Convenience Big Store: Escape from Maui: Fulshear hoops star flees from fires with family

August 21, 2023

Former Fulshear basketball standout Isaiah Barganier evacuated Hawaii in 'life or death' situation

Isaiah Barganier was a star on the basketball court for Fulshear High School.

But the Chargers' all-time leading scorer, now playing at UT-Rio Grande Valley, is simply thankful to be safe back in Texas after evacuating the Hawaiian island of Maui, which has been devastated by wildfire this month.

Barganier and his family were visiting the island for summer vacation. They had spent just 48 hours in what was supposed to be paradise before they were faced with unthinkable circumstances.

"In a situation like that where it's like life or death, you have to think on your feet," Barganier said. "We weren't too focused on the fact that this could be it. We were just trying to get food, water and trying to get to safety. We knew God was in control. We were worried but knew God had a greater plan."

Read about the family's fight for survival amid a natural disaster, written by Dennis Silva II.

Three things to watch

Something to prove: Cy-Fair senior quarterback Trey Owens has some unfinished business to attend to this season. The three-star Texas commit has garnered plenty of accolades, but now he is determined to push his team further in the playoffs.

Growing like Ivy: Clear Springs offensive tackle Blake Ivy is one of the top recruits in the country. But with a recent commitment to Texas A&M now under his belt, the four-star mauler is ready to be a leader for the Chargers this season.

Slinging the rock: With the Houston high school football season commencing Thursday, we took a closer look at some of the top quarterbacks to watch. From a five-star recruit to some emerging talents, 16 signal-callers made our annual list.

Follow all our coverage at houstonchronicle.com/highschoolsports.

Note to coaches: Submit scores and stats on game nights by emailing hssports@houstonchronicle.com.

Jon Poorman, High School Sports Editor

jpoorman@houstonchronicle.com

Athlete of the Week

With volleyball, water polo and cross country going strong, there were plenty of excellent choices for our Athlete of the Week polls. Check out the nominees below and vote for your favorite. The polls run through midnight Wednesday, and the winners will receive special recognition in the Thursday newsletter.

VOTE for Girls Athlete of the Week

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Shout out

Former Clear Springs standout Noah Thomas is poised for a big sophomore season for the Texas A&M football program this fall. Thomas was selected as the team's offensive MVP during spring practices. Standing at 6-foot-6 and 200 pounds, Aggies coach Jimbo Fisher described Thomas as "the real deal."

Stat of the day

637: The number of snaps played last season by University of Houston nose guard Chidozie Nwankwo, the second most among the team's defensive linemen. Nwankwo, a Foster High School graduate, has become one of the primary defensive leaders for the Cougars.