While we took a hiatus for Christmas break, basketball across Texas did not. How have the things played out while we were away in the Central Texas area? Check out our updated Men's and Women's rankings to find out!
**NOTE THESE RANKINGS DON'T REFLECT ANY GAMES PLAYED AFTER 1.10.22
The stars of 2025-26 Liberty Softball
Rest assured, head coach Karen Slack and company enter 2026 with their sights set on a sixth straight trip to the dance, this time with aspirations of capturing the program’s fourth state title and first since 2022.
Liberty Jr. SS/RHP Bayleigh Taylor (Florida State commit)Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Undoubtedly the most explosive weapon in Slack’s arsenal, junior phenom Bayleigh Taylor has emerged as one of the state’s most intriguing prospects. Committed to Florida State since September, Taylor anchors the lineup from shortstop while also offering a dynamic presence in the circle when called upon.
ULM-bound utility player Kylee Bishop brings dynamic value to the diamond, alongside third baseman Abby Key, who aims to cap her Liberty career on a high note before continuing at North Central Texas College. The same can be said for outfielder Jessie Fain, a steady contributor who plans to prioritize her academics at the next level.
Given the Panthers’ postseason tendencies, don’t be surprised if another collision course with Calallen awaits down the road.
...
The stars of 2025-26 Conroe Softball
Losing District 13-6A MVP Alisa Sneed—now with the defending NCAA Division I national champion Texas Longhorns—might give opponents reason to underestimate the Tigers. Any such doubts, however, are likely to be met with a rude awakening, as this roster remains stacked from top to bottom.
Conroe Sr. RHP Eva Lantagne (Duke signee)Farrah Sheeren (VYPE/Phlox Photography)
Anchoring the circle is a lights-out luminary in Eve Lantagne. The Duke signee earned 13-6A Pitcher of the Year honors last spring after posting a stifling 0.887 ERA and eclipsing 200 strikeouts.
At the plate, the Tigers feature a trio of senior first-team all-district selections: outfielders Addison Mason (Prairie View A&M) and Skylar Green (McLennan), along with SHSU-bound infielder Kaylee Chatman. Rounding out the senior reliability in the outfield is second-teamer McKenna Griffin (Grand Canyon University), giving Conroe both experience and firepower across the diamond.
...
The stars of 2025-26 Tomball Softball
There’s little reason to believe that momentum will fade in 2026. Third-year head coach Alyssa Thompson and her staff bring back virtually the entire roster that powered last year’s breakthrough, positioning Tomball as a legitimate contender once again.
Tomball RHP Regi Amaya Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Leading a notably deep Cougars bullpen, reigning 15-6A Pitcher of the Year Regina “Regi” Amaya continues to flourish in a starring role and shows no signs of slowing down. Versatility remains another defining strength, embodied by senior Kaylea Wall, a Blinn commit and first-team all-district selection who batted .426 while pacing the team with 35 RBIs and six home runs — all while logging significant innings in the circle and across the infield.
Senior shortstop Aubrey Murillo (Abilene Christian) also returns after registering a team-high 96 hits and setting a new program record with 34 stolen bases, earning District 15-6A Defensive Player of the Year recognition. Trinity-bound catcher Leila Guerra and infielder Macey Frank (Nicholls State), both senior first-team selections, further solidify Tomball’s balanced lineup as the Cougars aim to build on their rapid ascension.
...
Join the #VYPETEAM
Get up to date news from all over the country!
