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Houston area representing well in soccer state semifinals with 11 teams still alive

Happy Thursday!

The UIL soccer state semifinals are upon us, and several Houston-area girls and boys teams remain alive with a chance to advance to Birkelbach Field in Georgetown for the championship matches next week.

When you look at the field of local teams, there are some familiar names. But there's also some great stories. On the girls side, Seven Lakes is back in the final four after reaching state last year. The Woodlands, a perennial power, is on the other side of the bracket, and we could be looking at an exciting all-Houston final in Class 6A Division I. Stratford, meanwhile, has looked dominant in the Division II bracket and has won 18 straight overall. Barbers Hill is representing Greater Houston in Class 5A Division II and is making the first state semifinal appearance in program history. El Campo is doing the same in Class 4A Division II.

On the boys side, district rivals Elsik and Strake Jesuit have reached the Class 6A Division I and Division II semifinals, respectively. Elsik knocked off two-time defending state champion Seven Lakes in the regional final. Klein Cain, meanwhile, is not done enjoying the best season in program history in Division I. Angleton and Lake Creek are making the first semifinal appearances for their programs as well, advancing through the Class 5A Division I and Division II brackets, respectively. Needville is doing the same in Class 4A Division II.

Competition from around the state is tough, so it'll be interesting to see how many Houston-area teams can reach the biggest stage in Texas. But it's certainly encouraging to see this many remaining late in the season.

See the full schedule for the state semifinals here.

✅ Be sure to follow me on X at @JonPoorman for all the latest news. Follow our high school sports account at @HoustonChronHS.

See the rest of the award winners and the full teams here.

Follow all our coverage at houstonchronicle.com/highschoolsports.

Jon Poorman, High School Sports Editor

jpoorman@houstonchronicle.com

Athlete of the Week

🏆 Congratulations to Crawford baseball player Logan Shields, who was voted Boys Athlete of the Week. Shields went 3-for-4 with a double, three RBIs and three stolen bases during the Chargers' 9-0 district win over Brookshire Royal on Friday. He also pitched five perfect innings with 12 strikeouts during a 10-0 run-rule victory earlier in the week.

🏆 Congratulations to Needville softball player Josey Cantu, who was voted Girls Athlete of the Week. Cantu went 3-for-4 with three doubles and six RBIs during the Blue Jays' 22-0 district win over Sweeny last Friday.

🔄 Check out the Monday newsletter for a new set of polls.

Shout out

🏈 Randle honored for impact

Randle High School football coach Brian Randle was announced Wednesday as one of eight statewide finalists for the Coaching Beyond the Game Award from the Texas High School Coaches Association. The purpose of the award is to recognize someone in high school athletics who has made a difference in students' lives that goes beyond the wins and losses.

Stat of the day

⚽ 53: The number of points accounted for by Lake Creek senior forward Reid Robert this season. He has scored a team-leading 22 goals and has nine assists for the Lions, who have won six consecutive matches and will take on Liberty Hill in the state semifinals Friday night in Georgetown.