GAMES
RANKINGS
TIPPING THE SCALE: Several teams shaking up H-Town Rankings amid district-play
As the Spring season reaches its mid-way point, fans eagerly await for the remainder of the district schedule to unfold, with a trip to the 2024 playoffs on the line.
Bridgeland, Klein Cain, and Willis are among the handful of ball-clubs to make considerable strides in Class 6A, while the established heavy-hitters -- Tomball and Pearland -- continue to perform at a high level. Additionally, teams such as Strake Jesuit, Kingwood, Oak Ridge, Cy Woods, and Grand Oaks are well within the fold.
Moving over to Class 5A, the Lake Creek Lions are looking every bit as dominant as they were in 2023, when they reached the Region III Final. It will be interesting to see how the District 16-5A race plays out, given the degree that Porter and Kingwood Park are surging. Also watch out for perennial contenders -- Friendswood, Santa Fe, La Porte, and Foster.
Lutheran South Academy currently leads the private school ranks, as each phase of their game has been clicking on all cylinders. Meanwhile, Concordia Lutheran, St. Pius X, St. Thomas, and St. John's are picking up speed in their respective divisions.
That being said, it's time to unveil the full rankings.
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CLASS 6A TOP-20
1. Tomball Cougars (17-3; 3-0 in district)
2. Pearland Oilers (18-4-2; 4-0)
3. Bridgeland Bears (16-5; 4-0)
4. Klein Cain Hurricanes (15-3; 4-0)
5. Strake Jesuit Crusaders (16-4; 1-1)
6. Willis Wildkats (15-5; 5-1)
7. Kingwood Mustangs (18-6; 5-0)
8. Oak Ridge War Eagles (12-5; 5-0)
9. Grand Oaks Grizzlies (16-6; 4-3)
10. Ridge Point Panthers (15-6-1; 5-1)
11. Katy Tigers (13-8; 6-1)
12. Cypress Woods Wildcats (13-7-1; 3-1)
13. Clear Creek Wildcats (15-7; 4-0)
14. Cinco Ranch Cougars (13-5-3; 4-3)
15. Dobie Longhorns (12-5-3; 1-2)
16. Paetow Panthers (16-4; 5-1)
17. Clear Brook Wolverines (13-8-1; 3-1)
18. Cy-Fair Bobcats (12-8-2; 2-2)
19. Stratford Spartans (12-9-1; 2-2)
20. Klein Oak Panthers (12-9-1; 2-2)
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CLASS 5A TOP-15
1. Lake Creek Lions (16-3; 3-0 in district)
2. Friendswood Mustangs (17-3-1; 2-2)
3. Porter Spartans (16-3-1; 2-2)
4. Kingwood Park Panthers (16-5; 3-2)
5. La Porte Bulldogs (16-7-1; 1-2)
6. Santa Fe Indians (13-7-1; 3-1)
7. Foster Falcons (14-8; 5-0)
8. Fulshear Chargers (13-6; 3-0)
9. Magnolia West Mustangs (11-7-1; 4-0)
10. Magnolia Bulldogs (12-5; 1-2)
11. Crosby Cougars (13-8; 4-1)
12. Barbers Hill Eagles (12-9; 2-1)
13. Milby Buffaloes (11-4-2; 6-0)
14. FB Kempner Cougars (11-10-1)
15. Waltrip Rams (7-5-1; 5-1)
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PRIVATE SCHOOL TOP-10
1. Lutheran South Academy Pioneers (16-4)
2. Concordia Lutheran Crusaders (13-8-1)
3. St. Pius X Panthers (16-2)
4. St. Thomas Eagles (13-5)
5. St. John's Mavericks (14-2-1)
6. TWCA Warriors (12-4-1)
7. Cypress Christian Warriors (12-9)
8. Episcopal Knights (11-6-1)
9. Houston Christian Mustangs (10-8-1)
10. Second Baptist Eagles (8-7)
BASES LOADED: No. 6 Cinco Ranch will be a force to be reckoned with
No. 6 -- Cinco Ranch Cougars
2023: 33-7 (District 19-6A Co-Champions/Regional Semifinalist)
Cinco Ranch was a welcome surprise in 2023, bursting onto the scene to emerge as co-district champs (14-2) alongside Tompkins, after missing out on the playoffs a year prior.
From there, the Cougars would advance four rounds deep into the postseason, which would earn coach Brett Wallace the District 19-6A Coach of the Year award.
Wallace has the benefit of bringing back the majority of that same roster, namely first-teamers Brock DeYoung (Texas State-commit) and Lucas Franco (TCU), as well as second-teamers Brayden Hodge (East Texas Baptist) and Thomas Guy.
Despite competing in a loaded district, count on Cinco being in the Regional Final conversation.