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SportzBuzz - February 2014

Todd
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Risher Randall, John David Johnson

With tackles such as this on St. John’s running back Risher Randall, Kinkaid Falcons senior John David Johnson capped off a sensational season by being named the Houston Private School Player of the Year. (Photo: Kevin Long, www.gulfcoastshots.com)

After leading St. Thomas High School to its first undefeated regular football season in 70 years, as well as a second straight district championship, Eagles head coach Tim Fitzpatrick was honored as the Coach of the Year at the Touchdown Club of Houston Private High School Football Awards dinner.

“Coach Fitzpatrick has created a real energy and personality for our program,” said St. Thomas athletic director Mike Netzel. “We’ve won 21 of 24 games since he took over the program. The kids expect to go out there and win football games.” Another big award winner from St. Thomas was senior Joseph Lowery, who was named Lineman of the Year after securing 64 tackles and nine sacks this season. Meanwhile, St. Pius X receiver Brian Newman capped off a brilliant career for the Panthers by winning the Offensive Player of the Year award. On the other side of the ball, Kinkaid Falcon John David Johnson won the Defensive Player of the Year award, while Houston Christian’s John Clarke, who was both a standout receiver and defensive back, took home the Ironman of the Year Award.

Risher Randall

St. John’s senior Risher Randall helped lead the Mavericks to the HISD tournament championship. St. John’s is only the second private school in tournament history to win on two separate occasions. (Photo: Kevin Long, www.gulfcoastshots.com)

In basketball, the St. John’s Mavericks captured the 74th annual HISD basketball tournament for the second straight year, beating out a 32-team field to win the championship. St. John’s won six games over a tough three-game stretch, including victories over HISD powers Bellaire and then Wheatley in the championship final. St. John’s is only the second private school ever to be a two-time champion of the HISD tournament.

“It’s really a huge deal for our school to win that tournament once again,” said Mavericks head coach Harold Baber. “Not a lot of people know about St. John’s basketball, but with a high-profile player such as Justise Winslow and then beating some of the city’s top programs, we’re bringing some great exposure to the school. Justise kind of took over in the last two games, but he had great support from a lot of our guys.” As for Winslow, the Duke University signee was spectacular in the championship game victory over Wheatley with 27 points, 22 rebounds and five blocked shots. “It was extremely special to win that tournament,” said Winslow. “A victory like that gives us great momentum leading into conference.” “It’s really awesome to win it again,” added Mavericks senior Risher Randall. “We don’t get a chance to play schools such as Bellaire and Wheatley once we get into conference play. It’s a pretty neat private vs. public school type of rivalry, and it gives us some good bragging rights.”

Ireneshia Johnson

Bellaire freshman standout Ireneshia Johnson has been a powerful force for her Cardinals team under the direction of first-year head coach Lamar Simon. (Photo: Kevin Long, www.gulfcoastshots.com)

In girls basketball, it’s a new era at Bellaire High School under first-year head coach Lamar Simon, who succeeded longtime Cardinals head coach Michael Kramer. Kramer led the Cardinals to four regional Final Fours over his 18 seasons at Bellaire. “I was an assistant to Coach Kramer the last four seasons, and it’s been a joy to follow in his footsteps. He’s still a mentor to me,” said Simon.

Admittedly, it’s been a season of transition for the Cardinals, who graduated four standout players, three of whom are playing major college basketball. “It’s definitely been a season of change, but we’re coming along fairly well,” said Simon. “We’re 15-8 and 5-0 in district, which isn’t bad at all.” The Cardinals feature plenty of talent, including a trio of seniors Simon expects to play college ball next season. “Angel Williams, Armani Asberry and Emani Hamilton are extremely talented basketball players,” said Simon. “Angel is a two-year starting guard and a big leader on this team, while Armani and Emani are a huge presence down low at the post position. Emani was injured early in the season, but once she’s gets back, that’ll be huge for our team. She’s a big girl who’s light on her feet. She does all the dirty work for us.” In addition, Simon had high praise for standout freshman Ireneshia Johnson. “She’s tall and very athletic. I expect her to be a major force for the next four seasons. As a whole, I strongly believe the winning tradition will continue for the Bellaire girls basketball program. I’m excited about our future.” Editor’s Note: Todd Freed is the Emmy Award-winning co-host and producer of the KUBE SportsZone, which airs Saturday and Sunday at 6 p.m. on Channel 57-KUBE. To submit high school sports news for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, please email [email protected].

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