No. 1 -- Second Baptist Eagles
Fresh off one of the most commanding displays of the decade, Second Baptist enters this campaign with all the momentum—and aura—it could ask for.
Rightfully so, considering the Eagles (33-4 in 2025) delivered a master class in composure, powering their way to the TAPPS-5A State Championship. In head coach Taylor Land’s inaugural season, SBS capped its title run with a convincing 65-47 win against Grace Prep —marking the program’s first state crown since 2018 and fourth overall.
By all accounts, point guard Reese “Lil Skip” Alston is him. The reigning TAPPS-5A Player of the Year collected a slew of honors last season — Tournament MVP, District MVP, and TABC All-State among them. Ranked No. 24 nationally and regarded as a four-star blue-chip talent, the 6-foot-2 junior already holds more than 20 Division I offers, and counting.
But it’s far from a one-man show. Equally integral to Eagles’ offensive dynamic is Shia Francis (Navy-commit), a senior guard who returns after averaging 15 points and 7 rebounds en route to first-team, all-state honors. Junior Will Goolsby (13 ppg, 4 rpg) also earned first-team, all-state recognition, while senior Maverick Manginello (second-team, all-district) and junior Cason Hall round out a loaded unit that’s dead-set on a repeat in 2026.
No. 2 -- Houston Christian Mustangs
Isaiah Vela (VYPE)
In an era where programs often chase relevance through waves of young talent, some would argue that true staying power begins with direction and identity. Fortunately for Houston Christian Hoops, the Mustangs have both. Under head coach Ron Crandall, the program has become a model of consistency — a trend that remains firmly intact.
Last winter, HCHS posted a 19-13 record and advanced to the SPC-4A Semifinals, falling only to rival Episcopal. But the early signs surrounding this year’s group suggest the Mustangs could once again be in position to contend for their first championship since 2023.
Standing 6-foot-9, junior forward Landon Veal is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. His size, mobility, and soft finishing touch make him one of the most intriguing frontcourt players in Houston. Alongside him, 6-foot-7 Will Arriaga brings physicality and balance on both ends, forming a formidable front line.
In the backcourt, senior point guard Demetri Lewis elevates the offense with his composure, vision, and unselfish playmaking. Meanwhile, juniors Josiah McGowen and Xavier Gibbons, along with senior forward Miller Martin, round out a rotation defined by depth and familiarity.
No. 3 -- The Woodlands Christian Academy Warriors
Wins certainly came in bunches for The Woodlands Christian Academy in 2025. The Warriors capped off a strong 24–8 campaign with an undefeated district title before bowing out to bitter rival Second Baptist — the eventual TAPPS 5A State Champions — in the second round of the postseason.
Now entering his third year at the helm, head coach Jason Tocabens faces a mild retooling process following the graduation of several TWCA pillars, most notably first-team, all-state selections Howie Keene (Montana State) and Nick Brashear (Colorado College).
Still, the offseason brought a wave of new playmakers that should keep the Warriors firmly in the mix once again.
Headlining that group is senior guard Christian Haskett, a 6-foot-4 Houston Christian-transfer and recent All-SPC performer whose scoring instincts add a dynamic edge to the unit. Fellow senior Jackson Day, another 6-foot-4 guard who arrives from Willis, brings proven production after averaging 12 points, four rebounds, and three steals per game en route to second-team, all-district honors.
Meanwhile, returner Jack Krantzcke, a junior forward and former all-district honorable mention, is expected to take on a larger role, while Jacob McClure and Tyler Dalton — the latter a Tomball transfer — round out a promising TWCA squad.
No. 4 -- Episcopal Knights
Matt Powell (VYPE)
It’s business as usual for Episcopal High this winter as the Knights look to build on yet another impressive outing.
Coming off a 24–8 season, Episcopal’s focus is clear: avenge last year’s 79–65 loss to Greenhill in the SPC-4A title game— a defeat that denied the program its sixth championship. The motivation is there for head coach Wayne Jones and company. Fortunately, so is the firepower.
Leading the way is junior Alim Olajuwon, whose blend of length and finesse at 6-foot-4 makes him virtually unguardable. The nephew of NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon and cousin of Stanford-commit Aziz Olajuwon (IMG Academy), Alim continues to carve out his own name as one of the area’s premier guards.
Newcomer Nyle Harrison, a 6-foot-6 forward from Fort Bend Austin, adds a steady inside presence and consistent double-double potential. Furthermore, the likes of Caleb Clay (Jr. CG), Jordan Goffney (So. PG), and Reid Sasser (Sr. G) will only bolster EHS as the team looks to make a swift response.
No. 5 -- Fort Bend Christian Academy Eagles
All signs point to progress for Fort Bend Christian Academy as the Eagles approach this campaign with new leadership steering the wheel. The program turned the page this past April with the hiring of Ondra Waddy, formerly the head coach at Mesquite Horn. He inherits a program that most recently went 21-16 and advanced to the Regional round of the TAPPS-5A playoffs.
In terms of returning talent, few in the state bring more to the table than senior forward Sean Jimmy-Ducksworth, FBCA’s all-state cornerstone who eclipsed the 1,000-point career mark last year. SJD averaged over 17 points and eight rebounds per game, anchoring both ends of the floor with his versatility.
Running the backcourt is senior point guard Dylan “DJ” Nunn, a steady playmaker and second-team, all-state selection after posting 13 points and four assists per contest. Juniors Layden McGrady and Trent Meyer, along with senior Charlie Molloy, compose an incredibly balanced mix of athletes who are sure to help Fort Bend Christian act on its tremendous upside.
Others to Watch: Concordia Lutheran, St . Francis Episcopal, St .Thomas, St . Thomas Episcopal, The Kinkaid School, Westbury Christian
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