Plano East senior outside hitter Simone Heard was named the most valuable player of District 6-6A during her junior season. Photo by Roosevelt Joubert / C&S Media

By David Wolman

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Plano East experienced success across the athletics spectrum throughout the past school year.

The Murphy Monitor will highlight those varsity returners who are expected to make a big impact for their respective teams.

Alexa Perreira, Sr., Girls Soccer

In Plano East’s journey to qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade, Perreira’s selflessness exemplified the true team nature of the Lady Panthers. When the team roster was released, she was penciled in to play both defender and goalkeeper. Although she was honored on the All-District 6-6A first team for her play at defender, the senior received a bigger award for her play at goalkeeper – Texas Association of Soccer Coaches All-Region I-6A second team. During the final game of the regular season against Allen, Perreira made two saves in the shootout and converted the game-winning kick, lifting Plano East to a thrilling 3-3 (5-3 penalty kicks) win over the district champion Lady Eagles.

Arianna Robinson, So., Girls Basketball

Before Robinson stepped onto the court for her first-ever high school game, Plano East head coach Derrick Richardson said that Robinson was going to be a “difference-maker.” The 5-star recruit, with more than 20 Division I offers, proved why she is one of the best combo guards in the state for the Class of 2028. She was named the District 6-6A offensive newcomer of the year after helping to lead the Lady Panthers to third place in 6-6A. But that was only the start of bigger things to come for her, as well as Plano East. Robinson’s ability to score at all three levels and play defense at an elite level led the Lady Panthers on what was a historic run to the state semifinals. She scored 31 points in a 61-51 loss to Cedar Hill in the Class 6A Division I state semifinals. For the season, she averaged 20.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.1 steals per game.

Dakota Huynh, Jr., Volleyball

Huynh was tasked with digging out balls that were hit by some of the best attackers in the state. More times than not, Huynh, a libero, kept the ball from hitting the court. After she transferred to Plano East from Plano West for her sophomore season, she fit into her new role, and team, rather seamlessly. Named the district’s defensive player of the year, Huynh recorded 573 digs and added 144 assists and 34 service aces, helping to solidify a stellar back row for the Lady Panthers.

Esdras Mercado, Jr., Boys Soccer

Plano East is coming off one of its best showings in district play in the last several years, and the play of Mercado, a defender, was a big reason why the Panthers won six district games and came within one win of making the playoffs. Plano East held opponents to 32 goals in 19 games, an average of 1.7 goals per game. Mercado was named the 6-6A co-sophomore of the year following the conclusion of the season.

Javon Rogers, Jr., Football

Rogers made a big splash his sophomore season and he is expected to make a big impact for a Plano East defense that has the potential to be one of the top units in all of District 6-6A this year. Named the district’s defensive newcomer of the year for his sophomore season, Rogers, a defensive lineman, finished with 17 tackles, five tackles for loss, five sacks and 19 quarterback hurries. He lists offers from Arkansas State, Iowa and the University of Texas San Antonio.

Julia Wilson, Jr., Softball

As a sophomore, Wilson provided one of several big bats in the Lady Panthers’ arsenal by batting .366 with 45 hits, eight doubles, nine triples, eight home runs and 52 RBI. The reining district newcomer of the year delivered in her first postseason game, recording a walk-off RBI hit in the bottom of the seventh inning, rallying Plano East to a 6-5 victory over Hebron in the bi-district round of the Class 6A Division I playoffs.

Simone Heard, Sr., Volleyball

Opposing defenses center their game plan around limiting the number of touches for Heard. But Heard, an outside hitter and Georgia Tech commit, always found ways to hit the ball around the arms of opposing blockers. Named the most valuable player of District 6-6A during her junior season, she recorded 731 kills, 35 service aces, while also contributing 46 blocks and 344 digs.

Travis Agee, Sr., Football

When it comes to getting tough yards, Agee, at 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, has used his physicality to break off crucial runs to keep the chains moving. As a junior, he had a career year running the ball. Agee racked up 1,297 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns, in addition to two receiving touchdowns.