GAMES
RANKINGS
The stars of 2025-26 Fort Bend Marshall Basketball
HOOPS HIERARCHY: Seven Lakes, Marshall, SBS Top the Charts in VYPE Houston Rankings past midseason
Seven Lakes (25-0) has been the model of consistency, rolling into January unbeaten behind a balanced rotation that has made nightly adjustments nearly impossible for opponents. Atascocita (16-6) remains close behind, with its only local blemish coming in a one-point loss to the Spartans in the season opener.
Just below that tier, Pearland (21-2), Dickinson (18-5), and Klein Oak (19-3) have surged through district play and now look well-positioned to secure league titles, setting the stage for deep playoff pushes if current form holds.
Elsewhere in the classification, depth across the rankings continues to stand out. Cypress Falls has quietly established itself as a steady district leader, while Shadow Creek’s athleticism and experience have kept it firmly in the mix.
North Shore, after a challenging non-district slate, appears to be rounding into form as games tighten, and Grand Oaks has proven capable of making timely runs when momentum swings. The middle of the rankings remains fluid, with several teams capable of reshuffling the order as district races intensify.
In 5A, continuity and timing have been key themes. Fort Bend Marshall (17-7) has picked up right where it left off last March, using its postseason experience to navigate early district play with confidence.
Friendswood (20-7) and Iowa Colony (19-6) are tracking on parallel paths, each showing resilience and balance while eyeing a critical stretch that could decide district positioning. Baytown Sterling (20-5) and Madison (16-5) have emerged as welcome surprises, flashing upside that suggests neither will be an easy out come playoff time.
The private school ranks remain headlined by proven power. Second Baptist (21-2) continues to overwhelm opponents behind elite production and depth, while Houston Christian’s near-perfect (27-1) campaign has kept it squarely in championship conversations. With programs like Kinkaid and Episcopal lurking, however, little is guaranteed as the season moves toward its final act.
As district races tighten, the coming weeks promise clarity—and plenty of volatility—across every classification.
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Seven Lakes Spartans
Matt Powell (VYPE)
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VYPE Houston Updated Boys Basketball Rankings -- January 2026
6A TOP-20
1. Seven Lakes Spartans -- 25-0 // 8-0 in District 19-6A
2. Atascocita Eagles -- 16-6 // 4-0 in 23-6A
3. Pearland Oilers -- 21-2 // 7-0 in 22-6A
4. Dickinson Gators -- 18-5 // 4-0 in 24-6A
5. Klein Oak Panthers -- 19-3 // 7-0 in 15-6A
6. Cypress Springs Panthers -- 20-4 // 3-1 in 16-6A
7. Cypress Falls Eagles -- 16-5 // 4-0 in 17-6A
8. North Shore Mustangs -- 19-5 // 3-1 in 23-6A
9. Shadow Creek Sharks -- 14-6 // 6-1 in 22-6A
10. Hightower Hurricanes -- 19-5 // 3-1 in 21-6A
11. Grand Oaks Grizzlies -- 17-8 // 6-1 in 13-6A
12. Fort Bend Travis Tigers -- 19-4 // 3-1 in 21-6A
13. Katy Jordan Warriors -- 16-8 // 4-3 in 19-6A
14. Tompkins Falcons -- 17-6 // 5-2 in 19-6A
15. Clear Brook Wolverines -- 19-5 // 1-3 in 24-6A
16. Heights Bulldogs -- 19-5 // 3-0 in 18-6A
17. The Woodlands Highlanders -- 16-6 // 6-1 in 13-6A
18. Summer Creek Bulldogs -- 12-9 // 3-1 in 23-6A
19. College Park Cavaliers -- 17-9 // 5-2 in 13-6A
20. Clear Springs Chargers -- 15-8 // 3-1 in 24-6A
Others to Watch: Strake Jesuit Crusaders (20-6A), Katy Tigers (19-6A), Cypress Woods Wildcats (16-6A), Cinco Ranch Cougars (19-6A), Alief Taylor Lions (20-6A), C.E. King Panthers (23-6A), Clear Lake Falcons (24-6A), Dawson Eagles (22-6A), FB Elkins Knights (21-6A), Cypress Ranch Mustangs (16-6A), Foster Falcons (20-6A), Clements Rangers (21-6A), Humble Wildcats (23-6A), Westside Wolves (18-6A)
5A TOP-5
1. Fort Bend Marshall Buffalos -- 17-7 // 4-0 in District 22-5A
2. Friendswood Mustangs -- 20-7 // 3-1 in 20-5A
3. Iowa Colony Pioneers -- 19-6 // 3-0 in 20-5A
4. Baytown Sterling Rangers -- 20-5 // 2-2 in 19-5A
5. Madison Marlins -- 16-5 // 7-0 in 21-5A
Others to Watch: Angleton Wildcats (20-5A), Barbers Hill Eagles (19-5A), La Porte Bulldogs (20-5A), West Fork Gators (18-5A), Crosby Cougars (18-5A)
1. Second Baptist Eagles (TAPPS-5A) -- 21-2
2. Houston Christian Mustangs (SPC-4A) -- 27-1
3. St. Thomas Episcopal Saints (TAPPS-4A) -- 18-7
4. The Kinkaid School Falcons (SPC-4A) -- 23-5
5. Episcopal Knights (SPC-4A) -- 16-7
Others to Watch: Westbury Christian Wildcats (TAPPS-4A), TWCA Warriors (TAPPS-5A), FBCA Eagles (TAPPS-5A)
The stars of 2025-26 Atascocita Basketball
BUILT DIFFERENT: All systems go for No. 1 Atascocita, chasing a fourth UIL Final Four appearance
Highlighted by an undefeated District 23-6A championship — marking back-to-back titles— the Eagles capped off their 28-5 campaign last winter with an appearance in the 6A-D1 Regional Semifinals. Though their ambitions of a State run were halted by Seven Lakes in a 53-48 thriller, all signs point toward an emphatic response from coach David Martinez and company in 2026.
Gone is 23-6A MVP Jaylen Fenner, now at Louisiana Tech, but don’t let that fool you — Atascocita is still stacked.
Senior combo guard Adam Boyd (LA Tech-signee) headlines the returners, bringing veteran poise and versatility after earning first-team, all-district honors. He’ll be joined in the backcourt by Jachai Cantave, a New Mexico State-signee who transferred back from SoCal Academy over the offseason. The three-star point guard’s return adds another layer of explosiveness to an already potent lineup.
Senior wing Zayson Salanoa (6-foot-7) -- yet another Eagle to announce his commitment LA Tech -- provides valuable length and scoring touch after a second-team, all-district showing, while fellow senior Cameron Ned and rising junior Royce Shelton round out a deep, battle-tested rotation.
If all goes according to plan, the Eagles’ trademark blend of finesse, athleticism, and experience could guide them back to the State Tournament for the first time since 2022 — and the fourth time in program history.
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Adam Boyd (Louisiana Tech-commit)
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
