GAMES
RANKINGS
The stars of 2025-26 Bridgeland Softball
HEAT INDEX: Updated VYPE Houston Softball Rankings — Major Movement, New No. 1, Bridgeland Skyrockets
Bridgeland, meanwhile, has proven it deserves more than a “team to watch” designation. The Bears have surged to an 18–4 record, climbing into the Top 10 after a meteoric rise.
Summer Creek is making noise as well. Their recent 5–3 win over Kingwood, fueled by a late-inning surge, sends a clear message: the Bulldogs are a serious contender. Kingwood, however, remains resilient and will have opportunities to respond as the spring progresses.
Tomball (15–3) continues to meet—and perhaps exceed—expectations, while La Porte (13–3), Pearland (20–4), Deer Park (13–7), Friendswood (15–5), and Needville (21–2) have all earned attention with strong campaigns.
With midseason clarity now emerging, the temperature on Houston-area softball is rising—and the road to the playoffs promises more drama and surprises.
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Barbers Hill Eagles
Dana Strange (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
*Second section denotes current record according to MaxPreps
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VYPE Houston Combined (6A-4A) Top-25 Softball Rankings -- End of March 2026 (Midway through District)
1. Barbers Hill Eagles (5A) -- 22-3 // 6-0 in District 19-5A
2. Lake Creek Lions (5A) -- 21-1 // 5-0 in 17-5A
3. Summer Creek Bulldogs (6A) -- 15-2 // 5-0 in 23-6A
4. Kingwood Mustangs (6A) -- 21-3 // 5-1 in 23-6A
5. Katy Tigers (6A) -- 19-5 // 6-1 in 19-6A
6. Tomball Cougars (6A) -- 15-3 // 8-0 in 15-6A
7. Bridgeland Bears (6A) -- 18-4 // 5-0 in 16-6A
8. La Porte Bulldogs (5A) -- 13-3 // 4-1 in 20-5A
9. Pearland Oilers (6A) -- 20-4 // 8-0 in 22-6A
10. Clear Springs Chargers (6A) -- 17-8 // 4-1 in 24-6A
11. Atascocita Eagles (6A) -- 15-7 // 4-2 in 23-6A
12. Katy Jordan Warriors (6A) -- 14-3 // 6-1 in 19-6A
13. Deer Park Deer (6A) -- 13-7 // 4-1 in 24-6A
14. Liberty Panthers (4A) -- 20-6 // 4-0 in 19-4A
15. Friendswood Mustangs (5A) -- 15-5 // 3-1 in 20-5A
16. Needville Bluejays (4A) -- 21-2 // 4-0 in 29-4A
17. Foster Falcons (6A) -- 14-7 // 2-0 in 20-6A
18. Oak Ridge War Eagles (6A) -- 14-9 // 4-2 in 13-6A
19. Cypress Ranch Mustangs (6A) -- 16-5-1 // 4-1 in 16-6A
20. Santa Fe Indians (5A) -- 18-5 // 2-2 in 20-5A
21. Klein Oak Panthers (6A) -- 16-5 // 5-3 in 15-6A
22. Clear Creek Wildcats (6A) -- 12-5 // 5-3 in 24-6A
23. Willis Wildkats (6A) -- 17-6 // 6-1 in 13-6A
24. Kingwood Park Panthers (5A) -- 15-7 // 4-0 in 18-5A
25. Conroe Tigers (6A) -- 14-6 // 4-2 in 13-6A
Others to Watch: Paetow Panthers (19-6A), Grand Oaks Grizzlies (13-6A), Magnolia Bulldogs (15-6A), Hargrave Falcons (19-4A), Clear Lake Falcons (24-6A), Ridge Point Panthers (21-6A), Dobie Longhorns (22-6A), Cy-Fair Bobcats (17-6A), Cypress Woods Wildcats (16-6A), Fort Bend Travis Tigers (21-6A), Angleton Wildcats (20-5A), Langham Creek Lobos (16-6A), Montgomery Bears (17-5A), Crosby Cougars (18-5A), Memorial Mustangs (17-6A)
The stars of 2025-26 Deer Park Softball
BACK ON TRACK: The championship blueprint remains intact at No. 19 Deer Park
To put it in perspective, Deer Park has claimed its district title every year dating back to 2013 (excluding the COVID year), and last spring was no exception—though the competition proved tougher than in recent seasons. From there, the Deer’s hopes for a deep playoff run were dashed by a demanding opening-round series against Atascocita, closing the season at 20-10 overall.
Plenty of talent returns to the mix, propelled by recent Texas Tech signee Braelynn Jones. At her best when controlling the game, Jones will be central to the team’s push this season, as the second-team all-district standout steps into the role of Deer Park’s ace.
Deer Park Sr. RHP Braelynn Jones (Texas Tech signee)Farrah Sheeren (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
Trinity-bound Mariah Ramirez (Sr. OF) and Caitlyn Wade (Jr. OF/UT)—both first-team honorees last season—are expected to remain key contributors on both offense and defense. The same can be said for second-team picks Kayla Barras (Sr. OF/Louisiana-Monroe) and Journey Peterson (So. 3B).
Rounding out this senior-heavy roster are second baseman Reily Hernandez (Southwestern) and utility McCartney Pledger (Alvin JC).
Deer Park is poised to return to its winning ways, but the long-term goal will be a serious effort towards the ballclub’s first UIL championship since 2021.
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