GAMES
RANKINGS
Lutheran South Academy is loaded again
STANDING ON BUSINESS: The VYPE preseason private school breakdown
1. Lutheran South Academy Pioneers
2. Second Baptist Eagles
3. Concordia Lutheran Crusaders
4. St. Pius X Panthers
5. Episcopal Knights
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Others to Watch:
(Alphabetical Order)
Bay Area Christian Broncos, Houston Christian Mustangs, St. John’s School Mavericks, St. Thomas Eagles, The Kinkaid School Falcons, The Woodlands Christian Academy Warriors
PURCHASE THE 2026 BASEBALL/SOFTBALL PREVIEW
1. Lutheran South Academy Pioneers (TAPPS DII)
Lutheran South completed the climb to the top of the mountain in 2025. The Pioneers finished as the TAPPS Division II State Champions after going 34-3-1 overall. Five starters return for 14th-year coach Aaron Schneider, who has 313 career wins at the helm of this program. University of Houston-commit Jaylen Walker (.349, 4 HR, 26 RBIs) returns to the mix along with Coastal Carolina-commit Marcus Cantu (.366, 3 HR, 12 2B, 23 RBIs, 58 R) and McClenan Community College-commit Wyatt Powell (11-1, 1.18 ERA, 83 Ks). Last season, Powell earned first-team, all-state honors and Cantu was second-team, all-state. Other key returners include Brycen Gilbert (Paris JC-commit; .270, 22 RBIs, 2 HR), Rich Scarborough (Angelina JC-commit), Tony Gonzalez (29 RBI, 5 2B, 2 HR), Will Simmons (1-1, 1.48 ERA, 19 Ks), David Corona and Landon Victorian. Keys to success in 2026 include being consistent on the mound, have productive at-bats and minimizing mistakes, according to Schneider.
2. Second Baptist Eagles (TAPPS DII)
Second Baptist School is always a program that needs to be factored as a favorite to make a run in the TAPPS Division II Playoffs. Last year, the Eagles reached the State Semifinals and finished 26-4 overall and 8-2 in district play. Rayner Noble is back in the dugout to lead the Eagles and has amassed 665 career coaching victories. First-team, all-district pick 1B/P Christian McCleary and second-team, all-district selections 3B/P Ford Allen, IF/P Will Newhouse and OF/P Sam Arrendell are all slated to return to the Eagles’ dugout in 2026. Also watch for OF Aiden Nick, who was an honorable mention, all-district pick a year ago.
3. Concordia Lutheran Crusaders (TAPPS DI)
Concordia Lutheran reached the Regional Round of the TAPPS Division I Playoffs in 2025 and finished with a 21-12-1 overall mark. Royce Kennedy enters his 12th year of leading the program (123-48-2) and returns four starters in 2026. Second-team, all-state selection Ethan RIvers will lead the pack. Rivers is verbally committed to RIce University. Other key returners include first-team, all-district pick Luke Douglas (Concordia Austin-commit), second-team, all-district picks Ronin McCraw (McLennan-commit) and Landon Martinez and Hugh Wilhelm. Also watch for Gio Cosma (Eastern University-commit), Nick Romano (Southwestern-commit) and Joseph Banasik (Oklahoma CIty University-commit). The key to success for Kennedy’s group in 2026 will be the ability to produce runs as they play with a “We are greater than me” mindset.
4. St. Pius X Panthers (TAPPS DI)
St. Pius X pieced together an impressive season in 2025 as the Panthers reached the TAPPS Division I State Semifinals. Mike Evans has amassed 340 career coaching victories. Honorable mention, all-stater Sean Marquez returns to the lineup for the Panthers. Other key returners include Jaiden Lee (P/IF), Carsan Evans (1B), Adrian Magallanes (P/3B/1B), Carson Smith (P/OF), Andrew Kirklin (OF) and Tristan Smaistrla (P). Watch for the Panthers as they try to make it to the final game of 2026.
5. Episcopal Knights (SPC 4A)
Episcopal once again was in the conversation of the best baseball teams in SPC 4A last season. The Knights finished 18-12 overall and as the SPC 4A Runner-Up. In the past 10 seasons, Episcopal has won four SPC Championships, the last coming in 2023. Matt Fox enters his 17th season leading the program and sits just 11 wins away from career coaching victory No. 500. Nine starters return, including All-SPC selection and reigning Team MVP Tommy Hetherington. University of New Orleans-commit and All-SPC selection Will Bozeman will anchor the mound for Episcopal as the southpaw will be called upon to produce big innings of work. Four-year starter and University of Georgia-commit Miles Young will hold down the infield at shortstop for the Knights. Other key returners include 1B/OF Bryce Bloom-Timmons (Harvard-commit), P/3B Marco Quintanilla, CF Reid Sasser (Sewanee-commit), University of New York-commit Mike Chin, P/OF Carlos Thachar, Brooks Allen and catcher Brady Jacob. After finishing as the SPC 4A Runner-Up last year, watch for the Knights to be hungry in 2026 to reclaim the top spot of the Southwest Preparatory Conference.
OTHERS TO WATCH
The Kinkaid School Falcons (SPC 4A)
Kinkaid rose to the top of the SPC last season. It was the Falcons first title since 2022 and third since 2019. Six starters return for 15th-year coach Steve Maas, including Washington and Lee-commit Carlton Walton and Sewannee-committ Jackson Setrum. Other key returners include All-SPC outfielder Thomas Smith, P Tripp Kneale, OF Matthew Guyton, P Austin Jones, 3B/C Tanner Nyveen, Catcher Jack Harper and OF/1B/P Hudson Zach. “A lot of unproven potential is coming up. We will use a very difficult tournament schedule to see where we are and the areas we need to focus to make a run in April,” Maas said.
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St. Thomas Eagles (TAPPS DI)
St. Thomas is one of the storied private school baseball programs in the city. Last year, the Eagles went 23-14 overall and reached the Regionals Round of the TAPPS Division I playoffs. Adam Massiatte has 307 wins in his coaching career entering this season. Five starters return for Massiatte, including Sewanne-commit and first-team, all-district pick RHP Braden Comstock (6-3, 2.20 ERA, 58 IP). Comstock was also named second-team, all-state. Also returning is second-team, all-district selection RHP Patrick Daily (4-3, 2.00 ERA, 45 IP). At the plate, first-team, all-district OF Jay Marcantel (.330, 17 SB) and second-teamer OF/DH Jackson Ryals (.310, 18 RBIs) will lead the way. Also watch for Henry Beck who projects to have a strong junior year offensively and defensively for the Eagles.
The stars of 2024-25 Episcopal High School Softball
THE FINAL CURTAIN: Previewing the 2025 SPC Spring Championships
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS ALL THE SPC SPRING CHAMPIONSHIPS BRACKETS
EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL
2024-25 Episcopal Baseball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
When it comes to the Southwest Preparatory Conference, few schools match the consistency and excellence of Episcopal High School across multiple sports.
The Knights softball program, in particular, has set the standard—winning seven consecutive SPC titles (excluding the COVID year).
Under head coach Caitlyn Cain, Episcopal enters this postseason as the No. 1 seed with a 19-3 record. The team features a veteran core, including Gianna Lewis and Reagan Moriarty, along with standout sophomore Hayleigh Hubbard—all of whom earned All-SPC honors last season.
If things go to plan, the Knights will compete for their eighth straight title in the championship game this Saturday at 12:30 PM at St. John’s School.
On the baseball diamond, head coach Matt Fox has his team poised for a title run of their own.
After falling just short to St. John’s, 6-4, in last year’s SPC-4A final, Episcopal is hungry to reclaim the crown.
Despite battling injuries this spring, the Knights remain a contender. A win over St. Mark’s today could set up a highly anticipated semifinal rematch against SJS, pending their result against St. Stephen’s Episcopal.
The SPC championship game is scheduled for Saturday at 1:30 PM on Episcopal’s home field.
Episcopal’s Track & Field team, led by coach Isaiah Coleman, is also primed for a strong showing. After a competitive spring season, the Knights bring a deep and talented roster to the SPC Championships, which run Friday through Saturday at the Awty Sports Complex.
Athletes to watch include Emilia Sanchez, Nico Curtin, Cecilia Bass, Walker Vaden, Sophia Cormier, Jasmine Jones, Ryder Linebarger, Ashley Conoscenti, Marshal Garza, Isabella DeGrange, DeVonte Taylor, and Addison Cassens—all of whom are expected to make an impact across various events.
With championship ambitions across multiple programs, Episcopal once again proves why it’s one of the most respected athletic institutions in the SPC.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2024-25 Episcopal Girls Track & Field
HOUSTON CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL
Some of the stars of 2024-25 Houston Christian Softball w/ Head Coach Kyle Pickett
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Houston Christian is once again well-represented in the Southwest Preparatory Conference Championships, with multiple teams poised to compete at a high level across softball, baseball, track & field, and tennis.
The Lady Mustangs softball program has put together another strong season, entering the SPC playoffs as the No. 5 seed with a 16-10 record. Led by head coach Kyle Pickett, the team is powered by a dynamic lineup that includes standout freshman Yazmine Johnson, along with key contributors MC Been, Quincy Zoretic, Maddie Pickett, Lily Herveat, Emmy Koehler, and pitcher Millie Metz.
They open their playoff campaign Friday morning at 10:00 AM against Greenhill at St. John’s School. A win would send them into a challenging second-round matchup later that day against the winner of the Episcopal-TBD contest.
On the baseball side, head coach Terry Pirtle has guided the Mustangs to a solid 16-12 mark heading into the postseason. Houston Christian faces Greenhill in Thursday’s opening round, with top players like Kaden Worley, Hudson Davenport, Thomas Frank, Kirby Orth, and Jeb Burkhart all expected to play key roles. A win would earn them a spot against No. 1 seed Kinkaid on Friday at 5:30 PM, hosted at Episcopal High School.
The Mustangs track & field team, under the leadership of coach CJay Brown, also carries high expectations into the SPC Championships. A well-rounded roster of top athletes—including Eloise du Vigneaud, Sam CdeBaca, McKayla Childs, Lea Garcia, Greg Guidry, Sophia Lusk, Alexander Bartholomew, Bekah Gerard, and Joel Ortiz—will look to make their presence known in a variety of events. The competition runs Friday and Saturday at Awty International School.
Rounding out the weekend, Houston Christian’s tennis program—coached by Di Akina—aims to leave its mark in the SPC Tournament, which culminates with the finals held at Rice University on Saturday.
With talent, preparation, and postseason experience across the board, Houston Christian continues to set a high standard among Houston-area private schools.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Some of the stars of 2024-25 Houston Christian Baseball
THE KINKAID SCHOOL
Kinkaid's Jack Paris
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
The Kinkaid School is primed to make a strong showing at the SPC Championships this weekend, with top-tier representation across all walks of spring competition.
On the diamond, the Falcons baseball program enters the postseason as the No. 1 seed with an impressive 25-8 record under head coach Steve Maas.
With a deep, balanced roster featuring Texas-signee Jack Paris, along with LJ Layhew (Rice), Marcus Harris (Texas Southern), Isaac Ly, Max Roeder, and Thomas Smith, Kinkaid has its sights set on reclaiming the SPC title for the first time since 2022.
They will face the winner of Houston Christian vs. Greenhill in Friday’s semifinal at 5:30 PM, with the championship game slated for Saturday—both hosted at Episcopal High School.
The softball program, coached by Haley Outon, is also poised for a competitive run, as they enter the brackets as the No. 3 seed with a 9-8-1 record and a promising young core.
Sophomores Lindley Bowman and Lauren Gibson—both 2024 All-SPC selections—are joined by junior Audrey Jones and a standout freshman class that includes Lucy Burke, Ramsey Landry, Sydney Reichman, and Lillian Slania.
The Falcons begin their title pursuit Friday at 12:30 PM against the winner of the St. John’s vs. Duchesne Academy game at St. John’s School, looking to unseat an Episcopal team that has dominated the championship for the past seven seasons.
On the track, Kinkaid will be a team to watch. The boys’ squad is led by coach John Beckwith, while the girls compete under Ken Conner.
Key athletes include Maddy Billipp, Ethan Williams, Caroline Raynes, Rob Satcher, Sydney Marshall, Darnell Joseph, Maya Bernal, William Donnelly, and Kamdyn Flora. Events begin Friday morning at the Awty Sports Complex and conclude Saturday afternoon.
Kinkaid Tennis also enters the weekend with high expectations.
Head coach Stacey Marshall leads a program that saw the girls claim last year’s SPC title and the boys reach the semifinals. Junior Jasmine Nguyen and senior Gabriel Xu headline the roster, as both teams aim for a spot in Saturday’s finals at Rice University, following Friday’s semifinals at St. John’s.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Some of the stars of 2024-25 Kinkaid Softball
ST. JOHN'S SCHOOL
Doug Brown (VYPE)
St. John’s School heads into SPC Championship weekend with momentum across several sports, aiming to build on its strong tradition of excellence.
Beginning with the baseball portion of the weekend, the Mavericks look to defend their 2024 SPC-4A title. Under the leadership of head coach Clint Everts, St. John’s enters the postseason as the No. 2 seed, boasting a 10-11 overall record but an impressive 3-1 mark in district play.
Their opening-round matchup is set for Thursday night at 6:30 PM against St. Stephen’s Episcopal, hosted at The Kinkaid School. Should they advance, the championship game will be held Saturday at 1:30 PM at Episcopal High School.
The SJS softball team is also poised for a competitive run. After reaching the semifinals last year, the Mavericks are looking to go even further this season.
Head coach Isis Amao has guided her team to an 8-5-1 record, with key contributions from All-SPC honorees Avery Peakes and Ally Hong, along with standouts Yutia Li, Melanie Chen, Gabby Sherrill, and Sophie Phillpott.
Their playoff journey begins Thursday night at 6:30 PM against Duchesne Academy. A win would send them into a Friday showdown with Kinkaid at 12:30 PM, with the championship set for Saturday on their home field.
On the track, St. John’s brings a deep and talented squad to this year’s SPC Meet, held Friday and Saturday at the Awty Sports Complex. Head coach Richie Mercado will lead a balanced group, with standout athletes such as Taylor Synnott, Thea Popovic, Bianca Sieler, Valentina Doss, and Dylan Davis on the girls’ side, and Andrew Wasserman, Marshall Dunahoe, Jay Woodhouse, Akash McCracken, Maxwell Martin, and Tony Thomas leading the boys.
In tennis, both the boys’ and girls’ teams are well-positioned for success.
The boys, coached by Sam Chambers, enter as the tournament’s No. 1 seed, while the girls, under coach Zeze De Moura, are seeded second. Both squads will aim to reach the finals at Rice University and challenge perennial contenders St. Stephen’s and Kinkaid, respectively.
Alex Hinson (VYPE)
