VYPE's Pregame By Matt Malatesta

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Who Had the "It" Factor?

Two years ago I sat with Dekaney's Trey Williams after his break-out sophomore season. We were shooting a front cover with Klein Forest's Matt Davis and Katy's Brooks Haack. Even as sophomores you could see greatness in those three. They had "It."

I asked Trey what he wanted to accomplish in his high school career. He wanted the yards and the touchdowns, but he wanted to go to the playoffs and win a state championship. The school was two years old and hadn't won a district game. I thought he was out of his mind, but looking in his eyes, he was dead serious.

That conversation was the beginning of what would become VYPE's Sports Story for the 2011-12 School Year. Dekaney had never been to the playoffs. The school had been in the news over the past 12 months for wild riots on campus, but the Wildcat football team brought light into a rough environment. Williams, coach Willie Amendola and the Wildcat den shocked the state of Texas and brought a renewed pride to the school.

But back to the "It-Factor." Others had "It" during this school year. Aaron Harrison was incredible, willing his Travis Tigers to the brink of a Class 5A state basketball championship, along with his twin brother Andrew. College Park swimmer Gray Umbach dominated the field in his respective events at state, capping off his high school career. While he's headed off to Stanford this fall, remember the name as the 2016 Olympics near.

Cy Woods' cross country runner Craig Nowak also dominated his respective sport along with The Woodlands' Madi McLellan, Friendswood's Ryan Teel and Willis' Cali Roper. Thousands played sports this season, but only a few had the magic. See if you made the lists of the VYPE 212 for 2012.

Congrats to all of the 2012 graduates. and VYPE looks forward to the next batch of stars starting in August. Take the summer to sharpen your skills and brighten your star power, for you may have that "It."

See You at the Games,

Matt Malatesta

VYPE Co-Publisher

matt@ourfieldhouse.com