Steele sets the early tone after breaking through for its first UIL Final Four appearance since 2016, a milestone that reestablished the program among the state’s elite.
The same can be said for 5A powerhouse Wagner, which not only returned to the State Tournament for the sixth time since 2008, but also made its long-awaited debut in the title game.
Judson, coming off a pristine 36-2 campaign, enters with a clear sense of urgency to push past last year’s third-round exit. Another thing the San Antonio area can confidently point to is a strong slate of Regional Finalists — Brennan (6A-D1), San Marcos (6A-D2), Pieper (5A-D1), and Davenport (4A-D1).
Rounding out the mix are several battle-tested 6A squads — including Johnson, Sotomayor, and O’Connor — each capable of shaping the season’s trajectory.
If the previous campaign hinted at anything, it’s that this region’s blend of depth, experience, and upward-trending programs should once again make it one of the state’s most intriguing battlegrounds.
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SA Wagner Thunderbirds (2025 UIL 5A-D1 State Finalists)
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*Last section indicates 2025 result
VYPE San Antonio Combined (6A-4A) Top-10 Girls Basketball Rankings -- 2025-26 PRESEASON
1. Cibolo Steele Knights (6A) -- 27-8 (9-3 in District 29-6A) // UIL 6A-D1 State Semifinalists*
2. Wagner Thunderbirds (5A) -- 34-4 (15-1 in 26-5A) // UIL 5A-D1 State Finalists*
3. Judson Rockets (6A) -- 36-2 (12-0 in 29-6A) // 6A-D2 Regional Semifinalists
4. Brennan Bears (6A) -- 26-10 (14-2 in 28-6A) // 6A-D1 Region 4 Finalists
5. San Marcos Rattlers (6A) -- 27-9 (9-3 in 29-6A) // 6A-D2 Region 4 Finalists
6. Pieper Warriors (5A) -- 28-7 (15-1 in 26-5A) // 5A-D1 Region 4 Finalists
7. SA Johnson Jaguars (6A) -- 23-13 (8-6 in 27-6A) // Bi-District Finalists
8. Davenport Wolves (4A) -- 26-10 (7-3 in 26-4A) // 4A-D1 Region 4 Finalists
9. Sotomayor Wildcats (6A) -- 26-9 (15-1 in 28-6A) // Area Round Finalists
10. O'Connor Panthers (6A) -- 19-15 (11-5 in 28-6A) // Bi-District Finalists
Others to Watch: Churchill Chargers (27-6A), Clark Cougars (27-6A), Harlan Hawks (28-6A), SA McCollum Cowboys (28-5A), Sam Houston Hurricanes (28-5A)
Judson Rockets
By Allison Ling
SA Wagner Thunderbirds (2025 UIL 5A-D1 State Finalists)
Judson Rockets
