EASTSIDE RELOADED: No. 7 North Shore Is Out to Prove Last Season Was Just the Beginning
12 Nov, 2026
The featured standouts of the 2026-27 North Shore Mustangs basketball team.
Photo by Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)
No. 7 — North Shore Mustangs
Eastside is officially back! Coming off a stellar 31-7 showing that saw North Shore finish as the district runner-up before advancing to the Region III Final — where they narrowly fell to Atascocita, 68-60 — the standard has been set, and Stephen Woods' squad has no intention of lowering it.
Senior combo guard Da’Marcus Sloan headlines the returning cast, having averaged roughly 15 points, four rebounds, and two assists en route to first-team all-district honors. Fellow seniors Dillon Colbert and Sean Mayberry — both second-team selections — provide additional scoring punch, while first-team big man Sam Walker brings a commanding presence on the boards, defensive prowess, and a knack for throwing down dunks.
Guards Dereion Moore and Jorge Pacheco further bolster the rotation. With Woods placing a premium on cohesion, disciplined execution, and defensive tenacity, the Mustangs are determined to make last season's success a foundation rather than a finish line.
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The featured standouts of the 2026-27 Heights Bulldogs basketball team.
Photo by Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)
No. 8 — Heights Bulldogs
The Bulldogs undeniably raised the bar a season ago, capturing the district title with an unblemished record — their first championship since Ralph Barreras took the reins at Heights in 2020. Though Jordan cut their postseason aspirations short in the Area Round, Heights' 29-6 résumé set a compelling benchmark for what lies ahead.
Bona fide game-changer Eric “EJ” Beard headlines the roster, having averaged 22 points, five rebounds, and three assists as a sophomore. Already a three-star prospect with offers from Ole Miss and TCU, Beard figures to command even more attention as he elevates his scoring prowess.
Fellow junior Eric Ekwegbara (6-foot-6) reinforces the Bulldogs' interior game alongside Cy Falls transfer Teron Watts Jr., while seniors Mike Sanchez and Fidelis Babineaux further solidify the roster's depth.
Barreras' objective? Have the Bulldogs battle-tested before district play begins, with early-season competition serving as the proving ground.
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The featured standouts of the 2026-27 Dickinson Gators basketball team.
Photo by Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)
No. 9 — Dickinson Gators
A 26-8 effort would typically be cause for celebration, but Dickinson's ambitions extend well beyond that mark under head coach Jason Wilson. Despite drawing eventual state semifinalist Atascocita in the opening round of last year's playoffs, the Gators have the personnel to make a compelling resurgence — beginning with reclaiming the district throne.
At the forefront is senior forward TroyNelle Belle, the reigning Co-District MVP who averaged over 24 points and seven rebounds per game. Standing 6-foot-7, Belle combines imposing size with a polished finishing touch that few opposing defenses have managed to contain.
Junior guard James Turner, the Co-Defensive Player of the Year, adds another dimension to the Gators' arsenal, while seniors Jaxon Walker, Isaiah Gutierrez, and Jayce Minteer — all honorable mentions — round out what could be the district's most complete roster.
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