VYPE Houston 4A Top 5 Boys Basketball Rankings
2026-2027 PRESEASON
2. Yates Lions
3. La Marque Cougars
4. Stafford Spartans
5. Brazosport Exporters
Others to Watch: Booker T. Washington Eagles, Hitchcock Bulldogs, Willowridge Eagles
Stafford Spartans
Photo by Carmen Agnew (VYPE)
▲
La Marque Cougars
Photo by Carmen Agnew (VYPE)
▲
GET YOUR COPY OF THE 2026–27 VYPE HOUSTON BASKETBALL MAGAZINE HERE!
SHOP PHOTOS FROM VYPE HOUSTON CITYWIDE MEDIA DAY
VIEW THE 2026–27 VYPE HOUSTON BASKETBALL DIGITAL MAGAZINE HERE!
1. Wheatley Wildcats
Wheatley made its mark on the state stage last season, advancing to the Class 4A Division II State Semifinals under head coach David Burrell (118-55). Entering his sixth year leading the boys program — and second simultaneously overseeing the girls — Burrell welcomes back three starters as the Wildcats pursue their fourth consecutive playoff berth. All-district standout Peter Dorsey headlines the returning talent after averaging an impressive 18.2 PPG, 7 RPG, 4 APG, 3 SPG and 1 BPG. Second-team selection Micah Green (7 PPG, 2.4 SPG) and Damarion Parrish (6.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG) provide veteran experience, while Maurice Dorsey, a Top 100-ranked Houston freshman, adds another intriguing dimension to the lineup. Pressure defense, discipline and a team-first mentality will be central to Wheatley's approach in 2026-27. The Wildcats have their sights set on another trip to the State Semifinals — and perhaps an even bigger breakthrough.
2. Yates Lions
Here come the Lions, who posted an impressive 27-3 record last season and look to make some noise once again under head coach Greg Wise. Returning starter La’Marr Henley will help lead the charge, while Norris Birdsong and Dievontrea “Trae” Boone are other players to watch. The Lions will embrace the motto “Never Get Outworked” in 2026-27, emphasizing discipline, coachability and a relentless competitive spirit. Wise expects his squad to embody a “Lionhearted” mentality as they set their sights on another trip to the Alamodome.
3. La Marque Cougars
The La Marque Cougars reached the game every coach and player strives for — the last one. Following a remarkable 41-2 season that ended in the Class 4A Division II State Championship game, head coach Kevin Wilcox (227-93) faces the challenge of retooling a roster featuring just one returning starter. Fortunately, that starter is reigning District MVP Malcolm McNair, a first-team all-state and State All-Tournament selection who averaged 19.5 PPG, 4.2 APG, 3.8 RPG and 3.3 SPG. First-team all-district pick Kylen Winn (7.3 PPG, 4.5 APG, 5.8 RPG, 3.5 SPG) and second-team selection Charles Douglas (7.9 PPG, 2 APG, 3.8 RPG, 2.9 SPG) provide additional firepower. Jasiya Johnson, Kevin Boone, Dorian Burton, Christian Truitt and Javion Williams also figure into the equation. Discipline, defensive intensity and attention to detail will be paramount as La Marque looks to turn last year's state runner-up finish into a championship breakthrough.
4. Stafford Spartans
Stafford is coming off an impressive 30-win season that saw the Spartans advance to the Regional Semifinals. Entering his ninth year at the helm, head coach David Montano (230-67) faces a considerable challenge with no returning starters in 2026-27. District 21-4A honorable mention selection Cameron Moore figures to assume a larger role, bringing quickness off the dribble and a knack for attacking the rim. Dashaun Goodley, who missed last season due to injury, provides a high-energy presence on both ends of the floor, while Steven Omokaro is another name to watch. For Stafford to sustain its winning ways, Montano will demand relentless defensive pressure and a collective commitment to the glass. Every possession will matter, particularly for a retooled squad looking to establish its identity through effort and mental toughness.
5. Brazosport Exporters
The Exporters have plenty of experience to build around in 2026-27, having posted a 29-10 record last season with four starters now back in the fold under head coach Jordan Rose. Cameron Hinton, Nijel Perry, LaMarrio Kersee and Isaiah Leija headline the returning talent as the Exporters look to establish an identity rooted in physicality, discipline and collective effort. “Our 2026 team will be defined by toughness. We want to be the most physical, disciplined, and relentless team on the floor,” Rose said. For Rose, that mentality extends beyond the scoreboard. Every possession must be earned, and playing for one another will be central to the Exporters' approach.