GAMES
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RANKINGS
The featured standouts of the 2026-27 Iowa Colony Pioneers basketball team.
BUCKET LIST: Boys 5A Top 5 | 2026-27 VYPE Houston Hoops Preseason Rankings
4. Fort Bend Marshall Buffalos
5. Lake Creek Lions
Others to Watch: Angleton Wildcats, Freeman Golden Eagles, Kingwood Park Panthers, La Porte Bulldogs, Madison Marlins, Randle Lions, West Fork Gators
Almeta Crawford Chargers
Photo by Matt Powell (VYPE)
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1. Iowa Colony Pioneers
In addition to reclaiming the district title, Iowa Colony advanced three rounds into the playoffs before Fort Bend Marshall brought its impressive showing to a close, with the Pioneers finishing 29-8 overall. Despite that conclusion, IC is rightfully generating plenty of hype heading into this winter, armed with a balanced roster capable of replicating its remarkable 2024 State Final Four appearance. Stratford transfer Chris “CJ” Williams (Sr. G) provides exceptional shooting range, while 6-foot-6 Cameron Leftwich (Sr. F) offers a formidable scoring presence inside. Second-team all-district pick Chris Forbes (Sr. G) and reigning District 20-5A Newcomer of the Year Justin Thompson (So. G) further bolster the lineup, alongside Kenny Taylor Jr., LaRee Bridges and Larry Wright III. Coach Trent Olivier believes this group can be “really special” provided they “stick together and play as one.”
2. Almeta Crawford Chargers
As H-Town’s lone representative to compete in the Alamodome this past March, Crawford’s 2026 showing was nothing short of monumental. From capturing their first district title to making their inaugural appearance in the UIL State Championship, the Chargers (31-7) firmly announced their arrival among the city's elite. Now, head coach Chris Iles and last year’s 4A Division I runner-up are looking to extend their remarkable ascent, this time in the 5A classification amid UIL realignment. The transition should be seamless, especially given the proven caliber of players who will allow Almeta Crawford to continue to “Be The Standard,” as Iles puts it. First-team all-district selections Bryce Vann and Lakeevis Hunt, both seniors, keep the offense firing alongside second-team juniors Dylon Younger and Kevin Green. Meanwhile, reigning District Defensive Player of the Year Darrion Boyd anchors the Chargers' physicality on the other end of the floor, with junior Chasen Edwards also expected to see meaningful minutes.
3. Friendswood Mustangs
Friendswood's 27-9 record spoke volumes about the Mustangs' capabilities last season, though a first-round meeting with eventual state finalist Beaumont United brought their postseason ambitions to an abrupt end. Even so, there's plenty of reason for optimism as head coach Danny Russell steps into his fourth year at the helm. Chief among them is the highly anticipated return of four-star point guard and Texas A&M commit Chase Richardson (Sr.), who missed much of last season due to injury. He'll share the backcourt with Cash Clark (So.), a dynamic playmaker who garnered first-team all-district recognition as a freshman. Junior Peyton Lowe lends considerable size to the rotation, while senior forward Connor Owens could be primed for a breakout showing of his own.
4. Fort Bend Marshall Buffalos
It’s virtually a guarantee that the Buffs will punch their ticket to the playoffs, evidenced by their fifth consecutive undefeated district title last winter. Though keeping that streak alive could prove more challenging with Crawford joining the district slate, the UIL brackets are where coach Ronnie Courtney and company tend to save their best basketball. Coming off a trip to the Region III Final, where Marshall (30-8) fell to Beaumont United, the Buffalos are embracing “a different style this year,” according to Courtney, with a particular emphasis on defense. Headlining this new-look roster are a pair of all-district honorable mentions in junior Andre Rubin Jr. and senior Christopher Dickerson. They'll shore up the backcourt alongside E’Marion Wilkerson, while forwards Xavier Autrey and Jerome Love bolster both ends of the floor. Additionally, expect freshman guard James Smith to make an immediate impression at the varsity level.
5. Lake Creek Lions
Collectively, Lake Creek pieced together arguably its most productive season during Scott Peak's tenure a year ago. From compiling a 27-8 record and reclaiming the district crown to advancing to the Area Round, all signs point toward the Lions raising the bar once more heading into Peak's fourth year in charge. Point guard Axel Anderson remains the focal point of the attack, looking to build on a junior campaign in which he led the Lions in scoring with 16 points per game, alongside five assists and three rebounds per contest. That production earned Anderson first-team all-district honors, while junior Hunter Laskoskie (12 PPG, 2 APG, 2 RPG) garnered District 17-5A Newcomer of the Year recognition. Then there’s Tysen McMillin, a towering 6-foot-7 sophomore center who appears primed to take center stage. The expectations are clear, and Peak has already supplied the rallying cry: ‘We ’bout to #RiseUP!’
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The featured standouts of the 2026-27 Jack Yates Lions basketball team.
BUCKET LIST: Boys 4A Top 5 | 2026-27 VYPE Houston Hoops Preseason Rankings
4. Stafford Spartans
5. Brazosport Exporters
Others to Watch: Booker T. Washington Eagles, Hitchcock Bulldogs, Willowridge Eagles
Stafford Spartans
Photo by Carmen Agnew (VYPE)
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1. Wheatley Wildcats
Wheatley made its mark on the state stage last season, advancing to the Class 4A Division II State Semifinals under head coach David Burrell (118-55). Entering his sixth year leading the boys program — and second simultaneously overseeing the girls — Burrell welcomes back three starters as the Wildcats pursue their fourth consecutive playoff berth. All-district standout Peter Dorsey headlines the returning talent after averaging an impressive 18.2 PPG, 7 RPG, 4 APG, 3 SPG and 1 BPG. Second-team selection Micah Green (7 PPG, 2.4 SPG) and Damarion Parrish (6.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG) provide veteran experience, while Maurice Dorsey, a Top 100-ranked Houston freshman, adds another intriguing dimension to the lineup. Pressure defense, discipline and a team-first mentality will be central to Wheatley's approach in 2026-27. The Wildcats have their sights set on another trip to the State Semifinals — and perhaps an even bigger breakthrough.
2. Yates Lions
Here come the Lions, who posted an impressive 27-3 record last season and look to make some noise once again under head coach Greg Wise. Returning starter La’Marr Henley will help lead the charge, while Norris Birdsong and Dievontrea “Trae” Boone are other players to watch. The Lions will embrace the motto “Never Get Outworked” in 2026-27, emphasizing discipline, coachability and a relentless competitive spirit. Wise expects his squad to embody a “Lionhearted” mentality as they set their sights on another trip to the Alamodome.
3. La Marque Cougars
The La Marque Cougars reached the game every coach and player strives for — the last one. Following a remarkable 41-2 season that ended in the Class 4A Division II State Championship game, head coach Kevin Wilcox (227-93) faces the challenge of retooling a roster featuring just one returning starter. Fortunately, that starter is reigning District MVP Malcolm McNair, a first-team all-state and State All-Tournament selection who averaged 19.5 PPG, 4.2 APG, 3.8 RPG and 3.3 SPG. First-team all-district pick Kylen Winn (7.3 PPG, 4.5 APG, 5.8 RPG, 3.5 SPG) and second-team selection Charles Douglas (7.9 PPG, 2 APG, 3.8 RPG, 2.9 SPG) provide additional firepower. Jasiya Johnson, Kevin Boone, Dorian Burton, Christian Truitt and Javion Williams also figure into the equation. Discipline, defensive intensity and attention to detail will be paramount as La Marque looks to turn last year's state runner-up finish into a championship breakthrough.
4. Stafford Spartans
Stafford is coming off an impressive 30-win season that saw the Spartans advance to the Regional Semifinals. Entering his ninth year at the helm, head coach David Montano (230-67) faces a considerable challenge with no returning starters in 2026-27. District 21-4A honorable mention selection Cameron Moore figures to assume a larger role, bringing quickness off the dribble and a knack for attacking the rim. Dashaun Goodley, who missed last season due to injury, provides a high-energy presence on both ends of the floor, while Steven Omokaro is another name to watch. For Stafford to sustain its winning ways, Montano will demand relentless defensive pressure and a collective commitment to the glass. Every possession will matter, particularly for a retooled squad looking to establish its identity through effort and mental toughness.
5. Brazosport Exporters
The Exporters have plenty of experience to build around in 2026-27, having posted a 29-10 record last season with four starters now back in the fold under head coach Jordan Rose. Cameron Hinton, Nijel Perry, LaMarrio Kersee and Isaiah Leija headline the returning talent as the Exporters look to establish an identity rooted in physicality, discipline and collective effort. “Our 2026 team will be defined by toughness. We want to be the most physical, disciplined, and relentless team on the floor,” Rose said. For Rose, that mentality extends beyond the scoreboard. Every possession must be earned, and playing for one another will be central to the Exporters' approach.