Aidan Ownby (VYPE Special Contributor)
Aidan Ownby
The featured standouts of the 2026-27 Almeta Crawford Chargers girls basketball team.
Photo by Dana Strange (VYPE)
4. La Porte Bulldogs
5. Randle Lions
Others to Watch: Fort Bend Marshall Buffalos, Freeman Golden Eagles, Friendswood Mustangs, Galveston Ball Tornadoes, Spring Woods Tigers
Iowa Colony Lady Pioneers
Photo by Dana Strange (VYPE)
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1. Almeta Crawford Chargers
The Almeta Crawford Chargers are coming off a breakthrough season that put the program on the map. Following a 23-15 showing (11-3 in district) that saw Crawford advance to the Regional Finals, head coach Veronica Crawford earned District Coach of the Year honors. Now, the Chargers face a new challenge as they make the jump from Class 4A to 5A. Fortunately, there's plenty of talent and experience to build around. District MVP Haleigh Bonwell headlines the returning group after averaging 16 PPG last season. First-team all-district selection Madison Johnson provides a formidable presence on the boards, having averaged a double-double, while fellow first-teamer Kassidy Mouton brings defensive prowess to the lineup. Naomi Jenkins adds versatility with her ability to contribute in the paint and transition, and freshman Mya Iles is another intriguing name to watch. The competition may be tougher this winter, but with Bonwell leading a seasoned core, the Chargers have every intention of proving their postseason breakthrough was no fluke.
2. Iowa Colony Pioneers
A four-round playoff journey has put Iowa Colony firmly on the map, and the Pioneers are hungry for more. Following a 25-14 season that featured a 10-2 district record and a runner-up finish, Iowa Colony saw its impressive postseason showing end against Barbers Hill. Leading the charge was head coach Chandi Jones-Donley, a former first-round WNBA Draft pick who earned All-County Coach of the Year honors for her efforts. Now, the Pioneers welcome back several key contributors with their sights set on building upon that breakthrough. Leading scorer Kailee Scipio returns to anchor the offense, providing a proven scoring threat, while Kenadie Francis brings a formidable presence in the paint. Zoie Golding is another name to watch as Iowa Colony looks to sustain its competitive edge. Under Jones-Donley's guidance, the Pioneers have already demonstrated their ability to compete deep into the postseason. The challenge now? Turning last year's impressive showing into an even greater achievement.
3. Montgomery Bears
Experience and team chemistry could be the driving forces behind another successful season at Montgomery. Following a 24-12 showing that saw the Bears finish fourth in district play, head coach Kelly Savoy welcomes back a seasoned core that understands what it takes to compete. “What I really like about this group is the experience we have coming back and the relationships these girls have built with one another,” Savoy said. “We have a group that understands what it takes to compete, but more importantly, they trust and believe in each other.” Jayden Mayberry, McKenleigh Mathews and Briley Esnard figure to be key contributors, while sophomore Payton Harns returns as the team's leading scorer from a year ago. For Montgomery, the difference could come down to execution. Controlling the tempo, maintaining defensive intensity and asserting themselves on the glass will be essential in a competitive district race. The pieces are in place for Montgomery to take another step forward. How consistently the Bears execute when the stakes rise could determine just how far they go.
4. La Porte Bulldogs
La Porte has set the bar high. Following a remarkable 30-8 season that carried the Lady Bulldogs to the State Final Four, head coach Elisha Thompson and her squad are determined to prove last year's breakthrough was only the beginning. Although their postseason journey ended against Leander Glenn, the Lady Bulldogs established themselves among the state's elite. Now comes the challenge of building upon that achievement. Post Kaia Greenawalt returns after earning first-team all-Region honors, providing a formidable presence in the paint. Second-team all-district selection Isabelle Rodriguez is poised for a bigger role, while Joycella Riggs is another name to watch as La Porte looks to sustain its competitive edge. The pieces are in place for another impressive showing, with Thompson welcoming back key contributors who understand what it takes to compete on the biggest stage. Last year's Final Four appearance made a statement. Now, the Lady Bulldogs are chasing an encore — and perhaps the one achievement that eluded them: a state championship.
5. Randle Lions
Randle's young core got its first real taste of what it takes to compete last season, helping the Lions post a 20-11 record and finish second in district play. Now, head coach Taylor Rambo is counting on that experience to translate into an even stronger showing this winter. Sydney Gilmore, K’ydence Easterling and Sanaya Smith-Brown headline the players to watch, while Wynter Cook, Ka’Niyah Herring and Baleigh Porter figure to play important roles as the Lions look to establish consistency and sustain their momentum. “Earn the Right to Have Success,” Rambo said. “It's something I have been saying to them but also something we are working to live by each day. The girls have been working hard every day and have been striving toward success.” That mentality is reflected in the team's identity: JUICE — Just Work, Unity, Intensity, Consistency, Earn It. For Rambo, it's more than a catchy motto; it's a standard the Lions are striving to embody daily. With a 20-win season under their belts, Randle is ready to bring the JUICE — and earn whatever comes next.
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!
THE FULL LINEUP IS BELOW -SCROLL DOWN TO FIND YOUR MATCH-UP AND CLICK THE IMAGE TO WATCH YOUR GAME LIVE!
7:30PM - Football: Crockett vs. Pflugerville
5:30PM | NFHS - 4AD1 Volleyball Reg. SF: Davenport vs. La Vernia
7PM - Football: East View vs. Rouse
6:30PM - Football: Fulshear vs. Cy Park
7PM - Football: Glenn vs. Killeen Shoemaker
6:30PM | NFHS - 2AD1 Volleyball Reg. SF: Johnson City vs. Weimar
7PM - Football: Montgomery vs. Huntsville
7:30PM | NFHS - 4AD1 Volleyball Reg. SF: Kerrville Tivy vs. Floresville
5:30PM | 7PM - JV Football: Vandegrift vs. Hutto
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