GAMES
RANKINGS
Cibolo Steele Knights (2025 UIL 6A-D1 State Semifinalists)
THE STATUS: VYPE SATX Preseason GBB Rankings; Steele, Wagner, Judson among early elite
Steele sets the early tone after breaking through for its first UIL Final Four appearance since 2016, a milestone that reestablished the program among the state’s elite.
The same can be said for 5A powerhouse Wagner, which not only returned to the State Tournament for the sixth time since 2008, but also made its long-awaited debut in the title game.
Judson, coming off a pristine 36-2 campaign, enters with a clear sense of urgency to push past last year’s third-round exit. Another thing the San Antonio area can confidently point to is a strong slate of Regional Finalists — Brennan (6A-D1), San Marcos (6A-D2), Pieper (5A-D1), and Davenport (4A-D1).
Rounding out the mix are several battle-tested 6A squads — including Johnson, Sotomayor, and O’Connor — each capable of shaping the season’s trajectory.
If the previous campaign hinted at anything, it’s that this region’s blend of depth, experience, and upward-trending programs should once again make it one of the state’s most intriguing battlegrounds.
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SA Wagner Thunderbirds (2025 UIL 5A-D1 State Finalists)
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*Last section indicates 2025 result
VYPE San Antonio Combined (6A-4A) Top-10 Girls Basketball Rankings -- 2025-26 PRESEASON
1. Cibolo Steele Knights (6A) -- 27-8 (9-3 in District 29-6A) // UIL 6A-D1 State Semifinalists*
2. Wagner Thunderbirds (5A) -- 34-4 (15-1 in 26-5A) // UIL 5A-D1 State Finalists*
3. Judson Rockets (6A) -- 36-2 (12-0 in 29-6A) // 6A-D2 Regional Semifinalists
4. Brennan Bears (6A) -- 26-10 (14-2 in 28-6A) // 6A-D1 Region 4 Finalists
5. San Marcos Rattlers (6A) -- 27-9 (9-3 in 29-6A) // 6A-D2 Region 4 Finalists
6. Pieper Warriors (5A) -- 28-7 (15-1 in 26-5A) // 5A-D1 Region 4 Finalists
7. SA Johnson Jaguars (6A) -- 23-13 (8-6 in 27-6A) // Bi-District Finalists
8. Davenport Wolves (4A) -- 26-10 (7-3 in 26-4A) // 4A-D1 Region 4 Finalists
9. Sotomayor Wildcats (6A) -- 26-9 (15-1 in 28-6A) // Area Round Finalists
10. O'Connor Panthers (6A) -- 19-15 (11-5 in 28-6A) // Bi-District Finalists
Others to Watch: Churchill Chargers (27-6A), Clark Cougars (27-6A), Harlan Hawks (28-6A), SA McCollum Cowboys (28-5A), Sam Houston Hurricanes (28-5A)
Judson Rockets
VYPE DFW/SATX Game of the Week: Denton Ryan vs. SA Wagner (UIL 5A-D1 GBB State Final) Preview
This year’s championship matchup is historic, with both Denton Ryan and San Antonio Wagner making their first-ever appearances in the title game.
For Denton Ryan, the breakthrough came earlier this week when the Raiders dominated Red Oak 50-31 in their State Tournament debut.
Led by head coach Monesha Allen, Ryan boasts an impressive 31-7 record, built on an explosive offense that averages over 60 points per game and a suffocating defense holding opponents under 37 points per contest.
While Ryan’s depth has been key all season, the trio of juniors—Kaylin Jackson (F), Zaviyana Madison (PG), and Kinley Lewis (F)—has been exceptional. The three combined for 41 of the team’s 50 points in the semifinal win, proving their ability to step up under pressure.
The Raiders have been underestimated all season, and a championship victory would be the ultimate statement to silence the doubters.
On the other side, Wagner is no stranger to deep playoff runs. The Thunderbirds have now reached the State Tournament six times since the school opened in 2005. However, in their previous five appearances, they fell short in the semifinals—until this year.
Wagner finally broke through with a hard-fought 67-63 overtime victory against Georgetown on Tuesday, earning a long-awaited shot at the title.
Ranked No. 5 in Texas by MaxPreps, coach Annissa Jackson’s squad enters the final riding a 25-game win streak, boasting a near-flawless 34-3 record.
Leading the charge for Wagner is Utah commit Leonna “LA” Sneed (Sr. PG), a dominant two-way player averaging 23 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals per game.
She’s supported by a deep and talented cast, including sophomores Nia McBride (13 ppg, 3 apg, 2 spg) and A’Rielle Williams (8 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 spg), along with senior Jenae Moore (9 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg) and freshman Khiarra Fernandez (5 ppg, 1 rpg, 1 spg).
With Denton Ryan (31-7) and SA Wagner (34-3) set to clash, two programs look to cement their legacies on the season’s biggest stage. The UIL 5A-D1 State Championship tips off at 1:00 PM on Saturday at the Alamodome—with history on the line.