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VYPE U: Lamar Consolidated gets back on track with win over Montgomery

Oct 28, 2019

Lamar Mustangs prepare to take the field.

Madison Morris

Lamar Consolidated High School football came out on top Friday night, ending their two-game losing streak with a much needed 55-14 win against Montgomery.

Baylor commit Taye McWilliams, who finished with 121 yards and three scores on 11 carries, scored the first touchdown of the night for Lamar Consolidated with 7:10 left in the first quarter. Montgomery remained scoreless throughout the entire first half and trailed Lamar Consolidated 28-0 at halftime.

Lamar Consolidated quarterback Byron Harris finished 9 of 15 for 145 yards and a touchdown.

After the break, Montgomery scored one touchdown each in the third and fourth quarters, respectively. They were unsuccessful in their comeback attempts in the end. Montgomery now stands at 1-4 in district play.

Montgomery will seek a key win next week against Paetow while Lamar Consolidated hopes to clinch a playoff spot with a win over Cleveland at their homecoming game.

Check out the gallery below to see some photos of the night!

Madison Morris

Baylor Commit Taye McWilliams practices before kickoff

FIELD POSITION: 2026 VYPE San Antonio Football Rankings — Pre-Playoff Edition | Where Legacies Are Made

Few things reveal a team's true championship credentials quite like November football, and San Antonio has no shortage of contenders eager to make their case.

Smithson Valley (9-0) retains its grip on No. 1, while Johnson (9-0) has solidified its status among the region’s premier 6A contenders. Brennan (9-1) strengthened its standing at No. 3 with a convincing 30-3 victory over Harlan, securing the District 29-6A crown in emphatic fashion.

Steele (8-1-1) and Boerne (10-0) round out the Top 5, with the latter completing a perfect regular season. Meanwhile, Champion, Alamo Heights and Tivy have established themselves among the area's most credible threats, while Harlan and Davenport look to make their own statements when the stakes intensify.

Impressive résumés have earned these teams their place in the conversation. What they accomplish from here will determine how they're remembered.

*** The first section shows the team’s current overall record | The second shows its district record | The third shows its most recent game result (per MaxPreps as of 11/8/2026) | The final section shows its next matchup.

VYPE San Antonio Combined (6A–4A) Top 10 Football Rankings

November 2026 | Pre-Playoff Edition

1. Smithson Valley Rangers (5A) — 9-0 | 8-0 in District 13-5A D1* | Bye Week

2. SA Johnson Jaguars (6A) — 9-0 | 7-0 in District 28-6A* | 64-21 win vs. Madison

3. Brennan Bears (6A) — 9-1 | 8-0 in District 29-6A* | 30-3 win vs. Harlan

4. Steele Knights (6A) — 8-1-1 | 7-0 in District 27-6A* | 42-14 win vs. Clemens

5. Boerne Greyhounds (5A) — 10-0 | 6-0 in District 13-5A D2* | 32-27 win vs. Legacy Ranch

6. Champion Chargers (5A) — 9-1 | 8-1 in District 13-5A D1 | 49-7 win vs. Manor

7. Alamo Heights Mules (5A) — 9-1 | 5-1 in District 13-5A D2 | Bye Week

8. Tivy Antlers (4A) — 9-1 | 6-1 in District 13-4A D1 | 38-21 win vs. Fredericksburg

9. Harlan Hawks (6A) — 8-2 | 7-1 in District 29-6A | 3-30 loss vs. Brennan

10. Davenport Wolves (4A) — 7-3 | 5-2 in District 13-4A D1 | 90-0 win vs. Northeast EC

Others to Watch: Reagan Rattlers (28-6A), Pieper Warriors (27-6A), Somerset Bulldogs (14-4A D1), Sam Houston Hurricanes (14-5A D2), Brandeis Broncos (28-6A), Judson Rockets (27-6A), Floresville Tigers (14-4A D1)

* A single asterisk indicates a district championship.

FIELD POSITION: 2026 VYPE DFW Football Rankings — Pre-Playoff Edition | The Road to State Starts Here

Allen's Lyndon Spriggs finds a gap in the McKinney Boyd defense during the Eagles' 56-14 win (10/30/26).

Photo by Kevin Bartram (VYPE Sideline)

District dominance only gets you so far. For the Dallas-Fort Worth area's top contenders, the real measure of championship potential begins now.

Allen (10-0) and North Crowley (10-0) have maintained their grip on the top two spots, while Lewisville (10-0) has ascended to No. 3, giving the region three undefeated heavyweights atop the hierarchy.

The perfect records don't end there. Anna, Lone Star, Martin and Timberview have also completed unbeaten regular seasons, establishing themselves as formidable threats in their respective classifications.

Elsewhere, Waxahachie (9-1), DeSoto (8-2) and Prosper (9-1) round out the Top 6, while traditional powers South Oak Cliff, Southlake Carroll and Duncanville enter the playoff picture with plenty to prove.

The regular-season résumé only tells part of the story. What happens from here will define the rest.

Lovejoy linebacker Dallas Preston. Photo by Kevin Bartram (VYPE)

*** The first section shows the team’s current overall record | The second shows its final district record | The third shows its most recent game result (per MaxPreps as of 11/8/2026)

VYPE Dallas-Fort Worth Combined (6A–4A) Top 20 Football Rankings

November 2026 | Pre-Playoff Edition

1. Allen Eagles (6A) — 10-0 | 7-0 in District 6-6A* | 63-7 win vs. Walnut Grove

2. North Crowley Panthers (6A) — 10-0 | 7-0 in District 11-6A* | 62-3 win vs. Red Oak

3. Lewisville Fighting Farmers (6A) — 10-0** | 7-0 in District 5-6A* | 41-14 win vs. Little Elm

4. Waxahachie Indians (6A) — 9-1 | 6-1 in District 11-6A | 59-35 win vs. Mansfield

5. DeSoto Eagles (5A) — 8-2 | 7-0 in District 8-5A D1 | 83-0 win vs. Cleburne

6. Prosper Eagles (6A) — 9-1 | 6-1 in District 6-6A | 45-7 win vs. Princeton

7. Argyle Eagles (5A) — 9-1 | 6-0 in District 3-5A D2* | Bye Week

8. South Oak Cliff Golden Bears (5A) — 8-2 | 8-0 in District 5-5A D2* | 55-20 win vs. Samuell

9. Southlake Carroll Dragons (6A) — 8-2 | 7-0 in District 4-6A* | 54-7 win vs. Boswell

10. Duncanville Panthers (6A) — 6-4 | 5-2 in District 11-6A | 66-7 win vs. Skyline

11. Anna Coyotes (5A) — 10-0 | 8-0 in District 4-5A D2* | 56-31 win vs. Prosper Richland

12. Lone Star Rangers (5A) — 10-0 | 7-0 in District 5-5A D1* | 58-7 win vs. McKinney North

13. Martin Warriors (6A) — 10-0 | 7-0 in District 3-6A* | 70-14 win vs. Granbury

14. Guyer Wildcats (6A) — 8-2 | 6-1 in District 5-6A | 40-21 win vs. Flower Mound

15. Timberview Wolves (5A) — 10-0 | 7-0 in District 7-5A D2* | 55-8 win vs. Corsicana

16. Lancaster Tigers (5A) — 8-2 | 6-1 in District 8-5A D1 | 54-14 win vs. Mansfield Legacy

17. Lovejoy Leopards (5A) — 9-1 | 5-1 in District 3-5A D2 | 21-14 win vs. The Colony

18. Rockwall Yellowjackets (6A) — 8-2 | 6-1 in District 10-6A | 53-35 win vs. Heath

19. Aledo Bearcats (6A) — 7-3 | 6-1 in District 3-6A | 28-3 win vs. Arlington Lamar

20. Brock Eagles (4A) — 9-1 | 5-0 in District 4-4A D2 | 56-3 win vs. Mineral Wells

Others to Watch: Lake Highlands Wildcats (7-6A), Ryan Raiders (3-5A D1), Highland Park Scots (6-5A D1), Keller Central Chargers (4-6A), Coppell Cowboys (7-6A), Richland Royals (6-5A D1), Melissa Cardinals (5-5A D1), Decatur Eagles (4-4A D1), Emerson Mavericks (4-5A D2), Sachse Mustangs (9-6A), Midlothian Panthers (8-5A D1), West Mesquite Wranglers (7-5A D1), Brewer Bears (4-5A D1)

* A single asterisk indicates a district championship.

** Lewisville's previously forfeited wins were reinstated.

EAT ’EM UP: Randle OL Jeremy Rawls commits to Texas State

2027 Randle (TX) offensive lineman Jeremy Rawls announced his commitment to Texas State on on Tuesday via his X account.

Rawls committed to Texas State over Midwestern State, Eastern New Mexico and Angelo State among others.

The six-foot-eight, 300-pound offensive tackle's commitment to the Bobcats comes following a game day visit to Texas State on October 25th.

“Texas State feels like home," Rawls said on his commitment to Texas State. "They showed me a lot of love from the start."

The biggest factor that led to Rawls making the decision to commit to Texas State came down to how the staff treated not only him but his family during his visit.

“The staff was really cool," he said. "How they treated my family during the visit and how transparent they were throughout the process is what made me want to commit."

Rawls is a big piece of Randle's currently undefeated regular season and as the playoffs start this week, the goal is simple. Dominate and win state.

“My goal for the rest of the season is to dominate up front as a unit," Rawls said. "Prove everybody wrong who’s been doubting and disrespecting us."

While the focus turns towards a deep playoff run and another shot at the UIL State Championship, Rawls had one final message for Texas State fans on his commitment.

“Texas State fans is I’m home," he said. "They got themselves a dog!”

Watch out for Rawls and the rest of the Lions football team in the playoffs as they look to make their third straight trip to Jerry's World .

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VYPE Houston 2026-2027 City-Wide Boys and Girls Basketball Preview Magazine

The VYPE HOU 2026-2027 City-Wide Boys and Girls Basketball Preview Magazine is here to view. Be sure to check out the newest edition with amazing photography, great stories and much more within the pages! This gives you a full look into the VYPE HOU 2026-2027 City-Wide Boys and Girls Basketball Preview Magazine!

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VYPE HOU 2026 City-Wide Football Preview Magazine

The VYPE HOU 2026 City-Wide Football Preview Magazine is here to view. Be sure to check out the newest edition with amazing photography, great stories and much more within the pages! This gives you a full look into the VYPE HOU 2026 City-Wide Football Preview Magazine!

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VYPE HOU 2026 City-Wide Volleyball Preview Magazine

The VYPE HOU 2026 City-Wide Volleyball Preview Magazine is here to view. Be sure to check out the newest edition with amazing photography, great stories and much more within the pages! This gives you a full look into the VYPE HOU 2026 City-Wide Volleyball Preview Magazine!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DIGITAL MAGAZINE IN FULL

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THE GYM IS CALLING: GREATER HOUSTON BASKETBALL IS BACK!

Rafer Alston, Reese Alston and VYPE CCO Matt Malatesta tip off the 2026-27 season

There is nothing quite like high school basketball in Greater Houston.

The squeak of sneakers on the hardwood. The playlists on the gym speakers are turned up. The student sections chirping from the bleachers. The coaches pacing the sidelines. And when two heavyweights collide, the kind of electricity in the gym that makes every possession feel like the biggest of the season.

Welcome to another year of Greater Houston basketball!

This city has a rich tradition of producing basketball royalty. From legendary high school programs and state championship runs to future college stars and NBA dreams, Houston has long been a hotbed for hoops. The talent is everywhere, the rivalries run deep, and the atmosphere is second to none.

And if you have ever walked into a packed gym for a showdown between two of Houston's best, you know exactly what we're talking about. These games are more than just basketball. They're community events. They're family traditions. They're where the next generation of stars introduces itself to the city.

So, who should be on your radar this season?

On the boys' side, the familiar powers are back in the spotlight, and the road to a state championship promises to be a wild ride.

Cy Falls, Seven Lakes and Atascocita have all established themselves as programs built to compete at the highest level. When they take the floor, the expectations are enormous, and the atmosphere usually follows.

Same goes for the likes of legendary Jack Yates High School, Wheatley, Stafford and La Marque in Class 4A.

In the private school ranks, Houston Christian continues to be a name to watch, bringing talent and ambition to a field loaded with championship aspirations. Their twin towers of Landon Veal and Emmanuel Nwabuokwu are going to be fun to watch.

And then there's Second Baptist School, which enters the season fresh off back-to-back TAPPS state championships. The Eagles know what it takes to win when the stakes are highest, and star Reese Alston gives fans another reason to circle their games on the calendar.

On the girls' side, the standard is just as high.

Summer Creek is coming off back-to-back state championships and has the talent to make another serious run. The Bulldogs have become a program that opponents measure themselves against, and the target on their backs will be enormous.

Houston Christian and Kinkaid will make for a huge battle in the private school ranks.

The reigning champions have earned their place at the top. Now comes the hard part: proving they can do it again.

Of course, the teams are only part of the story.

It's the players who make this season special. The guards who can take over a game in a matter of minutes. The bigs who own the paint. The shooters who can turn a quiet gym into absolute chaos with one shot.

At VYPE, we get to tell those stories.

The countdown is over. The lights are coming on, the student sections are filling up, and the hardwood is ready.

The history is rich. The talent is real. The gyms are ready to rock.

Greater Houston, it's time to hoop.

We'll see you at the gym!

Matt Malatesta
Chief Content Officer, VYPE

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BUCKET LIST: Boys 5A Top 5 | 2026-27 VYPE Houston Hoops Preseason Rankings

The featured standouts of the 2026-27 Iowa Colony Pioneers basketball team.

Photo by Matt Powell (VYPE)

VYPE Houston 5A Top 5 Boys Basketball Rankings

2026-2027 PRESEASON

1. Iowa Colony Pioneers

2. Almeta Crawford Chargers

3. Friendswood Mustangs

4. Fort Bend Marshall Buffalos

5. Lake Creek Lions

Others to Watch: Angleton Wildcats, Freeman Golden Eagles, Kingwood Park Panthers, La Porte Bulldogs, Madison Marlins, Randle Lions, West Fork Gators

Almeta Crawford Chargers

Photo by Matt Powell (VYPE)

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1. Iowa Colony Pioneers

In addition to reclaiming the district title, Iowa Colony advanced three rounds into the playoffs before Fort Bend Marshall brought its impressive showing to a close, with the Pioneers finishing 29-8 overall. Despite that conclusion, IC is rightfully generating plenty of hype heading into this winter, armed with a balanced roster capable of replicating its remarkable 2024 State Final Four appearance. Stratford transfer Chris “CJ” Williams (Sr. G) provides exceptional shooting range, while 6-foot-6 Cameron Leftwich (Sr. F) offers a formidable scoring presence inside. Second-team all-district pick Chris Forbes (Sr. G) and reigning District 20-5A Newcomer of the Year Justin Thompson (So. G) further bolster the lineup, alongside Kenny Taylor Jr., LaRee Bridges and Larry Wright III. Coach Trent Olivier believes this group can be “really special” provided they “stick together and play as one.”

2. Almeta Crawford Chargers

As H-Town’s lone representative to compete in the Alamodome this past March, Crawford’s 2026 showing was nothing short of monumental. From capturing their first district title to making their inaugural appearance in the UIL State Championship, the Chargers (31-7) firmly announced their arrival among the city's elite. Now, head coach Chris Iles and last year’s 4A Division I runner-up are looking to extend their remarkable ascent, this time in the 5A classification amid UIL realignment. The transition should be seamless, especially given the proven caliber of players who will allow Almeta Crawford to continue to “Be The Standard,” as Iles puts it. First-team all-district selections Bryce Vann and Lakeevis Hunt, both seniors, keep the offense firing alongside second-team juniors Dylon Younger and Kevin Green. Meanwhile, reigning District Defensive Player of the Year Darrion Boyd anchors the Chargers' physicality on the other end of the floor, with junior Chasen Edwards also expected to see meaningful minutes.

3. Friendswood Mustangs

Friendswood's 27-9 record spoke volumes about the Mustangs' capabilities last season, though a first-round meeting with eventual state finalist Beaumont United brought their postseason ambitions to an abrupt end. Even so, there's plenty of reason for optimism as head coach Danny Russell steps into his fourth year at the helm. Chief among them is the highly anticipated return of four-star point guard and Texas A&M commit Chase Richardson (Sr.), who missed much of last season due to injury. He'll share the backcourt with Cash Clark (So.), a dynamic playmaker who garnered first-team all-district recognition as a freshman. Junior Peyton Lowe lends considerable size to the rotation, while senior forward Connor Owens could be primed for a breakout showing of his own.

4. Fort Bend Marshall Buffalos

It’s virtually a guarantee that the Buffs will punch their ticket to the playoffs, evidenced by their fifth consecutive undefeated district title last winter. Though keeping that streak alive could prove more challenging with Crawford joining the district slate, the UIL brackets are where coach Ronnie Courtney and company tend to save their best basketball. Coming off a trip to the Region III Final, where Marshall (30-8) fell to Beaumont United, the Buffalos are embracing “a different style this year,” according to Courtney, with a particular emphasis on defense. Headlining this new-look roster are a pair of all-district honorable mentions in junior Andre Rubin Jr. and senior Christopher Dickerson. They'll shore up the backcourt alongside E’Marion Wilkerson, while forwards Xavier Autrey and Jerome Love bolster both ends of the floor. Additionally, expect freshman guard James Smith to make an immediate impression at the varsity level.

5. Lake Creek Lions

Collectively, Lake Creek pieced together arguably its most productive season during Scott Peak's tenure a year ago. From compiling a 27-8 record and reclaiming the district crown to advancing to the Area Round, all signs point toward the Lions raising the bar once more heading into Peak's fourth year in charge. Point guard Axel Anderson remains the focal point of the attack, looking to build on a junior campaign in which he led the Lions in scoring with 16 points per game, alongside five assists and three rebounds per contest. That production earned Anderson first-team all-district honors, while junior Hunter Laskoskie (12 PPG, 2 APG, 2 RPG) garnered District 17-5A Newcomer of the Year recognition. Then there’s Tysen McMillin, a towering 6-foot-7 sophomore center who appears primed to take center stage. The expectations are clear, and Peak has already supplied the rallying cry: ‘We ’bout to #RiseUP!’

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BUCKET LIST: Boys 4A Top 5 | 2026-27 VYPE Houston Hoops Preseason Rankings

The featured standouts of the 2026-27 Jack Yates Lions basketball team.

Photo by Dana Strange (VYPE)

VYPE Houston 4A Top 5 Boys Basketball Rankings

2026-2027 PRESEASON

1. Wheatley Wildcats

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)

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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.

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THE THREE-PEAT FORMULA: Individual Stardom, Collective Purpose Drive No. 1 Summer Creek Toward Immortality

Two titles, one loaded roster: Summer Creek's championship pedigree is on full display

Photo by Matt Powell (VYPE)

No. 1 — Summer Creek Bulldogs

Simply put, Summer Creek is a paradox. For a roster absolutely stacked with alphas, it never ceases to amaze how the Lady Bulldogs manage to keep egos and selfishness out of the equation. They just win.

Such a feat is a testament to the already legendary coaching career of Kiara Marshall and her staff, who guided the Lady Bulldogs to back-to-back state titles at the Alamodome this past March. Summer Creek capped its 35-4 season with a decisive 55-45 victory over Flower Mound in the Class 6A Division I State Championship.

Now, the road to a three-peat begins.

District MVP Kennedy Simpson has since graduated, taking her talents to Tulane. Even so, SCHS is undeniably still the team to beat in Texas.

Florida International (FIU) commit Addison Martin remains the engine that powers Summer Creek, lighting up the scoreboard while orchestrating the offense from the point guard spot. Martin garnered first-team all-district recognition last season, as did fellow senior Kay’Len Alexander (Howard commit) and junior Ty’asia Young.

Senior Erin Newsom, a recent Little Rock commit, added 6A Division I State MVP and District Defensive Player of the Year accolades to her already decorated résumé last winter. Rounding out Marshall’s star-studded lineup are the understated talents of senior guard Kennedy Gouard, senior forward Kyri Brown and towering sophomore Nala Aaron.

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UNCHARTED WATERS: What's Next for No. 2 Shadow Creek After Breaking Into the Final Four?

The featured standouts of the 2026-27 Shadow Creek Lady Sharks basketball team.

Photo by Carmen Agnew (VYPE)

No. 2 — Shadow Creek Sharks

Last winter was something truly special for the Lady Sharks, who transformed a second-place district finish into an unprecedented postseason showing. Shadow Creek advanced all the way to the State Semifinals, marking the program’s first appearance in the UIL Final Four, before Westlake brought its monumental season to a close with a 33-5 record.

Head coach LaToya Micheaux-Giles has molded the Lady Sharks into a legitimate title challenger, thanks in large part to the personnel at her disposal. Senior Courtland Cloud, who announced her commitment to UTSA in late September, is coming off her most productive season to date. Cloud garnered District Offensive MVP recognition and a spot on the TABC All-State Team after averaging over 15 points and nearly seven rebounds per game.

She’s complemented by junior forward Shona Gilbert, a first-team all-district selection, alongside recent Prairie View A&M commit Aliyah Woodard (second-team) and honorable mention Brylee Thurmond.

Any way you look at it, the Lady Sharks have all the makings of a team primed to set a new benchmark for Shadow Creek.

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VYPE Austin Central Texas Game of the Week Recap: Cedar Ridge rebounds over Round Rock

Thanks to the Division 1/Division 2 breaks in Texas high school football, which literally only makes sense for Conference 6A, last Friday night’s (11/6) regular season finale between Cedar Ridge and Round Rock meant nothing in terms of the playoffs. Both teams were locked into their respective divisions and seeded within those divisions.

But both teams wanted momentum heading into the postseason and lots of folks were curious to see how previously undefeated Cedar Ridge was going to react after their loss the week before to Westlake. The Raiders bounced back nicely, holding off the rival Dragons 35-32 in our VYPE Austin CenTex Game of the Week.

It was back and forth all night.

Senior Dov Stickler’s 1-yard run capped off a 60-yard drive followed by senior Santiago Irizarry’s 31-yard field goal staked the Dragons to a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter. Moments later, sophomore Deondre Crank’s (13-97, TD) 45-yard run put the Raiders on the board. After Cedar Ridge’s defense forced a turnover on downs, senior Dylan Snoga connected with junior Zaccai Williams (6-115, TD) on a 20-yard pass to put the Raiders on top for the first time. But Round Rock senior Ryan Sirwaitis (12-76, TD) answered from 2-yards out and Round Rock led 17-14 at the half.

The Raiders seemingly took control in the second half. A 20-yard Snoga to senior Terrez Harrison touchdown strike gave them the lead for good at 21-17. After senior Ayden Obrien-Brown’s fumble recovery stopped Round Rock’s ensuing drive at the Cedar Ridge 17-yard line, Snoga (28-35, 343 yds., 4 TD) connected with senior Tyler Burchettt to give the Raiders a 28-17 lead heading into the final frame.

A 25-yard Snoga to senior Devin Patterson touchdown toss following a turnover on downs upped the Raiders’ lead to 35-17, early in the fourth, but Round Rock roared back. Stickler (21-26, 314 Yds., 2 TD) found senior Simon Sylvain (8-167, TD) on a 59-yard strike to pull the Dragons within 11 at 35-24. Round Rock got the ball back again after a missed Cedar Ridge field goal attempt and promptly trimmed their deficit to just three points on a 5-yard Stickler-to-Harper pass and a 2-point conversion.

However, Cedar Ridge recovered the ensuing onside kick to hang on for the win.

Round Rock (6-4) opens the 2026 playoffs at Bowie on Friday night (11/13) while Cedar Ridge (9-1) travels to Dripping Springs. Both games will be broadcast by VYPE crews.

Whataburger Team of the Week: Northbrook Breaks Through After 52 Years of Waiting

The Raiders’ 35-0 victory over Sam Houston last Friday improved their District 10-5A Division I record to 5-3, effectively punching their ticket to the UIL playoffs.

However, the celebration that erupted on the field at the final whistle carried far greater significance, as Northbrook secured its first-ever playoff berth in the program’s 52-year history, dating back to the school’s opening in 1974.

In just his third season as head coach, Demond Stafford has guided his squad to the dance, a testament to how he and his staff have instilled a renewed sense of belief in their players.

The Raiders (6-4) have relied on a balanced offensive attack, spearheaded by senior quarterback Guillermo Macias, who has thrown four touchdown passes this fall — all to sophomore Rafael Grijalva — while rushing for nearly 500 yards and 14 more scores.

Senior tailbacks Flavio Zambrano and Isaias Tejada have also proven instrumental, combining for just under 1,100 yards and four trips to the end zone.

Defensively, Northbrook has established a formidable contingent of playmakers, beginning with senior defensive end Kenneth Paulk, who leads the team with four sacks and nine tackles for loss.

Linebacker Henry Alfaro has racked up a team-high 34 tackles, while fellow senior Brian Robinson has anchored the secondary with game-changing ability, tallying four interceptions, three forced fumbles and two passes defended.

After more than five decades of waiting, Northbrook has finally broken through. Now, Stafford and the Raiders have an opportunity to extend their historic season when they face La Porte in Thursday’s UIL playoff opener at 7:30 PM at La Porte ISD’s Bulldog Stadium.

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THE POWER RANKINGS: Westlake fends off challengers to hold final top spot

Everything old is new again.

Westlake’s throttling of a decent Stony Point squad cemented the Chaps atop our final Power Rankings to cap off a year of redemption after last year’s first-round exit. But we’re smart enough to realize that the Power Rankings mean about as much as polling during an election year. And like politicians, who repeatedly exclaim “the only poll that matter is on Election Day,” football coaches, players and fans will all say that the upcoming playoff games are all that matter.

The next four teams -- Dripping Springs, Cedar Ridge and Cedar Park – all held serve behind Westlake, all are in Division 2, and all are potentially on a collision course with the Chaps. Hutto, surging after their impressive knockout of Vandegrift, rounds out the Top 5.

Speaking of surging, Lake Travis has regrouped and climbs back up to #6, ahead of Round Rock who slips a couple of spots after their showdown with Cedar Ridge. Weiss, the highest-ranked 5A team, inches up to #8 with Bowie up a spot to #9. Vandegrift, still dangerous, remains in the Top 10.

Anderson and Wimberley, the top 4A club, both won and stay pat. The biggest news from the bottom half of the rankings concerns Rouse, who struggled mightily in their season finale without their senior quarterback. Since rankings are snapshots, the Raiders dropped – but remain in these final rankings because they deserve that much.

Rouse’s fall allowed the next five teams – Liberty Hill, Georgetown, Bastrop, Lago Vista and Hays -- to all move up. #18 Legacy Ranch would have moved up with them but came up just short against Boerne to cap off an impressive inaugural regular season. Pflugerville also moved up a spot with Rouse closing out our final Power Rankings of the season.

The private schools started their playoffs last week and UIL teams start their Second Season on Thursday night (11/12).

Thanks for following along all season and off we go to the playoffs to determine the only rankings that matter.

VYPE Austin Top 20 Combined Class 4A-6A
*Last parenthesis indicates most recent game result

1. (1) Westlake Chaparrals (6A) 9-1 (W 68-33 @ Stony Point)

2. (2) Dripping Springs Tigers (6A) 8-1 (W 74-6 vs. Del Valle)

3. (3) Cedar Ridge Raiders (6A) 9-1 (W 35-32 vs. #4 Round Rock)

4. (4) Cedar Park Timberwolves (6A) 10-0 (BYE)

5. (6) Hutto Hippos (6A) 8-2 (W 49-10 vs. #7 Vandegrift)

6. (8) Lake Travis Cavaliers (6A) 5-3-1 (W 58-0 vs. Westwood)

7. (5) Round Rock Dragons (6A) 6-4 (L 35-32 @ #3 Cedar Ridge)

8. (9) Weiss Wolves (5A-1) 8-2 (W 62-0 vs. Pflugerville Connally)

9. (10) Bowie Bulldogs (6A) 8-2 (W 31-0 vs. Buda Johnson)

10. (7) Vandegrift Vipers (6A) 6-4 (L 49-10 @ #6 Hutto)

11. (11) Anderson Trojans (5A-1) 8-2 (W 56-10 @ Lehman)

12. (12) Wimberley Texans (4A-2) 9-0 (W 65-0 @ Eastside)

13. (14) Liberty Hill Panthers (5A-2) 6-4 (W 63-13 vs. Veterans Memorial)

14. (15) Georgetown Eagles (5A-2) 6-4 (W 28-14 vs. Killeen)

15. (16) Bastrop Bears (5A-2) 6-4 (W 2-0 F vs. Austin LASA)

16. (17) Lago Vista Vikings (4A-2) 8-2 (W 72-0 vs. Austin Achieve)

17. (19) Hays Hawks (6A) 6-4 (W 76-0 vs. Akins)

18. (18) Legacy Ranch Wranglers (5A-2) 5-5 (L 32-27 at Boerne)

19. (20) Pflugerville Panthers (5A-2) 6-4 (W 60-12 vs. Crockett)

20. (13) Rouse Raiders (6A) 4-6 (L 31-0 vs. East View)

On the Radar: Crockett (5-5), Manor (5-5)

VYPE Austin Top 5 Private Schools
*Last parenthesis indicates most recent game result

1. (1) Regents Knights (TAPPS D2) 8-1 BYE

2. (2) St. Michael’s Warriors (TAPPS D1) 6-4 (BYE)

3. (3) Hyde Park Panthers (TAPPS D2) 7-5 (L 37-6 vs. Second Baptist)

4. (4) Hill Country Christian Knights (TAPPS FL) 7-3 (W 43-19 vs. Frassati Catholic)

5. (5) Brentwood Christian (TAPPS FL) 8-2 (W 67-26 vs. Cathedral)

On the Radar: St. Andrew’s (6-4)

THE NEXT FRONTIER: No. 3 Cy Springs Looks Beyond District Supremacy Toward an Even Bigger Prize

2026–27 Cypress Springs Lady Panthers standouts and head coach Taneisha Rogers.

Photo by Matt Powell (VYPE)

No. 3 — Cypress Springs Panthers

To put Cy Springs’ remarkable consistency into perspective, head coach Taneisha Rogers and company have advanced at least four rounds into the playoffs every year since the 2022-23 season. Last winter was no exception, as the Lady Panthers (24-9) captured their fourth consecutive district title before advancing to the Region II Final, where eventual state champion Lancaster brought their postseason exploits to a close.

All eyes are once again on the sensational Makenzie Jackson. Better known as “The Ansah,” she took the basketball world by storm during her freshman season. Averaging nearly 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals per contest, Jackson parlayed her remarkable debut into District MVP and TABC All-State accolades.

Seniors Daija Barrow and Milan Barnes — both first-team all-district selections — further reinforce the Lady Panthers’ collective firepower. Then there’s sophomore Maddison Madkins, another dynamic weapon at the forefront of Cy Springs’ youth movement alongside fellow sophomore Journei Williams, a second-team all-district pick.

The road through Region II won't get any easier, but if all goes according to plan, the Lady Panthers could punch their first ticket to the UIL State Tournament in 2027.

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HIGHER ALTITUDE: Fresh Off a State Final Appearance, No. 4 Barbers Hill Takes Flight in Class 6A

Featured standouts and coaching staff of the 2026–27 Barbers Hill Lady Eagles basketball team.

Photo by Matt Powell (VYPE)

No. 4 — Barbers Hill Eagles

Barriers were shattered a season ago, as Barbers Hill not only made its second consecutive trip to the Final Four but advanced to the UIL State Championship for the first time since its 1996-97 title-winning season.

Though the Lady Eagles fell short of hoisting the trophy, losing to Argyle in the 5A Division II Final, their stellar 37-4 record sets a compelling precedent for what lies ahead as coach Bryan Harris and company make the leap to Class 6A this winter.

The transition should be relatively seamless, with combo guard Brooklynn Roberson still serving as the catalyst for Barbers Hill’s prolific attack. Now a senior, Roberson added District 19-5A MVP, TABC All-State and UIL All-Tournament Team honors to her growing list of accolades.

Joining her is fellow TABC All-State selection Jayci Lackey, a 6-foot-2 senior who committed to Arkansas Tech in October. The duo will have plenty of support from juniors Madyson Ladd and Reese Owens, as well as seniors Bailey Burns and Kaelyn Blanchard.

The mission? “Building Champions.” The mentality? As Harris puts it, “One Fly, We All Fly.”

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BREAKING THE BARRIER: No. 5 Dawson Seeks to Turn Regional Consistency Into a Shot at State

The featured standouts of the 2026-27 Dawson Lady Eagles basketball team.

Photo by Carmen Agnew (VYPE)

No. 5 — Dawson Eagles

Mirroring their achievements from the year prior, Dawson went 35-4 overall en route to the Region III Final in 2026, where eventual state champion Summer Creek cut Dawson’s title hopes short.

Heading into Year 2 of the Gary Douglas era, Dawson will have its chance to respond, beginning with a grueling district slate featuring powerhouses Shadow Creek and Manvel.

Howard-bound senior Faith Etienne paces the frontcourt, looking to capitalize on a phenomenal showing last winter that saw her collect District MVP and TABC All-State accolades.

Junior guard Aubriana Howard, a first-team all-district selection, should continue to thrive on both ends of the floor, while honorable mention Chloe Cortez and senior Leila Vorady are on track for breakout years in more prominent roles.

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SIXTH SENSE: Five Straight District Crowns Have No. 6 Klein Collins Eyeing Another

The featured standouts of the 2026-27 Klein Collins Lady Tigers basketball team.

Photo by Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)

No. 6 — Klein Collins Tigers

Five years. Five gold balls. Coach Tatiana Lee and the Klein Collins Tigers have set the standard in Klein ISD, compiling a remarkable 67-4 record over the last five seasons while claiming a district championship each year.

Now, the Tigers have their sights set on a sixth straight title, but sustaining that level of excellence demands more than talent — it takes commitment. Sam Houston State commit A’Niyah Harmon headlines the returning talent after earning District MVP honors a year ago. Fellow seniors Ma’Ryann Jacobs and Marvinisah Norman round out a veteran core poised to lead the charge.

The next wave is equally intriguing. Sophomores Raven Garner, a 5-foot-10 standout, and Kendall Penright figure to assume expanded roles following the departure of leading scorer Hailey Neal, who is now at Houston Christian.

“Talent may get us started, but commitment will determine how far we go,” Lee said. “And we are committed.”

While the Tigers have plenty of experience, Lee is emphasizing the importance of embracing the moment rather than looking too far ahead. Her message is simple: “Be where our feet are planted.”

For Klein Collins, the pursuit of another gold ball starts with making every moment count.

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A CLASS OF THEIR OWN: 2026-27 VYPE Houston Private School Boys Basketball Preseason Rankings

The featured standouts of the 2026-27 Second Baptist School basketball team.

Photo by Alex Hinson (VYPE)

VYPE Houston Private School Top 5 Boys Basketball Rankings

2026-2027 PRESEASON

1. Second Baptist Eagles

2. Houston Christian Mustangs

3. Episcopal Knights

4. The Woodlands Christian Academy Warriors

5. Westbury Christian Wildcats

Others to Watch: Concordia Lutheran Crusaders, Cypress Christian Warriors, Fort Bend Christian Academy Eagles, Lutheran South Academy Pioneers, St. Francis Episcopal Wolves, St. John XXIII Lions, St. Thomas Eagles, St. Thomas Episcopal Saints, The John Cooper School Dragons, The Kinkaid School Falcons, The Village School Vikings

Houston Christian Mustangs

Photo by Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)

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1. Second Baptist Eagles

Coach Taylor Land has seemingly mastered the art of winning at Second Baptist. In just two seasons at the helm, he's guided the Eagles to back-to-back TAPPS State Championships, and with another loaded roster taking shape on Woodway Drive, a three-peat is well within reach. At the center of it all is Reese Alston, the nation's top point guard and reigning Guy V. Lewis Award winner. The son of former NBA guard Rafer Alston, Reese possesses a rare basketball pedigree, complemented by the court vision and playmaking prowess that make the Eagles' offense tick. And there's no shortage of talent surrounding him. Oral Roberts commit Will Goolsby provides elite perimeter shooting, while junior Kaiden Smith brings physicality inside. Eastern Michigan commit Brodrick Wyatt arrives from the Legacy School of Sports Sciences, adding another dimension to an already formidable lineup. Seniors Aaron Smith and Jude Brown, alongside junior Noah Lewis, should also see elevated roles. “This group has the rare combination of competitive spirit, talent and love for their teammates,” Land said. A demanding national schedule should offer an early measure of just how dangerous this group can be. Two titles down. One more would put Second Baptist in rare company.

2. Houston Christian Mustangs

Five Southwest Preparatory Conference championships have established coach Ron Crandall's program as a powerhouse. Now, the Mustangs are loaded for another title chase in 2026-27, with their sights set on adding another trophy to the collection. Landon Veal is coming off a breakout season and has the ability to turn an ordinary possession into a highlight-reel moment. Joining him up front is Emmanuel Nwabuoku, a 6-foot-10 junior transfer from Strake Jesuit. A nationally recruited prospect with an impressive skill set, Nwabuoku gives the Mustangs a formidable presence in the paint. The backcourt is just as promising. Will Arriaga brings a deft shooting touch, while JoJo McGowen and Lincoln Wheeler provide the ball-handling and playmaking to keep the offense flowing. Aiden Pitcaithly is also expected to take on a bigger role at guard this winter. With talent across the board and Crandall at the helm, the Mustangs have all the ingredients for another championship pursuit. The objective is clear: defend their crown and make it six SPC titles.

3. Episcopal Knights

Coach Wayne Jones has been a fixture in Greater Houston basketball for over two decades, and his résumé speaks for itself: more than 700 career wins, a successful stint transforming Strake Jesuit into a force and a reputation for making Episcopal a household name in Texas private-school hoops. With Jones at the helm, the Knights are never a team to overlook. The headliner this season is Alim Olajuwon — yes, the nephew of Houston basketball legend Hakeem Olajuwon. Alim possesses a versatile skill set, combining the athleticism to thrive in the backcourt with the strength to battle inside, making him a dynamic weapon on both ends of the floor. Mason Cormier and Jordan Goffney provide shifty playmaking at guard, while Caleb Clay and Nyle Harrison will be tasked with handling business in the paint. The pieces are there for Episcopal to make some noise in a competitive private-school landscape. Rival Houston Christian presents a formidable challenge, but counting out a Wayne Jones-coached squad is never a wise move.

4. The Woodlands Christian Academy Warriors

Coach Jason Tocabens and his TWCA Warriors went 16-10 last winter, swept its district at 6-0, won a regional championship and reached the TAPPS 5A Final Four before falling to Second Baptist. Senior wing Tyler Dalton, a 6-foot-3 honorable mention all-state pick and first-team all-district selection, headlines the returning core alongside senior point guard Preston Kieschnick and senior forward Jack Krantzcke. Dominic Carnes will also play a big role this season. Sophomore guard Karter McQueen-Moore adds youth.

5. Westbury Christian Wildcats

Few programs in Texas carry Westbury Christian’s basketball pedigree — 20-plus TAPPS state championships — and last winter the Wildcats looked like themselves again. Westbury went 31-9, finished 9-2 in district and avenged a one-point district tiebreaker loss to St. Thomas Episcopal with a 77-63 win over the Saints in the TAPPS 4A state semifinals. A scoreless third quarter doomed them in the final, a 49-31 loss to McKinney Christian, but the trip to Waco restored the standard. Head coach Ansu Sesay — the former Ole Miss SEC Player of the Year and NBA forward — now leads the program, with guard Carter Guillory among the names to watch.

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The Top 10 Games to Watch in DFW High School Football bi-district action

The Lewisville Fighting Farmers will play host to Prosper in the opening round of the Class 6A Division 1.

Jeff Rayome

Thursday, Nov. 12

Birdville at Frisco Lone Star at Ford Center at The Star

Frisco Lone Star will look to continue its undefeated season and earn a return trip to the state finals. The Rangers haven’t really had a good game since a 35-30 win over Melissa back on Sept. 25. Birdville enters with a 7-3 mark, but was the four seed coming out of District 6-5A Division I after a 5-0 start.

North Mesquite vs. DeSoto at Eagle Stadium

Coach Claude Mathis is showing yet again why he is a Hall of Fame coach. After a tough start to the season with a loss in Florida and then a loss to Allen, the Eagles have won 8 in a row and are rolling heading into the postseason. The quest to repeat, albeit in a different class this year, starts with a 5-5 North Mesquite squad.

Whitehouse at Dallas South Oak Cliff at Kinkaid Stadium

Like DeSoto, SOC enters the playoffs as winners of 8 in a row after opening with losses to Richmond Randle and Galena Park North Shore. QB Jayden Williams threw for 1,592 yards and 22 TDs in the regular season for the Golden Bears. Whitehouse, the alma mater of Patrick Mahomes II, snapped a 3-game losing streak last week.

Crandall at Lancaster at Tiger Stadium

Lancaster finished as district runners-up with a 6-1 mark, the only loss coming to DeSoto in district play. The other loss came to defending Class 6A Division 1 champion Galena Park North Shore. RB Darrick Ward Jr. has run for 1,363 yards and 17 TDs for the Pirates, who enter at 5-5.

Friday, Nov. 13

McKinney North at Dallas Highland Park at Highlander Stadium

McKinney North finished fourth in a tough district that featured Frisco Lone Star and Melissa at the top. The Bulldogs are 7-3, a big turnaround from a 3-7 mark last year and 5-6 in 2024. Highland Park (8-2) has been pretty dominant since early-season losses to Rockwall-Heath, Argyle and Lewisville (since vacated). The Scots have won 6 in a row.

Trophy Club Byron Nelson at Arlington Martin at Glaspie Field

This is an intriguing matchup as Arlington Martin is coming off the first undefeated regular season in the program’s history. On top of that, Javian Jones-Priest broke the school record for rushing touchdowns in a season. The Bobcats (6-4) have won two in a row, but are 3-3 over the past 6 games.

Lake Belton at North Crowley at Crowley ISD Multi-purpose Stadium

North Crowley RB G’yrell Smith moved over the 1,000-yard mark rushing last week. The Panthers are 10-0 and will look to make a run in 6A Division II and will likely see Houston teams and then Longview. The Broncos won three in a row entering the postseason.

Prosper at Lewisville at Max Goldsmith Stadium

This could be a quarterfinal or semifinal game in other years. Lewisville has won every game this season, but enters with a 7-3 mark after the forfeit losses from earlier this season. Meanwhile, Prosper is 9-1 and the only loss is to nationally-ranked Allen. This will be a fun one to watch with some elite players all over the field, particularly with QBs Tyler Alberts and Laykon Brassfield.

Frisco Panther Creek at Argyle at Eagle Stadium

Frisco Panther Creek got into the playoffs as the four seed and won a tiebreaker with Celina and Frisco Emerson, all three with 5-3 district records. WR Sukora ‘Sip’ Cooper reclassified this week to a Class of 2028 recruit and the SMU commit recently visited Ohio State. Argyle QB Hayes Hackney is back after a 1-game hiatus and has thrown for 300 yards and at least 3 TDs in his last four games.

Saturday, Nov. 14

The Oakridge School at Episcopal School of Dallas at Gene & Jerry Jones Family Stadium

The Oakridge School will get a chance to defend its SPC 3A title, but will have to pull an upset of sorts. The two teams met earlier this season and the Eagles won 32-20. Miles Link threw for 3 TDs and ran for another in the win. ESD is 10-0 and Oakridge is 9-1.

TITLE WEEKEND: TAPPS, SPC volleyball, cross country have hard-fought championships

John Cooper School XC wins SPC title

By Farrah Sheeran

Championship season in Texas private school sports came to a head this past week, and several Texas high schools had plenty of reasons to celebrate.

From the TAPPS State Volleyball Tournament in Waco to the SPC Fall Championships on the Bolivar Peninsula, the state's top private school programs settled things on the court and on the course. Providence Classical swept its way to a TAPPS 3A volleyball title, Cypress Christian pushed its way into a 5A state final, St. Thomas ran off with a 6A cross country crown, and The Woodlands' John Cooper delivered a pack-running clinic to claim SPC 4A gold.

Add in a retiring coach going out on top in Plano, a Fort Worth program finally breaking through after back-to-back title-match heartbreaks, and a San Antonio school announcing its return to the SPC with an individual sweep, and you have one of the deepest championship weeks the private school calendar has produced in years.

Here's how it all shook out.

TAPPS VOLLEYBALL — Prestonwood sends its coach out on top; Southwest Christian finally breaks through

6A — Prestonwood def. San Antonio Antonian, 25-19, 25-21, 25-10

Ryan Mitchell is walking away from the sideline, and he's doing it with one more trophy. The retiring Prestonwood Christian coach picked up his fourth state title in six seasons at PCA as the Lions swept defending champ Antonian at Robinson High School on Saturday — the program's eighth state crown overall. Prestonwood (42-4) closed the year on a 17-match win streak and didn't drop a set in district or playoff action.

Senior Taylor Johnson, an SMU pledge in her first and only season at Prestonwood after transferring from Hebron, was the closer. She finished with 19 kills and nine aces, six of them during a 12-0 third-set run that turned a 4-3 lead into a 16-3 rout. Antonian, which came in at 45-4 and riding a 52-match district win streak, had no answer.

5A — Fort Worth Southwest Christian def. Houston Cypress Christian, 25-20, 25-22, 25-22

Two straight years, Southwest Christian walked off the Waco floor as the runner-up to crosstown rival All Saints. This year the Lady Eagles took out All Saints in Friday's semifinal and then closed the deal for the program's first state volleyball championship. Memphis signee Keegan Flowers led the way with 18 kills, and senior middle Emmy Burton added 13 kills and 11 digs. Southwest Christian (35-1) trailed just three times all match and finished the year on a 20-match win streak. Burton summed it up afterward: "The third time's the charm."

The loss stings for Cypress Christian, but don't let it overshadow what the Lady Warriors built. CCS went undefeated in district without dropping a set, swept The Woodlands Christian in the area round, survived a five-set regional thriller against San Antonio Christian and then Fort Bend Christian in an all-Houston semifinal to reach the title match on an 11-match win streak. Back-to-back Final Fours, and a state final appearance. That's a program.

4A — Arlington Pantego Christian def. Bryan Brazos Christian, 3-0

Gonzaga commit Natalie Norton was a one-woman wrecking crew in Waco. She hammered 40 kills in a five-set semifinal escape over Plano Coram Deo on Friday, then came back Saturday with 28 kills, 12 digs and a block in the sweep of Brazos Christian. Setter Victoria Pyles added 23 assists and eight aces. It's Pantego's first state title since 1995 and an 18th straight win to close the year.

Brazos Christian earned its spot, knocking off Boerne Geneva 3-1 in the semis in Geneva's 10th state tournament trip.

3A — Providence Classical def. Abilene Christian, 3-0

The Houston area's title of the weekend came in Class 3A, where Providence Classical swept Abilene Christian in Saturday's final at Waco University High School. Abilene Christian had rolled past Lucas Christian 3-0 in the semifinal but ran into a Providence team that wasn't giving up a set. In a bracket the Dallas Morning News called wide open, the Paladins made it look anything but.

2A — Red Oak Ovilla Christian

The small-school dynasty is back on the throne. Ovilla Christian, which came to Waco on a 21-match win streak, claimed its seventh TAPPS 2A championship since 2018 after missing out a year ago. Jillian White (441 kills) and setters Sarah Fanning and Jaclyn White powered a group that has simply owned this classification for the better part of a decade.

1A — Kingwood Covenant Prep represents Houston

Kingwood Covenant Prep (18-3) carried the Houston flag into the 1A semifinals against San Marcos Hill Country Christian, the defending champ that ended Wichita Falls Christ Academy's five-year reign last fall. The other semifinal pitted Christ Academy against Amarillo Accelerate Christian.

Editor's note: final results for the 2A title match and the 1A bracket were not yet posted by the sources above at press time — confirm with TAPPS before publishing.

SPC VOLLEYBALL — Hockaday rallies for a fifth-set crown

4A — Hockaday def. Greenhill, 25-20, 20-25, 22-25, 25-11, 15-10

The SPC 4A final was a Dallas street fight, and Hockaday had the last swing. Down two sets to one at Greenhill's Phillips Family Activity Center, the Daisies flipped the match on the serve, with libero Siena Ebert sparking the comeback and Lily Haffar ripping off four straight service points in the fifth set, including an ace, to push the lead to 13-6. Annalisa Ryser's block-kill capped the run.

It's Hockaday's fourth SPC championship since 2021 and the second for head coach Curran, who has been on staff for all four. The Daisies (31-16) got there despite a monster night from Greenhill's Bree Carethers, who led all players with 20 kills and 13 digs.

Hockaday got to the final by beating Houston Christian in Thursday's semifinal, while Greenhill came through the Houston side of the bracket, where Awty and Duchesne opened the tournament against each other.

3A — Saint Mary's Hall the team to beat

San Antonio's Saint Mary's Hall entered the 3A tournament as the top seed after a perfect 7-0 run through conference play, sweeping St. Andrew's and Fort Worth Country Day along the way and outlasting TMI in five sets on Oct. 29 behind Jordynn Taylor's 15 kills and Abigail Murray's 26 assists. The Barons opened the bracket against Country Day on Thursday at Trinity Valley. Austin St. Andrew's closed its tournament with a 3-0 win over TMI on Saturday.

...

A LOOK BACK

TAPPS CROSS COUNTRY — St. Thomas runs away with 6A; Covenant and Providence keep the streaks alive

The TAPPS state meet went off two weeks earlier, on Oct. 26 at Cottonwood Creek Golf Course in Waco, and Houston-area programs stacked the podium.

6A Boys — Houston St. Thomas (36 points)

Nobody was catching the Eagles. St. Thomas put four runners in the top 10, led by individual champ Isaac Knape in 15:21.7, with Shaun Benesch (third, 15:48.4), Bryce Farrell (seventh) and Carson Masters (10th) closing the door on runner-up San Antonio Antonian (71). Katy St. John XXIII tied Fort Worth Nolan for third at 106, with Martin El Fady leading the Lions in sixth. Tomball Concordia and Houston Lutheran South also scored.

6A Girls — San Antonio Antonian (85)

Antonian edged Nolan (97) and Katy St. John XXIII (101) in a tight team race, with Houston St. Agnes fourth (114). Nolan's Georgia Giesinger (11:10.3) and Haley Fernandez (11:12.0) went 1-2, and Tomball Concordia's Summer Morrissey took third in 12:10.1. St. Agnes' Marina Hart was fourth.

5A — Fort Worth Christian boys, Austin Regents girls

Fort Worth Christian's Kollin Green and Cade Lewis went 1-2 (16:30.1, 16:52.5) to carry the boys title with 51 points over San Antonio Christian (77). Spring Frassati was third and Fort Bend Christian's Gregorio Kennedy finished fourth individually in 17:11.4. On the girls side, Austin Regents (67) held off Tyler Grace Community (71) despite Grace's Emma Goetz winning in 11:28.4; The Woodlands Christian was third and Houston Second Baptist fifth, while Emery/Weiner's Anna Radwanski cracked the top five.

4A — Dallas Covenant sweeps

The Covenant School boys made it 11 straight state titles (63 points), and the Covenant girls took their sixth in a row (46). Waco Vanguard's Luke Scarborough won the boys race in 15:55.4; Pantego's Elizabeth Hamblin took the girls crown in 12:17.5. Bay Area Christian scored in both races, and Houston St. Francis' Hannah Barbouti was sixth among the girls.

3A — Spring Providence Classical doubles up

A week before its volleyball team cut down the nets, Providence Classical's cross country program owned Class 3A. The Paladin boys scored a meet-low 26 points behind Kaeden Beno (second, 16:23.6), Elijah Zuniga (third) and Caedmon Rose (fifth); McKinney Cornerstone's Nate Lugo took the individual win in 15:54.7. Houston Northland's Grant Rodges was fourth. The Providence girls extended their own championship streak with 37 points, with Savannah Ohmes (third) and Isabelle Eppers (seventh) leading the way; Waco Valor Prep's Clara Gibson won in 12:17.8.

2A — Lubbock Southcrest boys, Shiner St. Paul girls

Southcrest went 1-2-3 (Lucas Higgins, Xander Gonzales, Caleb Johnson) for a 23-point rout. Shiner St. Paul won the girls title with 40, while Houston Second Baptist's McKinley Rocco (second, 13:43.0) and Baytown Christian's Paityn Carrier (third) hit the podium individually behind Hallettsville Sacred Heart's Caroline Lemonds.

1A — Amarillo Holy Cross boys, Spring Founders girls

Amarillo Holy Cross won the boys title by 13 seconds over Ascension as the Panhandle put nine runners in the top 20. Spring Founders took third in the boys race and then won the girls championship outright (39 points), with Avery Dubeck in eighth. Cypress Second Baptist's Brielle Bryant won the girls individual title in 12:25.3, and Houston Lycee International's Sienna Monti was third.

SPC CROSS COUNTRY — John Cooper's pack rules 4A; TMI comes home with a sweep

St. John's hosted the SPC championship meet Saturday, and the Houston-area storylines came fast.

4A Girls — The John Cooper School (46 points)

This was a clinic. John Cooper put all five scorers inside the top 14 and under 20 minutes, with just 39.6 seconds separating its first and fifth runners. Sophomore Isabella FitzSullivan led the Dragons in fourth (19:16.0), followed by freshman Sofia Ortega (eighth), senior Lexie FitzSullivan (ninth), sophomore Sophie Murphy (11th) and junior Kareena Gill (14th). The Dragons, who moved up from 3A this year after winning that title in 2025, beat Episcopal by 14.

The individual race belonged to St. John's junior Taylor Synnott, who won her third straight SPC crown in 18:34.7 — the fastest girls time of the day — 32.7 seconds clear of Episcopal junior Amelia Davis. Behind them, Hockaday freshman Nora Petrikas, Isabella FitzSullivan and Hockaday's Natalie McLeroy finished within four-tenths of a second of each other for third through fifth.

Episcopal (60) was second behind Davis and Cecilia Bass (sixth), St. John's third (86), Kinkaid fourth (105) over Hockaday by four, and Duchesne, Houston Christian and Awty rounded out the field.

4A Boys — St. Mark's (36) over St. John's (43)

The tightest individual finish of the meet: Kinkaid junior Caden Haese crossed in 15:58.6, with St. Mark's sophomores George Brown (16:01.8) and Nicholas Cho (16:01.9) a step behind. Three runners, 3.3 seconds. St. Mark's and St. John's combined for 10 of the first 14 spots, with the Mavericks led by sophomore Asher Gurr (fourth, 16:09.8) and senior Brian Duffy (fifth). Greenhill was third (89), and Episcopal (132) edged John Cooper (136) and Kinkaid (139) in a three-way scrap for fourth. Four of St. Mark's five scorers are underclassmen, so file that away for 2027.

3A — TMI Episcopal announces its return

Back in the SPC for the first time in years, San Antonio's TMI Episcopal swept both individual titles. Senior Ethan Garza ran 15:15.2 — the fastest time on the day — to win the boys race by 55 seconds over Saint Mary's Hall sophomore Augie Cummings, and the Panthers put four in the top eight for a 39-point team win over Austin St. Andrew's (65), which edged Cistercian by two. Senior Natalia Sandoval completed the sweep in the girls race (18:58.0), holding off St. Andrew's freshman Ellie Hill, with TMI teammate Daniela Shelfo third.

Saint Mary's Hall took the 3A girls team title with 41 points on the strength of four top-10 finishers, led by Ellie Scott in fourth. Fort Worth Country Day and St. Andrew's tied at 83, with Country Day awarded third.

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Fort Worth Southwest earns Class 4A-D1 playoff berth in must-win game

Fort Worth Southwest's Davian Fields runs following a catch against Fort Worth Carter-Riverside on Friday night at Scarborough-Handley Field.

Cody Thorn

The numbers said that Fort Worth Carter-Riverside would be the favorite in Friday’s winner-take-all District 5-Class 4A Division I game.

However, history repeated itself for Fort Worth Southwest, and the Raiders left Scarobrough-Handley Field with a 28-21 win.

The season for them continues, while Carter-Riverside’s season came to an end with a 6-4 record.

Heading into the game, Carter-Riverside was coming off a win last year in the series and advanced to the postseason for the first time since 1995.

The Eagles had a better record than the Raiders, but four rushing touchdowns from Jeremiah Hogg were the difference.

Now, Southwest will play Dallas Lincoln (8-2) in the first round of the playoffs. It’s the second trip to the playoffs in three years for the Raiders, who lost a tiebreaker for the final spot last season.

Carter-Riverside held a 21-14 lead at halftime.

“At halftime, the coaches talked to us and emphasized all week, be together, be together; fight; don’t give up,” Hogg said. “And that’s what we did. We got the W.”

The Eagles got the ball first in the second half and marched down the field. Carter-Riverside got down to the 1-yard line before a penalty pushed the ball back 5 yards.

On the next play, a pass to the end zone, Davian Fields stepped in front of it and intercepted it, returning it to the 25.

“That's what we preach about, man,” Southwest coach Joseph Turner said. “When the game is on the line, we emphasize those details in practice, those game situations. We work a lot on that stuff and I'm happy that the boys did what they needed to do.”

The offense responded by scoring and tying the game. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Hogg scored on a 2-yard run.

The Raiders recovered and onside kick and then scored again. Only 24 seconds into the second half, Hogg scored his second touchdown of the second half.

That made it 28-21 and the lead held.

“Our boys have been second-half players all year,” Turner said. “That was the emphasis going into the locker room. All right, we made some mistakes in the first half, we did some bonehead things, but now it's time to lock in and play ball. And the boys did a great job; coaches too.”

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The Oakridge School returns to SPC 3A title game

Arlington The Oakridge School running back Isaac Bly carries the ball during the 3A Southwest Preparatory Conference semifinal game in Arlington.

Cody Thorn

The Southwest Preparatory Conference 3A championship will be a showdown of Dallas area schools.

Episcopal School of Dallas won the first semifinal game on Saturday and then The Oakridge School punched a return ticket to the finals with a 44-14 win over Fort Worth Country Day School at Frank Field.

That game was a rematch of last year’s 3A championship game, also won by Oakridge.

Now the Owls will have a chance to defend the title when it plays ESD – the only school they have lost to this year.

The championship game will be played on Nov. 14. A time and place was still in the works as of Saturday night, according to Oakridge coach Jeromy Flowers.

ESD beat Oakridge, 32-20, on Oct. 16.

“Title game is everything, man,” Flowers said. “You get a rare chance in life to get second chances, you know? So we get a second chance; we get another opportunity. It's not about redemption for us. … it's about going out there and just playing the best game that we could possibly play and be 2-time state champs.”

Does the coach think the Owls are underdogs against the undefeated Eagles?

“You know, whatever they want to call us,” he said. “We just want to go play and see what happens.”

Episcopal School of Dallas (10-0) beat Austin St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, 42-29, in the other semifinal game Saturday.

Oakridge never trailed against Country Day, scoring on the first two drives to build a 16-0 lead.

The Falcons (6-5) pulled within 16-14 in the second quarter on two touchdown passes from Hayes Casey to Owen Bloemendahl.

Country Day didn’t score again.

Oakridge scored twice in the final 8 minutes of the second quarter. Arlington Seguin transfer Isaac Bly had a 68-yard touchdown run following the second Country Day score.

The Owls’ defense got a stop, forced a punt and took over with 57 seconds left.

The offense needed only two plays to score. Quarterback Hunter Squires hit Kingston James on back-to-back pass routes - a 37-yard gain and a 6-yard touchdown pass.

Squires added a touchdown run in the third quarter and Joshua Dees threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Will Lemonds in the fourth quarter to account for the scoring in the fourth.

“It's awesome as a quarterback to be able to just not have to worry about certain things and have 2 great wide receivers out there, a great tight end, an awesome running back who just does spectacular every game,” said Squires, a newcomer for the Owls from Arlington James Martin. “I'm forever grateful to be able to have these guys with me and they make me look good.”

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THAT'S A WRAP: The VYPE regular season rankings powered by Lone Star College

Montgomery stays undefeated witha walk-off FG over Huntsville

And that puts a bow on the 2026 Texas high school football regular season!

District championships have been decided, playoff spots are secured, and now the real fun begins. It's time for the postseason, where every Friday night brings a new level of intensity and every game carries championship implications.

Summer Creek closed out its regular season with a statement win over Atascocita, while Klein Collins punched its ticket to the playoffs with a victory over Klein Oak on the VYPE Thursday Night Showdown.

In Class 5A, Randle continued its dominant run, taking down Top 5 Friendswood to send another message to the rest of the state. Montgomery won on a walk-off field goal to beat Huntsville and ramain undefeated on the season.

On the private school side, Kinkaid and Episcopal punched their tickets to the SPC Championship Game with semifinal victories. One more game stands between them and a title!

The regular season is in the books, but the best is still ahead. The road to AT&T Stadium starts now!

And don't forget to tune in to the VYPE "On My Whistle" podcast, premiering Wednesday nights each week, for all the latest high school football breakdowns, storylines and playoff coverage.

The postseason is here. Let's get after it!

...

THE VYPE Top 25 Class 6A

CE King Panthers
Katy Tigers
Ridge Point Panthers
Shadow Creek Sharks
Bridgeland Bears
Cypress Ranch Mustangs
North Shore Mustangs
The Woodlands Highlanders
Memorial Mustangs
Cypress Falls Eagles
Klein Bearkats
Dickinson Gators
Pearland Oilers
Tomball Cougars
Tompkins Falcons
Langham Creek Lobos
Cypress Lakes Spartans
Barbers Hill Eagles
Manvel Mavericks
Fulshear Chargers
Westfield Mustangs
College Park Cavs
Summer Creek Bulldogs
Waller Bulldogs
Deer Park Deer

CLASS 5A TOP 10

Randle Lions
Montgomery Bears
Crawford Chargers
La Porte Bulldogs
Angleton Wildcats
Lake Creek Lions
Iowa Colony Pioneers
FB Marshall Buffs
Friendswood Mustangs
Madison Marlins

PRIVATE SCHOOL TOP 5

The Kinkaid School Falcons
St. Thomas Eagles
Episcopal Knights
TWCA Warriors
Lutheran South Pioneers

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NEXT PLAY, SAME MISSION: Aristoi Katy's Championship Standard Faces Its Next Test

The Aristoi Katy Lady Griffins and coaching staff celebrate their 19-0 win over Legacy SSS in the TCSAAL East Texas Regional Championship (10/31/2026).

Photo courtesy of Aristoi Katy head coach Courtney Garcia.

Football has always been king in Texas. Now, a new generation of athletes is making its own mark on the gridiron.

As girls flag football continues its rapid ascent across the Lone Star State, Aristoi Katy has established itself among the sport's early success stories — and the Lady Griffins aren't finished writing their own.

A year removed from an undefeated state championship campaign, head coach Courtney Garcia's squad is once again within striking distance of Texas Charter School Academic & Athletic League (TCSAAL) supremacy.

However, the path back hasn't been without its challenges.

Seven seniors graduated from last year's title-winning group, leaving Aristoi Katy to navigate considerable roster turnover while maintaining the expectations of a defending champion.

“This being our fifth year, all the girls who were here when the program started have graduated, which was a difficult reality for us to face initially,” Garcia said. “But this group has picked things up incredibly well, and I attribute a lot of that to the amazing coaching staff around me.”

The Lady Griffins (7-2) have since found their stride, delivering a commanding 19-0 victory over Legacy the School of Sports Sciences in last week's East Texas Regional Championship.

The result? Another appearance in the State Final Four.

“It’s been challenging after going undefeated last year and experiencing some growing pains this season,” offensive coordinator Doug Thompson said. “But we were able to avenge those losses in the Regional Finals, which gave the girls a lot of confidence heading into this week’s state tournament. As a team, I think we’re peaking at the right time.”

Photo courtesy of Aristoi Katy head coach Courtney Garcia.

Central to that resurgence has been the development of several athletes assuming expanded responsibilities.

Senior Emma Clark has helped unite the roster through her infectious energy and versatility at H-back and middle linebacker. Sophomore quarterback Juliana Blazek continues to sharpen her command of the offense, developing a stronger connection with her receiving corps.

Junior Sarah Lajaunie has become a legitimate deep-ball threat and defensive ballhawk, while Mia Moore's elusiveness and explosive speed make the slot receiver particularly dangerous in open space.

Their collective progress reflects a philosophy that goes deeper than individual talent.

“The big thing we’ve really been stressing is trust,” Thompson said. “From there, it’s about trusting your teammates to execute their assignments — whether that’s finishing their routes, locking down a receiver or dropping into their zone.”

It's a mentality the coaching staff has reinforced through a simple yet defining mantra: Next Play.

“The girls have been exceptional at accepting criticism and moving past mistakes,” Garcia said. “Their ability to recover is lightning-fast. They always bounce back and focus on the next play.”

Photo courtesy of Aristoi Katy head coach Courtney Garcia.

Their resilience reflects something far greater than the pursuit of another state title.

The Houston Texans helped introduce the school to girls flag football through a pilot initiative, supplying equipment that allowed Garcia and her staff to assemble a roster of athletes primarily drawn from soccer and volleyball.

Interest quickly snowballed as the sport gained traction across Texas, while Aristoi Katy's boys varsity flag football team — winners of four state championships in five years — provided a championship standard of its own.

Now, the girls are creating a legacy of their own.

At Aristoi Classical Academy Katy Logic & Rhetoric, the coaches' influence isn't confined to the sidelines. Garcia also serves as a PE aide and assistant to the athletic director, while Thompson is the school's dean of students and defensive coordinator Terry Boling oversees athletics. Together, they've helped cultivate a culture where character and competition go hand in hand.

“Leadership is never done alone,” Boling said. “Everyone who has helped this program grow — from the coaches and booster club to the administration and parents — has stood behind us and supported us.”

Photo courtesy of Aristoi Katy head coach Courtney Garcia.

For Boling, the most meaningful measure of progress isn't necessarily reflected in the win column.

“We talk a lot about character and trust, and our focus has always been on doing the right thing rather than worrying about the outcome,” he said. “Winning is obviously the icing on the cake, but that’s not the purpose. It’s about how the girls relate to one another and stay connected as a team.”

That bond now faces its biggest examination.

Aristoi Katy meets Somerset Academy Brooks in Saturday's noon State Semifinal at UFCU Stadium on the Texas State University campus in San Marcos. A victory would set up a 6:30 p.m. championship showdown with Harmony School of Science – El Paso.

The roster has changed. The expectations haven't.

For a team built on embracing whatever comes next, another state crown is just two victories away.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST TCSAAL STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE TCSAAL STATE FALL TOURNAMENT

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READY FOR THE GAUNTLET: A Loaded District Sets the Stage for No. 8 C.E. King to Make Noise

The featured standouts of the 2026-27 C.E. King Lady Panthers basketball team.

Photo by Carmen Agnew (VYPE)

No. 8 — C.E. King Panthers

A 30-win season has put C.E. King firmly on the radar in Houston-area girls basketball. Following an impressive 30-8 showing that featured a district runner-up finish and an Area Round appearance, head coach Derek Daniels’ squad has its sights set on taking another step forward.

Seniors Tiana Patterson, Ja’myah Crout and Jaelyn Blackshire provide a veteran presence, while junior Skylar Conway, the team’s leading returning scorer, figures to be a focal point offensively. Sophomore Mia Zuniga is another name to watch as she prepares to assume an expanded role.

The challenge? Navigating a loaded district featuring back-to-back state champion Summer Creek and a formidable North Shore squad. Consistency will be paramount against that level of competition, but the Panthers have already demonstrated their ability to compete at a high level.

With valuable postseason experience under their belts, C.E. King has plenty of reasons to aim higher in 2026-27.

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NO CEILING IN SIGHT: No. 9 Jordan Sets Its Sights Even Higher After Historic Playoff Breakthrough

The featured standouts of the 2026-27 Katy Jordan Lady Warriors basketball team.

Photo by Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)

No. 9 — Jordan Warriors

The Jordan Warriors reached new heights last season, posting a 25-8 record (12-4 in district) en route to a historic third-round playoff appearance.

Having surpassed 250 career wins, head coach Shalesha Pierce has established an impressive precedent for a program eager to build on its recent breakthrough. Senior guard Carlie Lewis, an East Central University commit, returns alongside fellow senior Natalie Epstein, providing the Warriors with veteran experience in the backcourt and frontcourt, respectively.

Meanwhile, sophomore Tessa Arnoldi and junior post Toni Ademuwagun figure to assume expanded roles as Jordan looks to replace key production without sacrificing its competitive edge. Last year's postseason showing was more than a milestone — it was a statement of the program's potential.

The standard has been raised, and Pierce's squad now faces the challenge of proving that its historic ascent was only the beginning.

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EYE OF THE STORM: No. 10 Hightower Leans on Sisterhood to Navigate Change and Sustain Its Success

The featured standouts of the 2026-27 Hightower Lady Hurricanes basketball team.

Photo by Dana Strange (VYPE)

No. 10 — Hightower Hurricanes

Coach Jasmine Brewer and the Hightower Hurricanes are coming off a remarkable 31-4 season that ended in the Regional Finals. But with the departure of Ogechi Okeke, the state's No. 1 recruit who transferred to Oak Cliff Faith Family, the Hurricanes have a significant void to fill.

The challenge is clear: reload, regroup and prove Hightower is still a force in the postseason picture. Fortunately, Brewer has plenty of talent to work with. Northwestern State commit Eryn Roberts returns to lead the way alongside Sucil Stephens, Kameryn Walker and A’aliyah Wood.

That veteran core will be instrumental as the Hurricanes embrace new roles and find their rhythm. For Brewer, the identity of this team goes beyond talent. It's about the bond between teammates and how they respond to adversity. “Sisterhood isn't proven when everything is going well,” Brewer said. “It’s proven when things get hard, emotions get high, mistakes happen, and we still choose ‘WE’ over ‘ME’.”

Brewer emphasizes embracing the process, mental toughness and steady improvement throughout the season. The Hurricanes may have a different look in 2026-27, but their commitment to sisterhood and another deep postseason push hasn't wavered.

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COURT VISION: Girls 6A Top 20 (Nos. 11–20) | 2026–27 VYPE Houston GBB Preseason Rankings

The featured standouts of the 2026-27 Grand Oaks Lady Grizzlies basketball team.

Photo by Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)

VYPE Houston 6A Top 20 Girls Basketball Rankings

2026-2027 PRESEASON

Nos. 11-20

11. Grand Oaks Grizzlies

12. Fulshear Chargers

13. Seven Lakes Spartans

14. Clear Falls Knights

15. The Woodlands Highlanders

16. North Shore Mustangs

17. Langham Creek Lobos

18. Cypress Falls Eagles

19. Cypress Lakes Spartans

20. Katy Taylor Mustangs

Others to Watch: Alief Elsik Rams, Alief Hastings Bears, Alief Taylor Lions, Bellaire Cardinals, Clear Creek Wildcats, Conroe Tigers, Cypress Creek Cougars, Cypress Ranch Mustangs, Cypress Woods Wildcats, Deer Park Deer, Dickinson Gators, Elkins Knights, FB Travis Tigers, Foster Falcons, Jersey Village Falcons, Katy Tigers, Kingwood Mustangs, Klein Oak Panthers, Lamar Texans, Memorial Mustangs, Nimitz Cougars, Pearland Oilers, Spring Lions, Stratford Spartans, Tomball Cougars, Tompkins Falcons, Westfield Mustangs

Fulshear Lady Chargers

Photo by Carmen Agnew (VYPE)

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11. Grand Oaks Grizzlies

Grand Oaks has established itself among the premier programs in its district, and head coach Shiakiea Carter has the Grizzlies poised to uphold that standard. Following an impressive 26-6 season that featured a 15-1 district record and an Area Round appearance, Grand Oaks has plenty of reasons for optimism heading into 2026-27. Leading the charge is a dynamic senior backcourt duo in Hannah Reynolds and Avery Campbell. Reynolds averaged 12 PPG last season, providing a reliable scoring punch, while Campbell contributed nine points and five rebounds per contest. Kymlii Nettles adds another dimension with her shooting prowess, giving the Grizzlies a perimeter threat capable of stretching opposing defenses. Meanwhile, Momoka Brown anchors the frontcourt and figures to be instrumental in maintaining balance offensively and competing on the glass. The pieces are in place for another impressive showing, but sustaining district supremacy is no easy feat. Grand Oaks has worn the crown before. Can Carter's squad keep it?

12. Fulshear Chargers

Fulshear is coming off an impressive 25-12 season that saw the Chargers capture a district championship and advance to the Area Round before falling to Jersey Village. Now, head coach Justin Jones has his sights set even higher, despite a roster featuring plenty of new faces. “We have the talent to make a deep playoff run, even though we have a lot of new pieces on varsity,” Jones said. “Our talent will give us opportunities, but our togetherness, toughness, and ability to compete will determine how far we can go.” That chemistry will be critical as Fulshear works to establish roles, build trust and develop cohesion within a relatively inexperienced lineup. “The keys to our success this year will be how quickly we can build cohesiveness and develop a clear understanding of each player’s role,” Jones said. Amariah Cunningham, Naddilee French, University of New Mexico commit Pfeiffer Greene and Khloe Joseph headline the talent Jones will lean on, while sophomores Ebitimi Okiyefa and Hailey Swingle represent an intriguing next wave. Freshman Zoe Torres is another name to watch. For the Chargers, the potential is undeniable. How quickly that talent translates into collective chemistry could define their postseason aspirations.

13. Seven Lakes Spartans

The standard has been set at Seven Lakes, and head coach Doug Watson has no intention of lowering it. Following a 29-8 showing that saw the Spartans capture the District 19-6A championship before falling to Cypress Creek in the Area Round, the mission for 2026-27 is clear: “Defend the Crown.” The challenge lies in replacing last year's production, but Watson believes a collective effort will be the key to sustaining their winning ways. “Our success will come down to replacing what we lost collectively, not asking one player to do it all,” Watson said. “If we defend, rebound as a team, play with pace, and embrace our roles, we have a chance to be really good.” Featuring a relatively young roster composed largely of juniors, Seven Lakes will lean on emerging contributors to establish its identity. Team defense, rebounding and generating scoring opportunities in transition figure to be central to the Spartans' approach. Chiara Giacomel, Breona Kirtz, Sophia Reukauf, Lauren Hill and Riley Burnett are among the names to watch as expanded opportunities present themselves. The personnel may be different, but the expectations haven't changed. For Watson's squad, defending the district crown starts with embracing the responsibility that comes with wearing it.

14. Clear Falls Knights

The Clear Falls Knights have plenty of reasons for optimism heading into 2026-27, and head coach Mary Graves believes her squad has only begun to tap into its potential. Following an impressive 27-8 season that saw Clear Falls capture the district championship with a 12-2 record before falling to North Shore in the playoff opener, the Knights are embracing a simple motto: “Not Finished.” “This is a very hard-working group worth getting excited about. They have not scratched the surface of their potential together,” Graves said. “The work they've put in during the offseason has put them in position to compete with anyone on the floor.” Four returning starters provide a strong foundation, led by Skylar Brown's presence in the paint and point guard Gabrielle Shepherd's ability to facilitate the offense. Julia Kern adds a reliable scoring punch after averaging 10 PPG last season, while Adarra Vanderford provides a dangerous perimeter shooting threat. Angelina Cantu and Alexa Lightfoot are also names to watch as the Knights look to bolster their depth. For Graves, building chemistry will be central to unlocking this group's potential and taking another step forward.

15. The Woodlands Highlanders

Not long ago, The Woodlands was searching for answers on the basketball court. Today, under head coach Ashley Davis, the Lady Highlanders have transformed into a legitimate playoff contender — and they're hungry for more. The Woodlands put together an impressive 2025-26 campaign, finishing 28-9 overall and 13-3 in district play to claim third place before advancing two rounds deep into the postseason. Leading the charge is senior Rachael Roberts, a Tarleton State commit who averaged 14 points per game last season. Senior guard Kasyn Pino will also be a key piece of the puzzle. One of the team's leaders in scoring, assists and rebounds last season, Pino provides the versatility and experience that will be critical to the Lady Highlanders' success. The future is bright, too. Sophomores Sabria Seifert and Isabela Perez are expected to take on bigger roles, while junior Adalynn Luna is a name to watch as she looks to put together a breakout season.

16. North Shore Mustangs

North Shore is gearing up for another postseason push after finishing 22-12 and reaching the Area Round last season. Entering his fourth year at the helm, head coach Curtis Bason (65-39) welcomes back just one starter, but the Mustangs have plenty of talent to work with. Reigning Sixth Man of the Year Brelione Anderson headlines the returning group alongside second-team all-district selections Aija Torres and Gabryelle Jackson. Honorable mention pick Aziah Jackson and Kionti Johnson also figure into the equation. An intriguing freshman trio adds another dimension. Neveah Mingo enters ranked No. 4 nationally in the Class of 2030 by Prep Girls Hoops, while Louisiana transfer E’Myrie Warren was the state's No. 2-ranked prospect and top-ranked shooting forward. Fellow freshman Marley Smith is another highly touted newcomer. “We have a lot of talent, so we need to make sure we stay connected and block out the outside noise! We>Me,” Bason said. The potential is undeniable, but turning that talent into team chemistry will be North Shore's defining challenge.

17. Langham Creek Lobos

The Lobos went 23-12 last season and advanced to the Regional Semifinals. Danielle Walter enters her second year leading the Langham Creek program, welcoming back three starters from last year's squad. First-team all-district selection Reese Fernandez returns after averaging 12.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.6 SPG and 1.3 APG. Second-team pick Noelle Roudreiw contributed 4.6 PPG, 2.2 APG, 1.7 RPG and 1.3 SPG, while honorable mention selections Addison Sandford and Ariana Johnson are also players to watch. According to Walter, embracing new roles, defensive intensity and a “we is greater than me” mentality will be key to the team's success. Guided by the motto “Every Second Counts,” the Lobos have the potential to make another run in 2026-27.

18. Cypress Falls Eagles

Last year, Cy Falls went 25-9 overall and reached the Area Round of the playoffs. Fifth-year coach Larissa Leal (87-48 at Cy Falls) returns three starters from last year’s squad including District Co-Offensive Player of the Year Gisselle Jackson. The TABC All-Region selection averaged 19.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.7 steals and 4.4 assists per game. Another key returner is second-team, all-district pick Andrea Vital, who averaged 4.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. For Leal, the keys to success for her squad include being disciplined enough to do the little things. “With only four returners from last season it's important everyone learn and fulfill their role to have a successful season,” Leal said. “Having some on court leadership is also an important key to our success.” That’s why the motto for this Cy Falls team will be “Discipline and Details” for the 26-27 campaign.

19. Cypress Lakes Spartans

The Spartans are coming off an impressive 29-win season that saw them advance to the Regional Semifinals. Entering her second year at the helm, head coach Mykayla Alewine welcomes back two starters, including first-team all-district selection Lauryn Jeffries, who led the team in rebounding. Aliyah McIntosh and Rayn Frazier are also key returners for Cypress Lakes, which will lean on a blend of veteran experience and promising young talent. Facing a new district this winter, the Spartans are eager to make their presence felt.

20. Katy Taylor Mustangs

Two starters return for Katy Taylor head coach Blair Ary as the Lady Mustangs come off an impressive 26-8 season. Players to watch this winter include Addison Middleton, Romina Vu and Callie Schmaltz. According to Ary, the keys to success will be staying healthy and committing “1,000%” to the team's goals. This season, Ary wants her squad to “Train Insane” as the Lady Mustangs seek to make a run in the playoffs, fitting with their motto of “Born to Run.”

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