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HOOPS HIERARCHY: NoCro, Little Elm, Heritage Lead VYPE DFW B-Ball Rankings as League Play Intensifies
As the boys basketball season moves past the midway point of district play, the latest VYPE Dallas-Fort Worth rankings showcase a mix of consistency at the top and rising teams making their mark.
North Crowley has cemented itself as the region’s top team, going 20-3 overall and undefeated in district action. The Panthers’ balance and depth have allowed them to remain steady through both non-district and early league tests. Close on their heels, Little Elm has surged to a 21-2 record, also unblemished in district play, continuing a season that has positioned the Lobos as strong contenders for a district crown.
Among the 5A programs, Frisco Heritage, Birdville, Mansfield Summit, and Red Oak have all thrived in league competition. Heritage and Birdville remain undefeated in district play, while Summit has quietly built momentum with a perfect start to its league slate. Red Oak’s steady consistency has kept the Hawks in the mix, suggesting they could be key players in the playoff picture.
Other 6A teams, including Allen, Lancaster, and defending 6A Division II state champion Denton Guyer, have shown flashes of dominance and resilience, with each squad holding strong district records and the ability to challenge the top tier as the schedule progresses. Meanwhile, Dallas Carter represents the 4A contingent in the top 10, with a perfect 4-0 district start highlighting the Cowboys’ push to compete against larger classifications.
This list offers a snapshot of who has positioned themselves for potential playoff success—and which teams might shake up the landscape in the weeks ahead.
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VYPE Dallas-Fort Worth Combined (6A-4A) Top-10 Boys Basketball Rankings -- January 2026
1. North Crowley Panthers (6A) -- 20-3 // 3-0 in District 3-6A
2. Little Elm Lobos (6A) -- 21-2 // 4-0 in 5-6A
3. Frisco Heritage Coyotes (5A) -- 18-2 // 4-0 in 11-5A
4. Birdville Hawks (5A) -- 20-3 // 3-0 in 6-5A
5. Mansfield Summit Jaguars (5A) -- 18-5 // 5-0 in 8-5A
6. Red Oak Hawks (5A) -- 17-5 // 4-0 in 15-5A
7. Allen Eagles (6A) -- 14-4 // 6-1 in 6-6A
8. Lancaster Tigers (6A) -- 13-8 // 4-0 in 11-6A
9. Denton Guyer Wildcats (6A) -- 16-5 // 3-1 in 5-6A
10. Dallas Carter Cowboys (4A) -- 15-6 // 4-0 in 11-4A
Others to Watch: Duncanville Panthers (11-6A), Frisco Memorial Warriors (11-5A), Denton Broncos (6-5A), South Grand Prairie Warriors (8-6A), Mansfield Timberview Wolves (8-5A), McKinney Lions (6-6A), Plano East Panthers (6-6A), Mansfield Tigers (3-6A)
THE FAB 5: Greater Houston well represented in State Tourney
What a night it was for Houston-area basketball as five teams punched their tickets to the UIL State Championship at the Alamodome this weekend.
The Bellaire Cardinals advanced to its first-ever State Final in school history with a, 65-57, win over San Antonio Brennan.
“We played are really tough tournament schedule and that experience prepared us though for tough times this season and culminated in tonight,” coach Bruce Glover said. “Now, when I go on and this team moves one, we will always be able to look back and remember this team. It’s really huge.”
Duke signee Shelton Henderson lead the way with 26 points and 20 rebounds.
“There is that famous story about the horse, ‘Sectretariat’,” Glover said. “When they cut him open, he had a heart twice as big as other horses. That is Sheldon Henderson.”
Next up for Bellaire is Duncanville in the State Finals.
"This is everything," Henderson said. "I came in here my freshman year and told the coaches I was going to win one for them. We knew we came in here as the underdogs and just had to play our game. We couldn't get caught up in the fans and the media. We just locked in and got it done."
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Katy Jordan also made school history beating San Antonio Harlan, 57-36, in the Class 6A DII Semifinal. Jaden Holt and Elijah Black make up on one of the best backcourts in the state and will now face Denton Guyer in the Finals on Saturday at 5 pm.
The FB Marshall Buffs were in Goliad, Texas and took down Alamo Heights, 47-29 in the Class 5A DII to return to the State Finals for the first time since 2017. The Buffs are on a 22-game winning steak. Marshall will face Mansfield Summit on Saturday.
Booker T. Washington is back in the Finals. The Eagles handled LBJ Austin, 76-56, in the Semis and will face power Dallas Kimball in the Finals on Friday. Robert Jones, Sam Johnson and Jalen Webb lead the way for Washington.
The Wheatley Wildcats have run the gauntlet in the playoffs. The Wildcats beat La Marque, 49-44, in the Semis to advance to the Finals. Wheatley has beaten Silsbee and Yates as well in the postseason. The ‘Cats will face Kennedale in the Class 4A DII Finals. Coach David Burrell leans on Quinton Sanders and Marquan Elder on the court.
Columbus advanced in Class 3A DI to face Tatum, while Kountze will play Paradise in the Class 3A DII Finals.
Beaumont West Brook of southeast Texas is 37-2 and will face Birdville High in the Class 5A DI Finals.



































