GAMES
RANKINGS
The featured standouts of the 2026-27 Grand Oaks Lady Grizzlies basketball team.
COURT VISION: Girls 6A Top 20 (Nos. 11–20) | 2026–27 VYPE Houston GBB Preseason Rankings
13. Seven Lakes Spartans
14. Clear Falls Knights
15. The Woodlands Highlanders
16. North Shore Mustangs
17. Langham Creek Lobos
18. Cypress Falls Eagles
19. Cypress Lakes Spartans
20. Katy Taylor Mustangs
Others to Watch: Alief Elsik Rams, Alief Hastings Bears, Alief Taylor Lions, Bellaire Cardinals, Clear Creek Wildcats, Conroe Tigers, Cypress Creek Cougars, Cypress Ranch Mustangs, Cypress Woods Wildcats, Deer Park Deer, Dickinson Gators, Elkins Knights, FB Travis Tigers, Foster Falcons, Jersey Village Falcons, Katy Tigers, Kingwood Mustangs, Klein Oak Panthers, Lamar Texans, Memorial Mustangs, Nimitz Cougars, Pearland Oilers, Spring Lions, Stratford Spartans, Tomball Cougars, Tompkins Falcons, Westfield Mustangs
Fulshear Lady Chargers
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11. Grand Oaks Grizzlies
Grand Oaks has established itself among the premier programs in its district, and head coach Shiakiea Carter has the Grizzlies poised to uphold that standard. Following an impressive 26-6 season that featured a 15-1 district record and an Area Round appearance, Grand Oaks has plenty of reasons for optimism heading into 2026-27. Leading the charge is a dynamic senior backcourt duo in Hannah Reynolds and Avery Campbell. Reynolds averaged 12 PPG last season, providing a reliable scoring punch, while Campbell contributed nine points and five rebounds per contest. Kymlii Nettles adds another dimension with her shooting prowess, giving the Grizzlies a perimeter threat capable of stretching opposing defenses. Meanwhile, Momoka Brown anchors the frontcourt and figures to be instrumental in maintaining balance offensively and competing on the glass. The pieces are in place for another impressive showing, but sustaining district supremacy is no easy feat. Grand Oaks has worn the crown before. Can Carter's squad keep it?
12. Fulshear Chargers
Fulshear is coming off an impressive 25-12 season that saw the Chargers capture a district championship and advance to the Area Round before falling to Jersey Village. Now, head coach Justin Jones has his sights set even higher, despite a roster featuring plenty of new faces. “We have the talent to make a deep playoff run, even though we have a lot of new pieces on varsity,” Jones said. “Our talent will give us opportunities, but our togetherness, toughness, and ability to compete will determine how far we can go.” That chemistry will be critical as Fulshear works to establish roles, build trust and develop cohesion within a relatively inexperienced lineup. “The keys to our success this year will be how quickly we can build cohesiveness and develop a clear understanding of each player’s role,” Jones said. Amariah Cunningham, Naddilee French, University of New Mexico commit Pfeiffer Greene and Khloe Joseph headline the talent Jones will lean on, while sophomores Ebitimi Okiyefa and Hailey Swingle represent an intriguing next wave. Freshman Zoe Torres is another name to watch. For the Chargers, the potential is undeniable. How quickly that talent translates into collective chemistry could define their postseason aspirations.
13. Seven Lakes Spartans
The standard has been set at Seven Lakes, and head coach Doug Watson has no intention of lowering it. Following a 29-8 showing that saw the Spartans capture the District 19-6A championship before falling to Cypress Creek in the Area Round, the mission for 2026-27 is clear: “Defend the Crown.” The challenge lies in replacing last year's production, but Watson believes a collective effort will be the key to sustaining their winning ways. “Our success will come down to replacing what we lost collectively, not asking one player to do it all,” Watson said. “If we defend, rebound as a team, play with pace, and embrace our roles, we have a chance to be really good.” Featuring a relatively young roster composed largely of juniors, Seven Lakes will lean on emerging contributors to establish its identity. Team defense, rebounding and generating scoring opportunities in transition figure to be central to the Spartans' approach. Chiara Giacomel, Breona Kirtz, Sophia Reukauf, Lauren Hill and Riley Burnett are among the names to watch as expanded opportunities present themselves. The personnel may be different, but the expectations haven't changed. For Watson's squad, defending the district crown starts with embracing the responsibility that comes with wearing it.
14. Clear Falls Knights
The Clear Falls Knights have plenty of reasons for optimism heading into 2026-27, and head coach Mary Graves believes her squad has only begun to tap into its potential. Following an impressive 27-8 season that saw Clear Falls capture the district championship with a 12-2 record before falling to North Shore in the playoff opener, the Knights are embracing a simple motto: “Not Finished.” “This is a very hard-working group worth getting excited about. They have not scratched the surface of their potential together,” Graves said. “The work they've put in during the offseason has put them in position to compete with anyone on the floor.” Four returning starters provide a strong foundation, led by Skylar Brown's presence in the paint and point guard Gabrielle Shepherd's ability to facilitate the offense. Julia Kern adds a reliable scoring punch after averaging 10 PPG last season, while Adarra Vanderford provides a dangerous perimeter shooting threat. Angelina Cantu and Alexa Lightfoot are also names to watch as the Knights look to bolster their depth. For Graves, building chemistry will be central to unlocking this group's potential and taking another step forward.
15. The Woodlands Highlanders
Not long ago, The Woodlands was searching for answers on the basketball court. Today, under head coach Ashley Davis, the Lady Highlanders have transformed into a legitimate playoff contender — and they're hungry for more. The Woodlands put together an impressive 2025-26 campaign, finishing 28-9 overall and 13-3 in district play to claim third place before advancing two rounds deep into the postseason. Leading the charge is senior Rachael Roberts, a Tarleton State commit who averaged 14 points per game last season. Senior guard Kasyn Pino will also be a key piece of the puzzle. One of the team's leaders in scoring, assists and rebounds last season, Pino provides the versatility and experience that will be critical to the Lady Highlanders' success. The future is bright, too. Sophomores Sabria Seifert and Isabela Perez are expected to take on bigger roles, while junior Adalynn Luna is a name to watch as she looks to put together a breakout season.
16. North Shore Mustangs
North Shore is gearing up for another postseason push after finishing 22-12 and reaching the Area Round last season. Entering his fourth year at the helm, head coach Curtis Bason (65-39) welcomes back just one starter, but the Mustangs have plenty of talent to work with. Reigning Sixth Man of the Year Brelione Anderson headlines the returning group alongside second-team all-district selections Aija Torres and Gabryelle Jackson. Honorable mention pick Aziah Jackson and Kionti Johnson also figure into the equation. An intriguing freshman trio adds another dimension. Neveah Mingo enters ranked No. 4 nationally in the Class of 2030 by Prep Girls Hoops, while Louisiana transfer E’Myrie Warren was the state's No. 2-ranked prospect and top-ranked shooting forward. Fellow freshman Marley Smith is another highly touted newcomer. “We have a lot of talent, so we need to make sure we stay connected and block out the outside noise! We>Me,” Bason said. The potential is undeniable, but turning that talent into team chemistry will be North Shore's defining challenge.
17. Langham Creek Lobos
The Lobos went 23-12 last season and advanced to the Regional Semifinals. Danielle Walter enters her second year leading the Langham Creek program, welcoming back three starters from last year's squad. First-team all-district selection Reese Fernandez returns after averaging 12.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.6 SPG and 1.3 APG. Second-team pick Noelle Roudreiw contributed 4.6 PPG, 2.2 APG, 1.7 RPG and 1.3 SPG, while honorable mention selections Addison Sandford and Ariana Johnson are also players to watch. According to Walter, embracing new roles, defensive intensity and a “we is greater than me” mentality will be key to the team's success. Guided by the motto “Every Second Counts,” the Lobos have the potential to make another run in 2026-27.
18. Cypress Falls Eagles
Last year, Cy Falls went 25-9 overall and reached the Area Round of the playoffs. Fifth-year coach Larissa Leal (87-48 at Cy Falls) returns three starters from last year’s squad including District Co-Offensive Player of the Year Gisselle Jackson. The TABC All-Region selection averaged 19.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.7 steals and 4.4 assists per game. Another key returner is second-team, all-district pick Andrea Vital, who averaged 4.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. For Leal, the keys to success for her squad include being disciplined enough to do the little things. “With only four returners from last season it's important everyone learn and fulfill their role to have a successful season,” Leal said. “Having some on court leadership is also an important key to our success.” That’s why the motto for this Cy Falls team will be “Discipline and Details” for the 26-27 campaign.
19. Cypress Lakes Spartans
The Spartans are coming off an impressive 29-win season that saw them advance to the Regional Semifinals. Entering her second year at the helm, head coach Mykayla Alewine welcomes back two starters, including first-team all-district selection Lauryn Jeffries, who led the team in rebounding. Aliyah McIntosh and Rayn Frazier are also key returners for Cypress Lakes, which will lean on a blend of veteran experience and promising young talent. Facing a new district this winter, the Spartans are eager to make their presence felt.
20. Katy Taylor Mustangs
Two starters return for Katy Taylor head coach Blair Ary as the Lady Mustangs come off an impressive 26-8 season. Players to watch this winter include Addison Middleton, Romina Vu and Callie Schmaltz. According to Ary, the keys to success will be staying healthy and committing “1,000%” to the team's goals. This season, Ary wants her squad to “Train Insane” as the Lady Mustangs seek to make a run in the playoffs, fitting with their motto of “Born to Run.”
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The featured standouts of the 2026-27 Fort Bend Christian Academy volleyball team.
A REASON TO REJOICE: Bass Reignites FBCA’s Championship Ambitions Ahead of State Final Four
Bass inherited a skilled roster accustomed to change, making stability and trust immediate priorities upon her arrival. Drawing on her experience at Faith West Academy and Catalyst Volleyball, she sought to establish a player-led culture grounded in shared purpose.
FBCA Head Coach Danielle "Dana" BassPhoto by Doug Brown (VYPE)
“It was maybe a little intimidating, but also very exciting,” Bass said. “Nothing had really been steady for these girls, but we started to mesh pretty early. I think they connected with the passion my assistant coach and I brought. Since then, we’ve been very like-minded — one team, with one goal, for His glory.”
The transition wasn't without its challenges, but Bass wasted little time testing her squad's resolve, scheduling an August matchup with defending TAPPS 5A champion All Saints' Episcopal.
FBCA prevailed 3-1, marking an early breakthrough in the team's collective buy-in.
That confidence has since translated into a 19-9 record and a trip to the TAPPS 5A State Tournament, secured by last Friday's 3-0 Regional Final sweep of Legacy Prep Christian Academy.
Photo by Doug Brown (VYPE)
The Lady Eagles are no strangers to the state's biggest stage, having reached the Final Four every year since capturing their lone championship in 2021, apart from last season.
Their latest ascent has been fueled by a dynamic collection of playmakers.
Senior outside hitter Tanner Tell, an Arkansas-Pine Bluff commit and first-team all-state selection last fall, has recorded 311 kills this season, recently surpassing 1,000 for her career. Fellow six-rotation standout Madison Jinks, a San José State commit, leads the offense with 375 kills.
Senior middle Gabi James commands the net with a team-high 70 blocks and nearly 150 kills, while freshman setter Lucy Kaisharis has exceeded expectations with 307 assists and 40 aces. Junior defensive specialist Addi Crist and senior opposite Peyton Ford have also embraced pivotal roles in the backcourt and front row, respectively.
Tanner Tell (Sr. OH)
Photo by Doug Brown (VYPE)
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Still, unfinished business awaits.
FBCA faces district rival Cypress Christian in Friday’s State Semifinal at 1:00 PM at Robinson High School, seeking redemption after the Warriors eliminated the Lady Eagles in last year’s Regional Round and claimed both meetings during 2026 district play.
“I wouldn't say there's a chip on our shoulder,” Bass said. “It's more excitement than anything, having the chance to play excellent volleyball and come out on top. Cypress is a very good team that makes very few errors, and most of our sets have been decided by two or three points. We just haven't been able to finish, which comes down to controlling the controllables.”
Beyond the pursuit of another championship, Bass has emphasized a mindset that transcends the scoreboard.
“Our underlying theme throughout the playoffs has been joy,” she said. “With 17 players, there have been plenty of ups and downs, including moments when they've questioned their own confidence. So, it's been about helping them rediscover the joy that drew them to this game in the first place.”
Drawing inspiration from Jeremiah 29:11, Bass believes those challenges have served a greater purpose.
“We've all had our struggles, but those experiences have helped everything come together the way it has,” she said. “We're prepared for such a time as this, and we're not done. I can tell you that much.”
The road back to the TAPPS 5A throne has been anything but straightforward. But for a team that has endured so much change, the Lady Eagles' renewed sense of purpose could make the destination all the more meaningful.