GAMES
RANKINGS
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)
Second Baptist's Reese Alston
BEYOND THE SHADOW: “Lil Skip” Alston mutes doubters, building legacy at SBS
The junior point guard for Second Baptist is steadily shaping a modernized reputation on the court, showcasing consistency and
an ability to thrive in high-pressure moments.
Standing 6-foot-2, Alston racked up 763 points, 187 assists, 154 rebounds, and 88 steals last season, helping the Eagles secure a 33-4 record and a commanding 65-47 victory over Grace Prep in the TAPPS-5A State Championship—the program’s fourth overall title and first since 2018.
Postseason recognition followed, with Alston collecting TAPPS-5A Player of the Year, District MVP, and State Tournament MVP honors. From a recruiting standpoint, the four-star prospect has drawn interest from D1 powers including Purdue, Houston, Kentucky, and Texas Tech, among a host of others, signaling that his recruitment is reaching national heights.
Matt Powell (VYPE)
While his pedigree and skill are impressive, Alston credits his father’s guidance for shaping both his approach to the game.
“He’s coached me all my life, since my AAU days. One of the biggest things he’s instilled in me is a sense of unwavering focus,” Alston said. “Similar to what my Dad faced in his career, there are going to be doubters and haters along the way. But he taught me that I need to just keep putting in the work behind the scenes, and let all the noise roll off my back in order to overcome that.”
Alston also excels under the attention that comes with being the No. 3-ranked player in Texas.
“Honestly, I like the hostile environment that comes with the spot I’m in,” he said. “If you get that kind of attention and pressure, it usually means you’re doing something right. It’s easy to get distracted. But, I think that I’ve been able to handle those moments pretty well up to this point, and I’m ready for the ones that are ahead.”
When it comes to preparation, “Lil Skip” keeps it simple.
“I try not to over think it or get too locked in before games,” he said. “For me, the best way to get in the right headspace is just hanging out with the guys—usually listening to Kodak Black, Chief Keef, and Drake while we warm up.”
2025-26 Second Baptist BasketballMatt Powell (VYPE)
Now that Second Baptist begins its title defense, the target on their backs is larger than ever.
“Coach (Taylor Land) told us that it won’t be easy and that there are definitely going to be some teams who play that much harder against us because of it,” Alston said. “So, this year is about getting everyone prepared for the adversity we’ll face and being ready to show how we respond.”
For Reese Alston, it’s about more than continuing a family legacy. It’s about evolving his own—one shot, one game, and one championship run at a time.
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