HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
BOYS C.J. Blocker, Jr., New Caney
Notable: Blocker had three strong performances at the District 20-5A championships, helping New Caney win its first team title. He won golds in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.89 and in the 400 (49.10). Blocker also a member of the 4x100-meter relay team that won gold and set a school record with a time of 1:29.77. The Eagles finished with 149 points, beating the rest of the field by 26.
What coach Aaron Grubb said: “He’s a hardworking, dedicated athlete who loves his teammates and loves competing. He showed that this week at a very high level. I’m very proud of C.J. and his accomplishments.”
Other nominees
Aidan Morrison, Soph., Seven Lakes: Morrison scored two goals in the Spartans’ 3-2 loss to Plano in the Class 6A semifinals. The sophomore midfielder converted a penalty kick early in the game and scored on a free kick in the waning minutes. He was named to the alltournament team.
Elijah Betancourt, Soph., Jordan: The sophomore goalkeeper finished with seven saves and was named to the state all-tournament team for his work in the Warriors’ 1-0 loss to Dripping Springs in the Class 5A semifinals.
Ryan Niblett, Jr., Eisenhower: Niblett took home four medals at the District 14-6A championships, winning the 100- and 200-meter events with times of 10.83 and 21.68, respectively. He also won the long jump (23 feet, 1 inch) and was second in the triple jump (43-11).
GIRLS Jade Johnson, Sr., Summer Creek
Notable: Johnson won District 21-6A titles in the triple jump (39-2¾) and long jump (19-7), helping the Bulldogs to a thirdplace finish as a team. The senior also ran on the 4x200 and 4x400 relay teams, earning a gold and silver, respectively. Johnson is currently ranked No. 1 in the country in the triple jump with a season-best mark of 42-3½. She is also the top-ranked long jumper in the Houston area and won the district meet by more than a foot.
What coach Ahmad Roper said: “She’s a one-of-a-kind talent who puts in a lot of work in her craft to get better. My job as the coach is to help her achieve her goals, and we’re doing that right now. Of course, we have bigger goals for her to win state, and that’s the main goal for every athlete. With her being our team captain, she leads by example. She’s vocal, she’s a team leader, she’s cheering everybody on, and she’s encouraging everyone to do their best.”
Other nominees
Dayo Tennyson, Soph., Ridge Point: Ridge Point trailed Rockwall 2-1 in regulation when Tennyson scored the tying goal with less than five minutes remaining in the Class 6A semifinals. The Panthers ultimately lost 4-2 in overtime, but the sophomore forward was named to the state all-tournament team.
Taylor Sanderson, Sr., Magnolia: Sanderson made 14 saves during the Bulldogs’ 3-0 loss to eventual champion Frisco Wakeland in the Class 5A semifinals. It was the second-highest save total all-time in the state tournament, regardless of classification.
Chayne Allen, Soph., Bridgeland: Allen drove in two runs and stole two bases in a 17-0 win over Cypress Park and went 4-for-4 with a grand slam, four RBIs and four runs scored in an 18-1 win over Cypress Springs.