23. Aldine Mustangs (6A)

Johnny Toups is building something real at Aldine High School — right where it all began for him. The Mustangs rolled to a 20-5 record last season, went 13-1 in district play and captured back-to-back district titles, cementing themselves as one of the area’s rising programs. Their postseason run ended in the first round against Conroe, but not quietly. Aldine pushed the Tigers to three hard-fought games, leaving little doubt they belonged on the same field. The cupboard is far from bare. District MVP Jansyel Barbosa returns behind the plate, anchoring the lineup and the defense, while brothers Isaiah and Gabriel Nunez give the Mustangs proven, reliable arms on the mound. “It’s all about accountability and discipline here,” Toups said. “We’re a well-rounded, goal-oriented team. Everything we do has a purpose. The goal is to get back to that Conroe ISD district matchup in the first round — and to start building a district dynasty here.”