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Second Baptist claims it second straight TAPPS 5A State crown
ABOVE THE RIM: Recap of the 2025-26 TAPPS Basketball State Championships
TAPPS 6A BOYS -- Parish overpowers TMI Episcopal to secure 2nd crown in 3 years
2025-26 Parish Episcopal Basketball
Rebecca Deragon (VYPE)
In its third consecutive trip to the TAPPS 6A State Final, Parish Episcopal delivered a composed, commanding performance, pulling away from TMI Episcopal for a 62-48 victory Saturday in Waco. The triumph marked a second title in three seasons for head coach Ahmad Ajami, as the Panthers capped the winter at 21-7 overall.
Senior forward Hudson Lucas and guards Antoine Almuttar and Armon Almuttar each earned State All-Tournament honors, underscoring the balanced firepower and poise that fueled Parish’s championship run.
TAPPS 6A GIRLS -- The Village School dethrones Prestonwood Christian
Under head coach Jason Cantwell, The Village School Lady Vikings (30-6) powered through the TAPPS 6A bracket, eliminating St. Michael’s, Savio, and Antonian before sealing their run with a commanding 70-56 victory over defending champion Prestonwood Christian Academy to claim the state crown.
Moments after the final buzzer, senior guard Shaniya Williams and sophomores Nyla Singleton and Candice Tsiang earned All-Tournament selections, reflecting the team’s balance and composure on the biggest stage. Sophomore point guard Toni Ademuwagun also proved instrumental, pacing the Vikings at nearly 13 points per game and providing a steady offensive presence throughout the winter.
TAPPS 5A BOYS -- Second Baptist captures back-to-back titles with dominant win over Grace Prep
The stars of 2025-26 Second Baptist School Basketball
Matt Powell (VYPE)
SBS fulfilled its repeat ambitions, cementing the Eagles’ status as one of the state’s premier programs — and a dominant force within the private school ranks. The 31-4 squad rolled past Grace Prep 79-56 on Saturday, securing back-to-back TAPPS 5A state championships and marking the program’s fifth all-time crown.
It’s no secret who fueled head coach Taylor Land’s Second Baptist engine. Junior guard Reese Alston continued to light up the scoreboard all season, averaging 23 points per game, while Navy-bound senior Shia Francis provided the thunder to Alston’s lightning. Both earned All-Tournament honors, joined by sophomore big man Kaiden Smith, a genuine star on the rise. Junior wing Will Goolsby also deserves recognition for his steady scoring presence throughout 2026.
TAPPS 5A GIRLS -- Southwest Christian edges St. Mary's Hall for consecutive state crown
In one of the most electric finales of the weekend, Southwest Christian erased a 10-point deficit against St. Mary’s Hall with fewer than four minutes remaining in the TAPPS 5A championship, ultimately flipping the script for a 46-43 victory. The Eagles (32-8), led by Fred Jones, captured their second consecutive title and brought the team’s fourth state banner back to Fort Worth.
When all was said and done, All-Tournament honors were presented to junior combo guard Maley Campbell, senior Serenity Massey, and freshman Makay Campbell.
TAPPS 4A BOYS -- McKinney Christian completes historic run against Westbury Christian
Wrapping up the season on a 22-game winning streak, McKinney Christian Academy completed a flawless run to the TAPPS 4A title. The championship game ended in a decisive 49-31 victory over Westbury Christian, marking head coach Fonzo Martinez’s latest triumph and capping an impressive 39-1 campaign for the Mustangs.
The Mustangs’ dominance was reflected in the All-Tournament honors, with seniors Jaydan Vicknair and Manny Weaver, along with junior forward Diego Landin, earning recognition for their pivotal roles. Westbury Christian also placed players on the list, including Dan Mangala Jr., Jayvien Cummings, and freshman Carter Guillory.
Westbury Christian Jr. PF Dan Mangala Jr. (All-Tournament Team)
Bryan Guevara (VYPE)
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The stars of 2025-26 Fort Bend Marshall Basketball
HOOPS HIERARCHY: Seven Lakes, Marshall, SBS Top the Charts in VYPE Houston Rankings past midseason
Seven Lakes (25-0) has been the model of consistency, rolling into January unbeaten behind a balanced rotation that has made nightly adjustments nearly impossible for opponents. Atascocita (16-6) remains close behind, with its only local blemish coming in a one-point loss to the Spartans in the season opener.
Just below that tier, Pearland (21-2), Dickinson (18-5), and Klein Oak (19-3) have surged through district play and now look well-positioned to secure league titles, setting the stage for deep playoff pushes if current form holds.
Elsewhere in the classification, depth across the rankings continues to stand out. Cypress Falls has quietly established itself as a steady district leader, while Shadow Creek’s athleticism and experience have kept it firmly in the mix.
North Shore, after a challenging non-district slate, appears to be rounding into form as games tighten, and Grand Oaks has proven capable of making timely runs when momentum swings. The middle of the rankings remains fluid, with several teams capable of reshuffling the order as district races intensify.
In 5A, continuity and timing have been key themes. Fort Bend Marshall (17-7) has picked up right where it left off last March, using its postseason experience to navigate early district play with confidence.
Friendswood (20-7) and Iowa Colony (19-6) are tracking on parallel paths, each showing resilience and balance while eyeing a critical stretch that could decide district positioning. Baytown Sterling (20-5) and Madison (16-5) have emerged as welcome surprises, flashing upside that suggests neither will be an easy out come playoff time.
The private school ranks remain headlined by proven power. Second Baptist (21-2) continues to overwhelm opponents behind elite production and depth, while Houston Christian’s near-perfect (27-1) campaign has kept it squarely in championship conversations. With programs like Kinkaid and Episcopal lurking, however, little is guaranteed as the season moves toward its final act.
As district races tighten, the coming weeks promise clarity—and plenty of volatility—across every classification.
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Seven Lakes Spartans
Matt Powell (VYPE)
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VYPE Houston Updated Boys Basketball Rankings -- January 2026
6A TOP-20
1. Seven Lakes Spartans -- 25-0 // 8-0 in District 19-6A
2. Atascocita Eagles -- 16-6 // 4-0 in 23-6A
3. Pearland Oilers -- 21-2 // 7-0 in 22-6A
4. Dickinson Gators -- 18-5 // 4-0 in 24-6A
5. Klein Oak Panthers -- 19-3 // 7-0 in 15-6A
6. Cypress Springs Panthers -- 20-4 // 3-1 in 16-6A
7. Cypress Falls Eagles -- 16-5 // 4-0 in 17-6A
8. North Shore Mustangs -- 19-5 // 3-1 in 23-6A
9. Shadow Creek Sharks -- 14-6 // 6-1 in 22-6A
10. Hightower Hurricanes -- 19-5 // 3-1 in 21-6A
11. Grand Oaks Grizzlies -- 17-8 // 6-1 in 13-6A
12. Fort Bend Travis Tigers -- 19-4 // 3-1 in 21-6A
13. Katy Jordan Warriors -- 16-8 // 4-3 in 19-6A
14. Tompkins Falcons -- 17-6 // 5-2 in 19-6A
15. Clear Brook Wolverines -- 19-5 // 1-3 in 24-6A
16. Heights Bulldogs -- 19-5 // 3-0 in 18-6A
17. The Woodlands Highlanders -- 16-6 // 6-1 in 13-6A
18. Summer Creek Bulldogs -- 12-9 // 3-1 in 23-6A
19. College Park Cavaliers -- 17-9 // 5-2 in 13-6A
20. Clear Springs Chargers -- 15-8 // 3-1 in 24-6A
Others to Watch: Strake Jesuit Crusaders (20-6A), Katy Tigers (19-6A), Cypress Woods Wildcats (16-6A), Cinco Ranch Cougars (19-6A), Alief Taylor Lions (20-6A), C.E. King Panthers (23-6A), Clear Lake Falcons (24-6A), Dawson Eagles (22-6A), FB Elkins Knights (21-6A), Cypress Ranch Mustangs (16-6A), Foster Falcons (20-6A), Clements Rangers (21-6A), Humble Wildcats (23-6A), Westside Wolves (18-6A)
5A TOP-5
1. Fort Bend Marshall Buffalos -- 17-7 // 4-0 in District 22-5A
2. Friendswood Mustangs -- 20-7 // 3-1 in 20-5A
3. Iowa Colony Pioneers -- 19-6 // 3-0 in 20-5A
4. Baytown Sterling Rangers -- 20-5 // 2-2 in 19-5A
5. Madison Marlins -- 16-5 // 7-0 in 21-5A
Others to Watch: Angleton Wildcats (20-5A), Barbers Hill Eagles (19-5A), La Porte Bulldogs (20-5A), West Fork Gators (18-5A), Crosby Cougars (18-5A)
1. Second Baptist Eagles (TAPPS-5A) -- 21-2
2. Houston Christian Mustangs (SPC-4A) -- 27-1
3. St. Thomas Episcopal Saints (TAPPS-4A) -- 18-7
4. The Kinkaid School Falcons (SPC-4A) -- 23-5
5. Episcopal Knights (SPC-4A) -- 16-7
Others to Watch: Westbury Christian Wildcats (TAPPS-4A), TWCA Warriors (TAPPS-5A), FBCA Eagles (TAPPS-5A)