VYPE caught up with Incarnate Word Academy Softball Coach Rick Perez at their 2023-24 Winter/Spring Media Day, discussing the upcoming season and more!
Check out the interview below!
The stars of 2025-26 Second Baptist School Basketball
Matt Powell (VYPE)
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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The stars of 2025-26 Kinkaid Girls Basketball
Matt Powell (VYPE)
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No. 1 -- The Kinkaid School Falcons
Fresh off an SPC-4A Championship — their first since 2019— Kinkaid looks poised to keep its dynasty dreams alive.
The Falcons went 29-10 overall last season and showed they could hang with Houston’s elite, notching signature wins over 6A squads like Summer Creek, Fulshear, Manvel, and Katy Taylor. Veteran coach Stacey Marshall, now in her 23rd season, reached the 500-win milestone in 2025 and retains a central rotation that knows how to win on big stages.
Leading the charge is Ma’Ryiah Alfred, the All-SPC and TABC Private School All-State junior guard who averaged 18 points, 4 assists, and 4 steals per game.
Alongside her are fellow All-SPC and All-State selections Sydney Marshall and Lauren Hull, with Alex Gordon (All South Zone, 7.5 rpg) providing interior strength and Kamdyn Flora anchoring the backcourt. Add in rising contributors Alex Gibbs, Tori Walton, and Jaelyn Sowells, and Kinkaid’s depth looks stronger than ever.
Suffice it to say, the Falcons are well-equipped to chase back-to-back SPC titles — something the program hasn’t accomplished since its three-peat run from 2017–2019.
No. 2 -- Houston Christian Mustangs
Isaiah Vela (VYPE)
In their most recent endeavor, Houston Christian reached the second round of the SPC Tournament before bowing out to Kinkaid — a result that reaffirmed the Mustangs’ place among the state’s elite while leaving room for unfinished business.
Entering his fourth year at the helm, coach Ryan Bickham returns a group that’s largely intact and battle-tested.
Future collegiate talent? Check. The Mustangs feature a trio of senior guards already committed to play at the next level— Bella Robbins (University of New Orleans), Kiana Vega (Oklahoma Christian), and Bri’Anna McClinton (Texas A&M International).
Yet the biggest storyline this offseason came with the arrival of junior phenom A’Zyua Blair, a transfer from Pearland who erupted for over 600 points (18.8 ppg) in 2025. The District 22-6A Offensive Player of the Year and TABC All-Region selection also landed at No. 58 nationally in the Class of 2027 according to SportsCenter NEXT.
Still, this isn’t the A’Zyua Blair show alone.
Bickham envisions one ofthe most balanced and imposing rosters in Texas, bolstered by Makayla Casey (So. F), Dylaney Gullage (Jr. C/PF), Lyla Delafosse (Jr. G), and Naddilee French (Jr. G) and Joylin Kodia (So. C).
With its blend of expertise, star power, and considerable depth, Houston Christian evokes shades of the dynasty years — those back-to-back title runs (2022-23) led by Loghan Johnson (West Virginia), D’Asia Thomas (Georgia Tech), and Jalayah Ingram (UTRGV) — and the sense that another championship chapter could be on the horizon.
No. 3 -- Legacy the School of Sport Sciences Titans
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Head coach Ses Johnson, who steps into Year No. 6 of directing Legacy SSS, brings the same relentless drive that defined her days as a member of Westfield’s 2005 state championship team and later at Coppin State University.
Four starters return for Johnson’s squad, which once again embraces the challenge of an independent schedule — one that spans matchups across Texas and even internationally.
Leading the charge are senior forward Alayna Yates, a Tarleton State-commit, and senior guard Anaiah Jackson, who’s committed to St. Mary’s. Their veteran leadership will be essential as the Lady Titans look to impose their identity early. Supporting that core are Harley Washington (Sr. F) and Brittney Anderson (Sr. G), both poised to play pivotal roles in the team’s rotation.
For Johnson, the formula for success remains simple but demanding — defend with intensity, run the floor with purpose, and play with physicality.
No. 4 -- Concordia Lutheran Crusaders
Isaiah Vela (VYPE)
Matt Neidigk has long been a fixture on the Concordia Lutheran sidelines. With nearly 18 years and 436 wins under his belt, Neidigk eyes more success in 2026 after seeing his team surge in the postseason to reach the TAPPS-6A State Final Four a year ago.
Replacing key graduates like Kenley Benson — an All-State honorable mention — and Kaitlin Rich won’t be easy. However, there are plenty of weapons left on the court for a team that posted 24 wins last winter.
A senior-heavy lineup leads the charge, featuring first-team, all-district guard Leah Jurischk, second-teamer Kinley Coleman, and honorable mentions Megan Ingraham and Kylie Bolz.
Expectations remain high for Concordia Lutheran, as the team looks to “Rise Up” this season – in hopes of recapturing the mojo and potentially hoisting the program’s first-ever championship trophy.
No. 5 -- The John Cooper School Dragons
Doug Brown (VYPE)
JCS made plenty of noise last winter, reaching the SPC-3A Semifinals and proving they can rise to the occasion in high-pressure moments. Guiding that success is BJ Feuerhelm, who has spent more than a decade shaping Cooper into a consistent contender and has amassed 153 career wins along the way.
The team retains a strong foundation on the floor, led by senior point guard Jordan Sheirr (Colby College-commit). Sheirr, an All-SPC selection last year, brings scoring, prowess, and physicality that will be central to Cooper’s ascension.
She’ll be complemented by All-SPC honoree Ianna Brown (Jr. G), All-South Zone standouts Kieran Mentlewski (So. G) and Sydney Mullins (So. F), along with sophomore forward Kylee Jameson (So. F) – adding onto the team’s youthful depth.
However, Feuerhelm believes that success comes from more than raw talent. The Dragons will need to prioritize defense, control the boards, and value each possession if they hope to challenge for the league crown. With that formula, John Cooper is positioned to make a statement in SPC-3A and chase its first title since 2021.
Others to Watch: Bay Area Christian School, Episcopal, Second Baptist School, St. Pius X
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