The stars of 2025-26 Deer Park Softball
Dana Strange (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
No. 19 -- Deer Park Deer
Gold is often seen as the expectation at Deer Park, a mindset shaped by the program’s storied history and reinforced since Amy Vidal-Bush took over as head coach in 2020.
To put it in perspective, Deer Park has claimed its district title every year dating back to 2013 (excluding the COVID year), and last spring was no exception—though the competition proved tougher than in recent seasons. From there, the Deer’s hopes for a deep playoff run were dashed by a demanding opening-round series against Atascocita, closing the season at 20-10 overall.
Plenty of talent returns to the mix, propelled by recent Texas Tech signee Braelynn Jones. At her best when controlling the game, Jones will be central to the team’s push this season, as the second-team all-district standout steps into the role of Deer Park’s ace.

Trinity-bound Mariah Ramirez (Sr. OF) and Caitlyn Wade (Jr. OF/UT)—both first-team honorees last season—are expected to remain key contributors on both offense and defense. The same can be said for second-team picks Kayla Barras (Sr. OF/Louisiana-Monroe) and Journey Peterson (So. 3B).
Rounding out this senior-heavy roster are second baseman Reily Hernandez (Southwestern) and utility McCartney Pledger (Alvin JC).
Deer Park is poised to return to its winning ways, but the long-term goal will be a serious effort towards the ballclub’s first UIL championship since 2021.
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The stars of 2025-26 Clear Creek Softball
Dana Strange (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
No. 20 -- Clear Creek Wildcats
Few could have predicted that last year’s Clear Creek squad would reset the standard. Yet the League City team broke the mold in 2025, proving that in this sport, anything is possible when a group has the will to achieve it. With coach Katherine Morton back at the helm, the Wildcats aim to recapture the magic of their 20-8 season, when they advanced four rounds into the 6A Division II playoffs and faced Kingwood in the Region III Final—matching Clear Creek’s deepest playoff run since 2009.
Replacing District 24-6A MVP and current Arkansas Razorback Khamari Hall will be no small task. Still, there’s a strong case to be made that the Wildcats could be just as balanced this season. Clear Creek equips an extensive group of all-district performers, led by first-team selections Kierstyn Lambeth (Arizona State commit), infielder Samantha Tumbleson (UT–Arlington), and sophomore second baseman Emma Hope.

UConn commit Sydney Detenbeck (Jr. OF) and Missouri–Kansas City pledge Aria Victorian (Jr. C) are also poised for breakout campaigns, as both look to build on honorable mention seasons alongside fellow junior Lilli Rodriguez, who is expected to make a similar impact in the months ahead.
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Perhaps the most unsettling part of Wagner’s flawless start is that “perfect” hardly does it justice. The 5A Thunderbirds have imposed their will in virtually every outing, with few of their 32 victories coming down to the wire — aside from narrow decisions over Brennan, Mansfield and Plano East. Unbeaten through district play and battle-tested beyond it, Wagner enters the playoffs not just as a favorite, but as a clear standard-bearer for the region.
That said, 6A offers no shortage of firepower. Brennan (29-4) and Johnson (32-3) have built commanding résumés and sit squarely in the championship conversation, while Sotomayor and Judson add further depth to an upper classification defined by physicality and balance. Warren and Harlan, both navigating demanding district slates, round out a 6A group more dangerous than their records might suggest.
In 5A, MacArthur has quietly authored one of the area’s most impressive stretches, claiming an undefeated district title while riding a 17-game winning streak into the bracket. Boerne and McCollum have also turned in steady campaigns, proving capable of making noise beyond the opening rounds.
Across classifications, the margin for error has all but vanished. The regular season may be complete, but the real separation will take place in the weeks ahead.
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VYPE San Antonio Combined (6A-4A) Top-10 Girls Basketball Rankings -- February 2026 (Pre-Playoffs)
1. Wagner Thunderbirds (5A) -- 32-0 // 16-0 in District 26-5A
2. Brennan Bears (6A) -- 29-4 // 15-1 in 28-6A
3. SA Johnson Jaguars (6A) -- 32-3 // 14-0 in 27-6A
4. Sotomayor Wildcats (6A) -- 29-4 // 14-2 in 28-6A
5. Judson Rockets (6A) -- 28-6 // 10-2 in 29-6A
6. SA MacArthur Brahmas (5A) -- 29-5 // 16-0 in 28-5A
7. Boerne Greyhounds (5A) -- 26-7 // 14-2 in 26-5A
8. Warren Warriors (6A) -- 25-9 // 11-5 in 28-6A
9. Harlan Hawks (6A) -- 20-10 // 9-7 in 28-6A
10. McCollum Cowboys (5A) -- 28-5 // 14-2 in 28-5A
Others to Watch: Steele Knights (29-6A), Tivy Antlers (26-5A), San Marcos Rattlers (29-6A), Davenport Wolves (26-4A), Pieper Warriors (26-5A)
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