GAMES
RANKINGS
Summer Creek's Addison Martin & Kennedy Simpson
THE STATUS: VYPE Houston GBB Rankings heat up as February nears; Summer Creek, Dawson, Barbers Hill rolling
If there’s a district that best embodies volatility and depth, it’s 22-6A. Dawson, Shadow Creek, and Manvel have turned league play into a weekly chess match, with Dawson currently holding a narrow edge thanks to a pivotal head-to-head win and tiebreaker positioning. That race, much like several others across the region, appears destined to be decided late.
Elsewhere in 6A, competitive groupings have emerged in 19-6A, 17-6A, and 16-6A, where parity reigns supreme. Seven Lakes remains a fixture near the top, while Cy Creek and Cy Springs continue to assert themselves through balanced play. Hightower, Klein Collins, and C.E. King round out a tier of programs capable of disrupting any bracket draw, given their athleticism and depth.
In Class 5A, Barbers Hill has wasted little time reestablishing itself as a force capable of another State run. The Eagles’ 23-3 start includes several wins over 6A competition, underscoring just how transferable their success has been. La Porte and Iowa Colony remain firmly in the mix, while Montgomery and Porter headline a group of early contenders still finding their ceiling.
On the private school side, Kinkaid appears to be on a familiar trajectory. The Falcons sit in strong position as SPC-4A play unfolds, though Houston Christian looms with a roster built to challenge that path.
As district races tighten and stakes rise, the separation between contenders and pretenders will only grow clearer in the weeks ahead.
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Dawson Eagles
Isaiah Vela (VYPE)
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VYPE Houston Updated Girls Basketball Rankings -- January 2026
6A TOP-20
1. Summer Creek Bulldogs -- 20-4 // 6-0 in District 23-6A
2. Dawson Eagles -- 26-2 // 8-1 in 22-6A
3. Shadow Creek Sharks -- 23-3 // 8-1 in 22-6A
4. Hightower Hurricanes -- 20-3 // 5-1 in 21-6A
5. Seven Lakes Spartans -- 22-6 // 8-1 in 19-6A
6. Manvel Mavericks -- 24-4 // 7-2 in 22-6A
7. Klein Collins Tigers -- 20-4 // 9-0 in 15-6A
8. C.E. King Panthers -- 23-5 // 5-1 in 23-6A
9. Cypress Creek Cougars -- 22-5 // 6-0 in 17-6A
10. Cypress Springs Panthers -- 13-8 // 6-0 in 16-6A
11. Grand Oaks Grizzlies -- 19-4 // 9-0 in 13-6A
12. Cypress Lakes Spartans -- 22-4 // 5-1 in 16-6A
13. Katy Jordan Warriors -- 18-5 // 7-2 in 19-6A
14. Katy Taylor Mustangs -- 22-4 // 7-2 in 19-6A
15. Memorial Mustangs -- 19-7 // 5-1 in 17-6A
16. Katy Tigers -- 17-8 // 6-3 in 19-6A
17. Cypress Falls Eagles -- 18-6 // 4-2 in 17-6A
18. Clear Falls Knights -- 20-6 // 5-1 in 24-6A
19. Fort Bend Travis Tigers -- 20-6 // 6-0 in 21-6A
20. North Shore Mustangs -- 16-8 // 5-1 in 23-6A
Others to Watch: The Woodlands Highlanders (13-6A), Langham Creek Lobos (16-6A), Cypress Ranch Mustangs (16-6A), Alief Elsik Rams (20-6A), Deer Park Deer (24-6A), Klein Oak Panthers (15-6A), Fulshear Chargers (20-6A), Kingwood Mustangs (23-6A), Tomball Cougars (15-6A), Clear Creek Wildcats (24-6A), Stratford Spartans (17-6A), Pearland Oilers (22-6A),Conroe Tigers (13-6A), Foster Falcons (20-6A)
5A TOP-5
1. Barbers Hill Eagles -- 23-3 // 6-0 in District 19-5A
2. La Porte Bulldogs -- 21-6 // 5-1 in 20-5A
3. Montgomery Bears -- 19-6 // 4-1 in 17-5A
4. Porter Spartans -- 15-6 // 4-0 in 18-5A
5. Iowa Colony Pioneers -- 15-12 // 4-1 in 17-5A
Others to Watch: Galveston Ball Tornadoes (20-5A), Spring Woods Tigers (21-5A), Baytown Sterling Rangers (19-5A), Friendswood Mustangs (20-5A)
1. The Kinkaid School Falcons (SPC-4A) -- 19-5
2. Houston Christian Mustangs (SPC-4A) -- 16-4
3. The Village School Vikings (TAPPS-6A) -- 18-5
4. Second Baptist Eagles (TAPPS-5A) -- 16-5
5. The John Cooper School Dragons (SPC-3A) -- 12-6
Others to Watch: Concordia Lutheran Crusaders (TAPPS-6A), Episcopal Knights (SPC-4A), St. John XXIII Lions (TAPPS-6A), Bay Area Christian Broncos (TAPPS-5A)
The stars of 2025-26 Kinkaid Girls Basketball
THE PROSPECTUS: VYPE Houston 2025-26 Preseason Private School GBB Top-5
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No. 1 -- The Kinkaid School Falcons
Fresh off an SPC-4A Championship — their first since 2019— Kinkaid looks poised to keep its dynasty dreams alive.
The Falcons went 29-10 overall last season and showed they could hang with Houston’s elite, notching signature wins over 6A squads like Summer Creek, Fulshear, Manvel, and Katy Taylor. Veteran coach Stacey Marshall, now in her 23rd season, reached the 500-win milestone in 2025 and retains a central rotation that knows how to win on big stages.
Leading the charge is Ma’Ryiah Alfred, the All-SPC and TABC Private School All-State junior guard who averaged 18 points, 4 assists, and 4 steals per game.
Alongside her are fellow All-SPC and All-State selections Sydney Marshall and Lauren Hull, with Alex Gordon (All South Zone, 7.5 rpg) providing interior strength and Kamdyn Flora anchoring the backcourt. Add in rising contributors Alex Gibbs, Tori Walton, and Jaelyn Sowells, and Kinkaid’s depth looks stronger than ever.
Suffice it to say, the Falcons are well-equipped to chase back-to-back SPC titles — something the program hasn’t accomplished since its three-peat run from 2017–2019.
No. 2 -- Houston Christian Mustangs
Isaiah Vela (VYPE)
In their most recent endeavor, Houston Christian reached the second round of the SPC Tournament before bowing out to Kinkaid — a result that reaffirmed the Mustangs’ place among the state’s elite while leaving room for unfinished business.
Entering his fourth year at the helm, coach Ryan Bickham returns a group that’s largely intact and battle-tested.
Future collegiate talent? Check. The Mustangs feature a trio of senior guards already committed to play at the next level— Bella Robbins (University of New Orleans), Kiana Vega (Oklahoma Christian), and Bri’Anna McClinton (Texas A&M International).
Yet the biggest storyline this offseason came with the arrival of junior phenom A’Zyua Blair, a transfer from Pearland who erupted for over 600 points (18.8 ppg) in 2025. The District 22-6A Offensive Player of the Year and TABC All-Region selection also landed at No. 58 nationally in the Class of 2027 according to SportsCenter NEXT.
Still, this isn’t the A’Zyua Blair show alone.
Bickham envisions one ofthe most balanced and imposing rosters in Texas, bolstered by Makayla Casey (So. F), Dylaney Gullage (Jr. C/PF), Lyla Delafosse (Jr. G), and Naddilee French (Jr. G) and Joylin Kodia (So. C).
With its blend of expertise, star power, and considerable depth, Houston Christian evokes shades of the dynasty years — those back-to-back title runs (2022-23) led by Loghan Johnson (West Virginia), D’Asia Thomas (Georgia Tech), and Jalayah Ingram (UTRGV) — and the sense that another championship chapter could be on the horizon.
No. 3 -- Legacy the School of Sport Sciences Titans
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Head coach Ses Johnson, who steps into Year No. 6 of directing Legacy SSS, brings the same relentless drive that defined her days as a member of Westfield’s 2005 state championship team and later at Coppin State University.
Four starters return for Johnson’s squad, which once again embraces the challenge of an independent schedule — one that spans matchups across Texas and even internationally.
Leading the charge are senior forward Alayna Yates, a Tarleton State-commit, and senior guard Anaiah Jackson, who’s committed to St. Mary’s. Their veteran leadership will be essential as the Lady Titans look to impose their identity early. Supporting that core are Harley Washington (Sr. F) and Brittney Anderson (Sr. G), both poised to play pivotal roles in the team’s rotation.
For Johnson, the formula for success remains simple but demanding — defend with intensity, run the floor with purpose, and play with physicality.
No. 4 -- Concordia Lutheran Crusaders
Isaiah Vela (VYPE)
Matt Neidigk has long been a fixture on the Concordia Lutheran sidelines. With nearly 18 years and 436 wins under his belt, Neidigk eyes more success in 2026 after seeing his team surge in the postseason to reach the TAPPS-6A State Final Four a year ago.
Replacing key graduates like Kenley Benson — an All-State honorable mention — and Kaitlin Rich won’t be easy. However, there are plenty of weapons left on the court for a team that posted 24 wins last winter.
A senior-heavy lineup leads the charge, featuring first-team, all-district guard Leah Jurischk, second-teamer Kinley Coleman, and honorable mentions Megan Ingraham and Kylie Bolz.
Expectations remain high for Concordia Lutheran, as the team looks to “Rise Up” this season – in hopes of recapturing the mojo and potentially hoisting the program’s first-ever championship trophy.
No. 5 -- The John Cooper School Dragons
Doug Brown (VYPE)
JCS made plenty of noise last winter, reaching the SPC-3A Semifinals and proving they can rise to the occasion in high-pressure moments. Guiding that success is BJ Feuerhelm, who has spent more than a decade shaping Cooper into a consistent contender and has amassed 153 career wins along the way.
The team retains a strong foundation on the floor, led by senior point guard Jordan Sheirr (Colby College-commit). Sheirr, an All-SPC selection last year, brings scoring, prowess, and physicality that will be central to Cooper’s ascension.
She’ll be complemented by All-SPC honoree Ianna Brown (Jr. G), All-South Zone standouts Kieran Mentlewski (So. G) and Sydney Mullins (So. F), along with sophomore forward Kylee Jameson (So. F) – adding onto the team’s youthful depth.
However, Feuerhelm believes that success comes from more than raw talent. The Dragons will need to prioritize defense, control the boards, and value each possession if they hope to challenge for the league crown. With that formula, John Cooper is positioned to make a statement in SPC-3A and chase its first title since 2021.
Others to Watch: Bay Area Christian School, Episcopal, Second Baptist School, St. Pius X
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