GAMES
RANKINGS
Some of the stars of 2025-26 Houston Christian HS Basketball
BEING ELITE: The Blueprint Behind Houston Christian’s Latest Title Run
“We could tell early on that we had something special,” Crandall said. “A lot of that came from our willingness to connect, starting in the offseason. We read The 7 Commitments of a Great Team together—going through a few pages each day and meeting twice a week to discuss it. That helped us get to know each other on a deeper level than just basketball. It became our focus and built a bond that was unbreakable—and one we were able to sustain.”
Houston Christian adapted The 7 Commitments as a guiding framework, emphasizing commitment to the team’s vision, positivity, continuous improvement, connection, and valuing each other. Those principles evolved into a player-driven mission statement: “Be a Brotherhood that inspires others through our infectious energy and discipline.”
On a broader level, the program’s identity is rooted in its “Be ELITE” mantra, introduced in 2020. More than a call to be superior, ELITE represents Excellence, Love, Identity, Thankfulness, and Enthusiasm.
“A coach told me a long time ago, ‘You are what you emphasize, and you get what you tolerate,’” Crandall said. “We want to be a team that emphasizes more than just going out there to hoop and win games. We want to be the young men God calls us to be, pursuing excellence through the process we follow each day.”
Landon Veal (Jr. F)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The players delivered on that philosophy. Juniors Landon Veal, Josiah “Jojo” McGowen, and Will Arriaga—each All-SPC selections—often proved too much for opponents to handle. Veal’s standout season earned him a Guy V. Lewis Award nomination and Tournament MVP honors, while senior point guard Demetri Lewis, Aiden Pitcaithly, Xavier Gibbons, and Miller Martin each contributed selflessly to the team’s success.
“Everyone has a special role that they bring to the team, and we value what that is,” Crandall said. “Let’s minimize what they can’t do and maximize what they can do. We poured into each other to bring out the very best in everyone to fulfill that role.”
One might assume that winning a championship is the ultimate goal each season, but that’s part of what sets Houston Christian apart.
“We’re not defined by how many championships we win,” Crandall said. “We should be defined by the impact we have on people—that’s what legacy is about. Titles are just an experience you share with that team, but it’s the journey that led there that you’ll always remember.”
For Crandall and his Mustangs, that journey—built on connection, discipline, and shared values—remains the real blueprint of success.
2025-26 Episcopal HS Girls Soccer
THE WRAP: Recapping the 2025-26 SPC Winter Championships; Episcopal, Kinkaid, HCHS flex
4A GIRLS BASKETBALL -- The Kinkaid School REPEATS
Matt Powell (VYPE)
The Lady Falcons have entered dynasty territory. Head coach Stacey Marshall and company capped the winter campaign with a 65-57 victory over Houston Christian on Valentine’s Day, securing back-to-back SPC 4A championships. The triumph not only completed the repeat for, but also delivered the program’s 12th title overall — and its fifth since 2017 — underscoring a sustained run of excellence rather than a fleeting moment at the top.
It’s no secret where the firepower originated for The Kinkaid School during its 30-5 campaign. Anchored by a standout junior class, Ma’Ryiah Alfred, Lauren Hull, Sydney Marshall, Kamdyn Flora, Alexandra Gordon and Victoria Walden proved instrumental in the Falcons’ push to run it back. With each expected back next season, the foundation is firmly in place for a potential three-peat — a prospect that feels far more realistic than speculative.
4A BOYS BASKETBALL -- Houston Christian cruises to the title
Isaiah Vela (VYPE)
The Mustangs embodied their “#BeELITE” mantra — and then some — in 2026, authoring a 35-1 campaign that culminated in a decisive 66-42 win against rival Episcopal in the SPC 4A Championship on Saturday. With the win, Houston Christian claimed its fifth title under head coach Ron Crandall and captured its first ring since the 2022-23 season. The dominant run also vaulted the Mustangs into the Top 5 statewide, according to MaxPreps, further cementing their place among Texas’ elite.
While the All-SPC selections have yet to be announced, much of Houston Christian’s winter success can be traced to a core group that set the tone on both ends of the floor. Tournament MVP Landon Veal (Jr., F) spearheaded the charge, supported by fellow juniors Will Arriaga (F) and Jojo McGowen (G), along with senior guard Demetri Lewis. Together, they anchored a unified, athletic front that consistently dictated tempo and delivered in pivotal moments.
4A GIRLS SOCCER -- Episcopal takes home its second title
Alex Hinson (VYPE)
Guided by head coach Rachel Fox, Episcopal — ranked No. 4 in Texas by MaxPreps — posted a 13-4-1 campaign that peaked at the right moment. The winter concluded with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over defending champion St. Stephen’s Episcopal in the SPC 4A title match.
After falling to St. Stephen’s in last year’s postseason, the Knights exacted a measure of poetic justice while claiming their first championship since 2024 and their second in as many seasons. The narrow score reflected the intensity of the matchup, but Episcopal’s composure under pressure ultimately defined the outcome.
4A BOYS SOCCER -- Episcopal makes it 4 IN A ROW
Alex Hinson (VYPE)
The Episcopal Knights completed a perfect 12-0 season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over St. Stephen’s Episcopal on Saturday, clinching the SPC 4A championship. The low-scoring contest highlighted the Knights’ defensive discipline and composure, allowing them to preserve their unbeaten record.
Under head coach Travis Smith, Episcopal secured its fourth consecutive title and ninth overall, continuing a run of steady success. With fundamentals and team chemistry firing at full strength, the Knights reinforced their standing as one of Texas’ top programs, showing that their achievements are built on consistent performance rather than expectation.
Swimming & Diving
Awty International's Kathelijne Donkers
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
In 3A action, the Awty International Rams captured the girls’ title with 158 points, narrowly edging The John Cooper School, which finished with 122. Standout performances from Kathelijne Donkers, Luciana Craig, and Lena Dwyer anchored Awty’s championship effort. On the boys’ side, John Cooper turned the tables, cruising to a 162.5-point victory behind strong contributions from William Loefell, Noah Frome, Andy Wang, Jack Helm, and Michael Yakovlev.
The 4A meet saw St. Stephen’s Episcopal claim the girls’ crown with 116 points, finishing eight ahead of runner-up Duchesne. Reena Desireddi, Ashna Ross, and Campbell Walker were key in maintaining the Spartans’ edge. Meanwhile, the St. Mark’s Lions dominated the boys’ competition, compiling 162 points to secure the championship, with standout performances from Armaan Newaskar, Ethan Wang, Ilan Gunawardena, and Oliver Geheb.
ELSEWHERE IN THE SPC CHAMPIONSHIPS
The 2025-26 St. John's School Wrestling team
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
WRESTLING
Champion*: St. John’s School Mavericks
Runner-Up: The Kinkaid School Falcons
SPC 3A GIRLS BASKETBALL
Champion*: Episcopal School of Dallas Eagles
Runner-Up: The John Cooper School Dragons
FINAL SCORE: 36-34
SPC 3A BOYS BASKETBALL
Champion*: Episcopal School of Dallas Eagles
Runner-Up: Fort Worth Country Day Falcons
FINAL SCORE: 61-55
SPC 3A GIRLS SOCCER
Champion*: Trinity Valley Trojans
Runner-Up: Episcopal School of Dallas Eagles
FINAL SCORE: 6-0
SPC 3A BOYS SOCCER
Champion*: TBD – Cistercian Prep vs. Episcopal School of Dallas taking place on 2/17 @ 6:00 PM
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