Sports

SENIOR LEADER STABILIZES PANTHERS IN FOOTBALL, BASEBALL

Intangibles propel Sido to success as quarterback, pitcher for Hillcrest

By Todd Jorgenson

People Newspapers

Carter Sido has had a lot on his shoulders compared to the average high school senior, even the average twosport athlete.

On the football field, the Hillcrest quarterback was asked to lead the attack of a team that lost most of its offensive production with the graduation of record-setting runner Nasir Reynolds. In baseball, Sido had to follow in the footsteps of Texas A&M signee Ryan Prager as the team’s ace pitcher.

Neither sport dropped off, in large part due to Sido’s leadership. The Panthers returned to the playoffs in both sports despite questions entering the season.

“We had a big void, and he filled that. More than anything, he won the locker room,” said Hillcrest football coach Jacob Ramon. “We knew that he was going extend a lot of plays and make a lot of plays with his feet. He made things happen. Carter just seemed to find a way.”

Sido’s numbers as Hillcrest’s starting quarterback skyrocketed as a senior. He led the Panthers in rushing and passing, accounting for more than 2,300 all-purpose yards and 33 touchdowns.

“This year, I came in a lot more confident,” Sido said. “The coaches were looking for somebody to take control of the offense. They had a lot of trust in me.”

Sido played second base for much of last baseball season but knew he would pitch more innings this spring. So, he increased his velocity and improved his command with both his fastball and slide, resulting in multiple no-hitters this season to accompany his power bat.

“He was asked to have a limited role on the mound last year. This season, with the amount of time he had to prepare, he surpassed what my expectations were for him,” said Hillcrest baseball coach Ashley Moore. “He’s absorbed a lot of innings.” Sido credits longtime teammates such as wide receiver Shannon Cruse and catcher Matthew Gann for enabling him to thrive.

“There’s a lot of loyalty and trust between us,” Sido said. “I pride myself on leading through example. That’s what I’ve tried to do.”

In the fall, Sido will attend Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, where he was recruited for football yet hopes to continue playing both sports.

Meanwhile, Ramon hopes Sido’s influence — from his upbeat attitude to his fierce competitiveness — will carry over after he graduates.

“We’re going to miss his productivity. He’s sacrificed and done everything for these players,” Ramon said. “Win, lose, or draw, he made it a better day. That’s a big part of why we were successful.”

Whether on the pitcher’s mound or in the backfield, Carter Sido (No. 1) usually has the ball in his hands. (PHOTOS: CHRIS MCGATHEY)

Carter just seemed to find a way. Jacob Ramon

Net Gains: Daisies Double Up on Postseason Lacrosse Titles Hockaday, St. Mark’s track teams also bring home SPC championship trophies

By Todd Jorgenson

People Newspapers

Hockaday didn’t lose to a lacrosse team from Texas all season, which makes it fitting that the Daisies took home two championship trophies at the end of the season.

The big prize came on May 8, when Hockaday claimed its second straight Texas Girls High School Lacrosse League title with a 20-8 victory over Austin Westlake behind a nine-goal outburst from Minje Kwun.

Two weeks earlier, high-scoring Hockaday tallied 56 goals in its three games at the SPC spring championship tournament in Hockaday’s lacrosse team was the best in the SPC and the best in Texas this season. (COURTESY PHOTO) Houston, culminating with a 16-6 thrashing of defending champion Houston St. John’s.

Sunnie Wang scored seven goals PCP_June2022_Banner-FINAL.pdf 1 5/4/2022 9:06:33 AMfor the Daisies (20-1), who scored at least 12 times in each of their victories this season. They claimed their first conference lacrosse crown since 2018 and their fifth overall. Elsewhere at the SPC spring meet, depth in various events propelled St. Mark’s and Hockaday to track and field team titles. Hockaday claimed its third crown overall and first since 2017. St. Mark’s returned to the top of the team standings for the first time since 2012 when the Lions earned the last of their nine consecutive SPC triumphs. Hockaday’s Margaret Thompson took gold in the 3,200 and silver in the 1,600. Remy Finn earned gold in the long jump and bronze in the 200. Both were part of a winning 4x400 relay quartet alongside Lola Isom and Jordan Lacsamana.

Also, for the Daisies, Gracie Little won silver in the triple jump and bronze in the pole vault, while Princess Ogiemwonyi secured bronze in the discus.

Meanwhile, Greenhill’s Johrdyn Tarpeh was a standout with three individual medals — gold in the 100 hurdles and high jump and silver in the 300 hurdles.

In boys action, distance runner Sahil Dodda led the way for St. Mark’s, scoring gold medals in the 1,600 and 3,200 and silver in the 800 behind teammate Fisayo Omonije.

In the field events, Zane Wallace earned gold in the triple jump and silver in the long jump. Samuel Eluemunoh took gold in the discus and bronze in the shot put. Wirt Jackson was a bronze medalist in the 100 and contributed to two of the three silver-medal relay teams for St. Mark’s. For Greenhill, Jason Estrada won gold in the 400 and silver in the 200.