GAMES
RANKINGS
2025-26 Booker T. Washington Basketball
BANNER OR BUST: Could this be year No. 21 Booker T. Washington goes the distance in 4A?
No. 21 -- BOOKER T. WASHINGTON EAGLES
One of Houston’s perennial powerhouses, Booker T. Washington showed no signs of slowing down last winter. The Eagles stormed to a 29-5 finish, capturing their fourth consecutive district title and advancing all the way to the 4A-D1 title game — marking the program’s second-ever appearance at the UIL State Tournament and first since 2023.
While coach Jessie Shelton and his staff part ways with several key contributors — including TABC All-State selection Samuel Johnson, leading scorer Robert Jones, and All-Region pick Jalen Webb — the culture in Washington’s gym points to reloading rather than rebuilding.
Senior wing Kadyn Barnes is poised to take on a starring role after averaging 9 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 steals per game last season.
Fellow seniors Braylon Pete and Aaron Dixon bring steady backcourt production and leadership, combining for 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists a night. Meanwhile, sophomores Larry Butler and Jaylen Durham represent the next wave of Eagles talent ready to make their mark.
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The stars of 2025-26 Stafford Basketball
BATTLE READY: No. 22 Stafford intent on replicating their superb showing from 2025
No. 22 -- STAFFORD SPARTANS
To sum up the execution that Stafford Hoops displayed a year ago in one word: sensational. The Spartans rolled to a 36-1 record, their lone blemish coming at the hands of Booker T. Washington in the 4A-D1 Region III Final — a loss that ultimately denied them a ninth trip to the UIL State Tournament.
Replicating that level of dominance will be no small task, but head coach David Montano and co. appear more than equipped to embrace the challenge.
Senior combo guard Roosevelt Hawkins, a first-team, all-district selection, returns as the established tone-setter, while fellow senior Cleveland Slaughter — a transfer from 5A-D2 State Finalist Fort Bend Marshall — adds another high-caliber weapon to the backcourt.
The frontcourt tandem of senior Shilo Kabanda and junior Cameron Moore provides balance and athleticism for a team determined to keep the standard high.
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