an extraordinary record of 102-1, Canales enters this year as a dominant force in her weight class, showcasing unmatched skill, resilience, and determination on the wrestling mat. Her remarkable achievements include multiple state titles.
Nominations for High School Coach of the Year
- Jimmy Krueger, Seven Lakes High School: Krueger’s impact on the soccer field is nothing short of extraordinary, as he led the Spartans to their historic first-ever state championship in 2023. Under Krueger’s guidance, Seven Lakes embarked on an impressive 29-match unbeaten streak, culminating in a stellar 28-1-1 record. The team’s achievements reached a pinnacle as they secured the coveted title of the #1 ranked program in the nation. Krueger’s strategic brilliance, leadership, and ability to inspire his team to unparalleled success have not only brought glory to Seven Lakes but have left an indelible mark on the high school soccer landscape.
- Lloyd Banks, Fort Bend Marshall High School: Banks has sculpted the Buffaloes Track Program into an unparalleled powerhouse, achieving remarkable success not only in 2023 but consistently over the years. Under Banks’ guidance, the Buffaloes clinched the state championship in track and field in 2015, ‘16, ‘18, ‘19, ‘21, and ‘22, showcasing a level of dominance rarely seen in high school sports. His coaching prowess is further highlighted by the development of multiple All-Americans, a testament to his ability to nurture and elevate the talents of his athletes. Banks is a recipient of multiple Texas Coach of the Year honors.
- Michelle Rochinski, Lake Creek High School: Rochinski’s impact on the softball field has been nothing short of transformative, as she rapidly turned the Lions softball program into an unstoppable powerhouse. In an astonishing display of coaching prowess, Rochinski guided the Lions to an incredible 85-1 record over the last two seasons. The team’s remarkable achievements include not only back-to-back state titles but also a crowning moment with a National Championship in 2022.
- Trent Miller, Willis High School: Miller’s impact on the football field has been nothing short of transformative, as he played a pivotal role in guiding Willis to a remarkable season. Under Miller’s guidance, Willis clinched the district championship with a flawless 10-0 record. The team’s journey to the regional semifinals marked a historic achievement, a feat not accomplished since 1994. With a stellar 12-1 record, this marks the best performance for a Willis team since 1962, a testament to Miller’s strategic acumen and leadership.
- Vincent Grayson, Booker T Washington: Grayson’s impact on the basketball court has been nothing short of historic, as he led the team to their first-ever UIL state tournament in 2023, marking a significant milestone for Booker T. Washington. Despite falling short in the championship game, Grayson’s coaching prowess has been evident over the last two years. The team’s remarkable 31-1 record in district play speaks volumes about their consistent excellence under his guidance, resulting in back-to-back district titles.
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Join the celebration: Houston Sports Awards await!
The anticipation for the Houston Sports Awards on Jan. 30 is palpable, and we extend a warm invitation for you to join us for this celebration. Randy McIlvoy, KPRC 2 Sports Director, alongside Sports Reporters Chancellor Johnson and Ari Alexander will be at the event. Together, they will capture the essence of the evening and bring you closer to the heart of Houston’s sports scene.
Hosting the event is none other than Lance McCullers Jr., who will guide us through an unforgettable night of honoring excellence in sports. The Houston Sports Hall of Fame will welcome new inductees Lance Berkman, Cynthia Cooper, and Warren Moon, legends whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the city’s sporting history.
The excitement doesn’t end there—some of the biggest names and current sports sensations, including C.J. Stroud and José Altuve, are in the running for prestigious awards. It’s a star-studded affair that promises not only recognition for athletic achievements but also moments that will resonate in the hearts of sports enthusiasts.
This year, we’re thrilled to introduce an exclusive opportunity for KPRC 2 Insiders (ages 21+). Gain access to the Red Carpet zone, an area typically off-limits to the general public. With your ticket, you’ll have the chance to be up close and personal, capturing the glamour and glitz as your favorite sports stars make their way down the red carpet. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of the excitement!
For those eager to be part of the celebration, tickets are on sale now. Secure your spot at https://www.click2houston.com/topic/Houston_Sports_Awards/, where you can find more information and purchase your tickets.