GAMES
RANKINGS
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 goes BACK-2-BACK
Alex Hinson (VYPE)
Guided by head coach Rachel Stelter, 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 11-0 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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CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RESULTS OF THE 2025-26 SPC CHAMPIONSHIPS
Tomball Sr. IF/RHP CJ Sampson (Texas A&M signee)
BETWEEN THE LINES: Tomball Phenom Sampson Owns His Legacy and Acclaim
The Cougars themselves have become a force to be reckoned with. Tomball went 34-7-1 in 2025, peaking with a trip to Dell Diamond for the program’s second consecutive UIL State Final appearance. That said, the quest for successive championships ended in a narrow 5-4 loss to Kingwood—a heartbreak that only seemed to reinforce Sampson’s competitive edge.
“Obviously we didn’t achieve what we thought was the expectation – which is to win another championship,” Sampson said. “But even after losing a few guys over the offseason, this team is very junior-heavy and experienced, which gives us a lot of confidence. I’m just excited to see what they can do.”
The stars of 2025-26 Tomball BaseballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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Sampson’s impact extends beyond statistics. Having been coached and trained from a young age by his father, former Houston Astros pitcher Chris Sampson, he has developed a baseball IQ and poise rare for his age.
“He’s been a tremendous influence on me, both on and off the field,” Sampson said. “The most important thing has been the knowledge he’s shared—especially how to compose myself and the kind of character that works best with teammates, coaches, and scouts.”
Leadership is another hallmark of Sampson’s game. With a roster featuring a mix of juniors and underclassmen, he has fully embraced his position as a mentor.
“We were freshmen on varsity, so there’s plenty of familiarity regarding the culture here at Tomball High School. From there, it’s just about being able to step up in that leadership role for them and teach them the way. I’ve been there, done that, so it’s at this point where I can really get rolling and pass it on,” he said.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Even with the spotlight on him as a high-profile recruit, Sampson remains grounded.
“Ever since I was young I’ve been trained to keep the outside distractions where they are and just focus between the lines,” he said. “People are going to have their opinions, so you just have to stay in your lane and within yourself. Especially with this being my senior year, doubters are going to question our ability to reach State again, and we’re going to prove them wrong.”
From Tomball to Texas A&M, and now on the cusp of another prospective run toward Round Rock, Sampson’s journey stands as a masterclass in where aptitude meets discipline.
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