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RANKINGS
The featured standouts of the 2026-27 Hitchcock Lady Bulldogs basketball team.
COURT VISION: Girls 4A Top 5 | 2026-27 VYPE Houston GBB Preseason Rankings
4. Willowridge Eagles
5. Huffman-Hargrave Falcons
Willowridge Lady Eagles
Photo by Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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1. Wheatley Wildcats
The Wildcats are coming off an impressive season. Wheatley went undefeated in district play – a perfect 16-0 – and then reached the Area Round of the playoffs to finish 23-3 overall. Wheatley will have to find some players to replace the offensive production lost to graduation, especially Jamie Solomon’s 25.6 points per game. Players to watch include Shelbee Booker (3.4 ppg) and Da’Nasia Parrish (3 bpg). David Burrell enters his second season of leading this squad and believes the keys to success this season include playing tough defense and generating fast offense. A solid low post presence will also be important to Wildcat wins this season. Wheatley will play with a “United Front” this season as they eye a deep playoff run in 2027.
2. Hitchcock Bulldogs
Last year was one for the history books at Hitchcock. The Bulldogs reached the pinnacle of Texas high school basketball, capturing their first Class 3A Division I State Championship with a 60-46 victory over Shallowater to cap a remarkable 26-7 season under first-year head coach Samuel Richardson. Three starters return, headlined by State Championship Game MVP Taryl “Sookie” Jones, who averaged an impressive 22.3 PPG, 13.4 RPG and 3.2 BPG. V’Asia Farris provides another dynamic presence on both ends of the floor, averaging five steals and five assists per game, while second-team all-district selection Maci Blacklock adds experience. “We have 2–3 underclassmen who could really surprise people this season,” Richardson said. “They’ve been putting in the work, and we’re expecting them to step up and make an impact when their opportunity comes.” High expectations, discipline and teamwork will guide Hitchcock's pursuit of another title. The Bulldogs have already made history. Now, they're ready to write their #NextChapter.
3. Yates Lions
Jack Yates enters year three under head coach Damien Hunter (39-14). The Lions went 23-6 overall last year and reached the Bi-District round of the playoffs. Four starters return for Hunter as they look to build off last season. Reigning District Defensive Player of the Year and All-Region selection Karneshia Smith is back for the Lions along with District Freshman of the Year and first-team, all-district pick Dakari Hunter. Other key returners include first-teamer Camille Cook, second-team, all-district pick Janiyah Jackson and honorable mention selection Hannah Estrada. Keys to success this year for Hunter’s squad include playing disciplined basketball, having a relentless mindset, committing to the process and holding everyone accountable.
4. Willowridge Eagles
The Eagles will be a new-look team in 2026-2027 as no starters return off the squad that went undefeated in district play and finished 16-18 overall last year. Tiffany Collins enters year No. 13 at Fort Bend Willowridge. They look to make it back to the playoffs for a fifth-straight season and will lean on energy, effort and attention to details to do that. With a new-look squad, the motto “Make ’Em Believe” is truly fitting for this team in 2026-2027.
5. Huffman-Hargrave Falcons
The Lady Falcons are coming off a 17-win season that saw them advance to the Area Round. Entering her third year at the helm, head coach Kagan Angers welcomes back three starters, including second-team all-district selections Natalie Murray (10 PPG, 3 RPG, 4 SPG) and Ashlan Allen (8 PPG, 4 RPG, 3 SPG). For Huffman, winning the rebounding battle, turning defense into offense and bringing a physical edge will be essential. The Lady Falcons will embrace the motto “Earned, Never Given” as they look to take another step forward this winter.
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Cypress Springs' Makenzie "The Ansah" Jackson
THE ANSAH: Behind the Goggles, Jackson Finds Her Spotlight at Cy Springs
Add in the nickname — “The Ansah” — and Jackson's unmistakable swagger comes into full view.
Her confidence isn't without substance, either.
It didn't take long for Jackson to make her mark at the varsity level. In her first year with the Panthers, she secured District 16-6A MVP distinction and a spot on the TABC All-State team — an impressive haul for a freshman. The numbers were equally compelling, as she averaged nearly 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals per game.
Yet her introduction to basketball was far more modest.
“The journey started in the driveway, where my dad put up my first basketball goal,” Jackson recalled. “I actually played soccer at first, but once I started hooping and scoring — even against the boys — my mom was like, ‘Okay, she's a natural athlete.’ That's when we started taking basketball seriously.”
Photo by Matt Powell (VYPE)
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Of course, making a name for herself so early has brought an entirely new level of recognition. And while Jackson has embraced the spotlight, she's still learning to navigate everything that comes with it.
“There's definitely pressure when it feels like everyone is watching you,” she said. “It's almost like having a target on your back. But at the same time, it's kind of cool knowing that I have people's attention. I'm usually a shy, nervous person, but I'm getting used to that feeling and realizing just how big my name is starting to get.”
That reserved personality offers an intriguing contrast to the confidence Jackson exudes whenever she takes the floor.
Away from basketball, Jackson has an artistic streak. She's learning piano, taking art classes and frequently spends her free time drawing. She also draws inspiration from LSU standout MiLaysia Fulwiley, while finding a different kind of motivation in one of her favorite anime characters.
“Naruto is at the top of my list because I feel like I can relate to how driven he is to fight for his dream,” she explained.
Jackson has some considerable dreams of her own.
After helping Cypress Springs claim its fourth consecutive district championship and reach the Region II Final last winter, she's determined to push the Panthers beyond that threshold. A McDonald's All-American selection by her senior year is another benchmark she's set for herself.
“But I also want to win State,” Jackson emphasized. “This year, I feel like my teammates and I have a point to prove. I'm coming in with the mindset of eliminating everybody in front of us, and we can't let anybody get in our way.”
The featured standouts of the 2026-27 Cypress Springs Lady Panthers basketball team with head coach Taneisha RogersPhoto by Matt Powell (VYPE)
And those signature goggles? They're more than an accessory.
“I actually can't see when I'm not wearing them,” Jackson said with a laugh. “Plus, they keep other players from poking me in the eyes when I'm driving to the basket. I wear glasses 24/7, so if I can make them look cool while I'm playing, that's fine with me.”
For someone who's still adjusting to being recognized everywhere she goes, Jackson has certainly developed a look — and a name — that's difficult to forget.
The Ansah is only getting started.