In a game that was more than just another matchup, Sharpstown High School’s Ladesmond Rhone delivered a performance for the ages, scoring four touchdowns against Austin High School last Friday night at Butler Stadium.
Rhone’s standout effort lifted the Sharpstown Apollos to a hard-fought victory over Austin, marking the team’s first district win of the season and securing an 8th-place standing in the 5A-1 Region III District 10.
“We still have a lot of work to do. We aren’t there yet, but with the coaching staff we have the program will turn around as long as the younger players continue to buy into the philosophy of hard work and effort,” said Rhone.
Both teams entered the game battling to avoid a winless district record, making this contest crucial. Sharpstown head coach Earl Westbrooks acknowledged that, with only one game left in the season, he wanted his players to leave everything on the field as he continued to emphasize the standard.
“Each day we continue to preach the standard, effort, attitude, and on time. We continue to preach the standard and little by little, we will get better in the progress,” said Westbrooks.
Rhone, a senior wide receiver, took that message to heart, delivering a career-best game. His four touchdowns marked his highest single-game total this season, showcasing not only his natural speed but his polished skill set.
“He’s a great team leader. He’s an all-around player, dynamic,” said Westbrooks. “He makes it easy for the offensive coordinator to call plays. A college team is going to get a great kid who can play both wide receiver and running back.”
For Rhone, the night was more than just a victory; it became a turning point. Known for his agility and precise route running, Rhone is not the prototypical receiver at 5-foot-7. Often overlooked for his size, he caught the eye of Savannah Prep Pirates’ offensive coordinator, Brandon Ervin, after sending over his game tape. Savannah Prep, a postgrad program focused on athletic and academic development, expressed strong interest in Rhone two days before his standout performance Friday against Austin.
“As a senior and not getting any offers or interest, I felt disrespected. However, now that Savannah Prep is allowing me to continue my dream, I feel I have a chance to show what I can do on a bigger scale,” said Rhone.
Rhone’s path to Sharpstown came after transferring from Ridge Point High School, where he had initially been part of a high-powered offense led by three-star quarterback Austin Carlisle. However, with a deep receiver lineup ahead of him, Rhone found himself low on the depth chart. After relocating to Sharpstown, he quickly became an integral part of an offense that leveraged his agility and skill set.
“Austin is a great dude, leader, very good athlete, man of God. He’s a dog,” said Rhone.
Due to UIL transfer regulations, Rhone was forced to sit out his junior year. He used the time to improve his speed and route precision. He meticulously studied receivers like Alabama’s Ryan Williams and NFL star Justin Jefferson, taking cues on technique and positioning. Now, as a senior in his first varsity season, Rhone has proven he has the tools to make an impact.
“I worked with my trainer, Gareon Conley, and we worked to improve both speed and agility during that down period,” said Rhone.
For now, Rhone’s four-touchdown performance is more than just a highlight—it’s a statement. He’s shown he can overcome obstacles, rise to the occasion, and seize the moment.
About Ladesmond Rhone:
Class: 2025
IG: @D1_.dezz
Twitter: @DLadesmond
Position: Wide receiver
Height & weight: 5-feet-7, 150 pounds
Favorite artist: Rod Wave
Status: Committed to the Savannah Prep Pirates
Favorite subject: Algebraic Reasoning
Shout-outs: Mom, Dad, Coaches, Gareon Conley, Christine & Kenderria Rhone, my offensive line, and my QB Deandre Williams
