Enjoy the games from Saturday January 16, 2021
Houston Christian's Emmanuel Nwabuoku & Landon Veal
Photo by Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)
If you ask Landon Veal, you don't try. You start over.
"We basically put last year aside. We're not even worried about that year," said Veal, the Mustangs' 6-foot-9 senior wing. "It's a whole new year, a whole new year of new people. I feel like we have a better environment, and a better team overall."
The featured standouts of the 2026-27 Houston Christian Mustangs basketball team.Photo by Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)
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That new environment includes the biggest addition in the SPC this offseason: Emmanuel Nwabuoku, a 6-foot-8 junior center who ranks among the top 50 players nationally in the Class of 2028 and arrives at Houston Christian after stops at St. John's and Strake Jesuit.
Together, Veal and Nwabuoku give head coach Ron Crandall two of the longest, most versatile frontcourt pieces in the city — and two players who both say they came to Houston Christian for the same reason.
The culture is the draw.
Veal's path to Houston Christian ran through Crandall, and the wins weren't what sold him.
"It's not even about our on-court success," Veal said. "He taught us a lot off the court. It's not all just basketball. He actually cares about us as people. That's why I really like him."
Nwabuoku saw the same thing from the other bench. He spent seventh through ninth grade at St. John's, played his sophomore season at Strake Jesuit, and faced the Mustangs enough times to know what he was looking at.
"I've always admired Houston Christian's basketball program. I played against them multiple times," Nwabuoku said. "I always noticed the way they play together, the way they're coached. Their approach to the game is what I believe every high school should try to attain."
Veal's play for the Mustangs and his AAU team is bearing fruit, with high-major offers from Auburn, Texas A&M and TCU among more than a dozen on the table.
Senior forward Landon VealPhoto by Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)
"I have high-major offers, but I want to go somewhere my first year where I'm going to play — be able to play through mistakes and just get that on-court feel," Veal said.
Newcomer Nwabuoku turned heads at USA Basketball's minicamp in Indianapolis in April, blocking shots, cleaning the glass and even stepping out for a pick-and-pop three. He holds offers from the likes of Stanford, Vanderbilt and Harvard, with more coming.
Ask him what's driven the jump, and he goes straight to the mental side.
"My mindset has changed a lot from when I was a freshman to starting my junior year now. The biggest thing for me has been confidence," Nwabuoku said. "Things you put in so many reps, you're more confident doing. That's really how you improve."
Part of that work has been seeking out players older and stronger than him.
Junior forward Emmanuel NwabuokuPhoto by Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)
"That physicality is something you can get used to," he said. "That way you're getting college-ready before it's time to go to college. When you're ready for the next level before it's time to get there, instead of trying to catch up once you get there — that's the best way to move through."
He has a dream destination, too. Ask about a jersey he can see himself in, and the answer comes fast: Duke.
"Ever since I was a kid watching college basketball, I've wanted to go to Duke," Nwabuoku said. "I just love the way they produce a lot of NBA players. Once I get into the NBA — that's my ultimate goal. Not just getting there, but actually succeeding in the NBA."
Both Mustangs are musicians. Veal listens to everything — pop, jazz, '60s and '70s soul — and plays a couple of instruments himself. Nwabuoku's résumé runs deeper: violin and piano starting around age 6, then a switch to viola in his early teens.
"That's something that's been part of my life for a long time," Nwabuoku said. "Things like that can help with basketball. There are things in life, apart from basketball, that can prepare you for different things."
With these twin towers, Houston Christian didn't rebuild. It reloaded — and the gyms around Greater Houston are about to be packed.
They should be making some sweet music along the way.
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The featured standouts of the 2026-27 Almeta Crawford Chargers girls basketball team.
Photo by Dana Strange (VYPE)
4. La Porte Bulldogs
5. Randle Lions
Others to Watch: Fort Bend Marshall Buffalos, Freeman Golden Eagles, Friendswood Mustangs, Galveston Ball Tornadoes, Spring Woods Tigers
Iowa Colony Lady Pioneers
Photo by Dana Strange (VYPE)
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1. Almeta Crawford Chargers
The Almeta Crawford Chargers are coming off a breakthrough season that put the program on the map. Following a 23-15 showing (11-3 in district) that saw Crawford advance to the Regional Finals, head coach Veronica Crawford earned District Coach of the Year honors. Now, the Chargers face a new challenge as they make the jump from Class 4A to 5A. Fortunately, there's plenty of talent and experience to build around. District MVP Haleigh Bonwell headlines the returning group after averaging 16 PPG last season. First-team all-district selection Madison Johnson provides a formidable presence on the boards, having averaged a double-double, while fellow first-teamer Kassidy Mouton brings defensive prowess to the lineup. Naomi Jenkins adds versatility with her ability to contribute in the paint and transition, and freshman Mya Iles is another intriguing name to watch. The competition may be tougher this winter, but with Bonwell leading a seasoned core, the Chargers have every intention of proving their postseason breakthrough was no fluke.
2. Iowa Colony Pioneers
A four-round playoff journey has put Iowa Colony firmly on the map, and the Pioneers are hungry for more. Following a 25-14 season that featured a 10-2 district record and a runner-up finish, Iowa Colony saw its impressive postseason showing end against Barbers Hill. Leading the charge was head coach Chandi Jones-Donley, a former first-round WNBA Draft pick who earned All-County Coach of the Year honors for her efforts. Now, the Pioneers welcome back several key contributors with their sights set on building upon that breakthrough. Leading scorer Kailee Scipio returns to anchor the offense, providing a proven scoring threat, while Kenadie Francis brings a formidable presence in the paint. Zoie Golding is another name to watch as Iowa Colony looks to sustain its competitive edge. Under Jones-Donley's guidance, the Pioneers have already demonstrated their ability to compete deep into the postseason. The challenge now? Turning last year's impressive showing into an even greater achievement.
3. Montgomery Bears
Experience and team chemistry could be the driving forces behind another successful season at Montgomery. Following a 24-12 showing that saw the Bears finish fourth in district play, head coach Kelly Savoy welcomes back a seasoned core that understands what it takes to compete. “What I really like about this group is the experience we have coming back and the relationships these girls have built with one another,” Savoy said. “We have a group that understands what it takes to compete, but more importantly, they trust and believe in each other.” Jayden Mayberry, McKenleigh Mathews and Briley Esnard figure to be key contributors, while sophomore Payton Harns returns as the team's leading scorer from a year ago. For Montgomery, the difference could come down to execution. Controlling the tempo, maintaining defensive intensity and asserting themselves on the glass will be essential in a competitive district race. The pieces are in place for Montgomery to take another step forward. How consistently the Bears execute when the stakes rise could determine just how far they go.
4. La Porte Bulldogs
La Porte has set the bar high. Following a remarkable 30-8 season that carried the Lady Bulldogs to the State Final Four, head coach Elisha Thompson and her squad are determined to prove last year's breakthrough was only the beginning. Although their postseason journey ended against Leander Glenn, the Lady Bulldogs established themselves among the state's elite. Now comes the challenge of building upon that achievement. Post Kaia Greenawalt returns after earning first-team all-Region honors, providing a formidable presence in the paint. Second-team all-district selection Isabelle Rodriguez is poised for a bigger role, while Joycella Riggs is another name to watch as La Porte looks to sustain its competitive edge. The pieces are in place for another impressive showing, with Thompson welcoming back key contributors who understand what it takes to compete on the biggest stage. Last year's Final Four appearance made a statement. Now, the Lady Bulldogs are chasing an encore — and perhaps the one achievement that eluded them: a state championship.
5. Randle Lions
Randle's young core got its first real taste of what it takes to compete last season, helping the Lions post a 20-11 record and finish second in district play. Now, head coach Taylor Rambo is counting on that experience to translate into an even stronger showing this winter. Sydney Gilmore, K’ydence Easterling and Sanaya Smith-Brown headline the players to watch, while Wynter Cook, Ka’Niyah Herring and Baleigh Porter figure to play important roles as the Lions look to establish consistency and sustain their momentum. “Earn the Right to Have Success,” Rambo said. “It's something I have been saying to them but also something we are working to live by each day. The girls have been working hard every day and have been striving toward success.” That mentality is reflected in the team's identity: JUICE — Just Work, Unity, Intensity, Consistency, Earn It. For Rambo, it's more than a catchy motto; it's a standard the Lions are striving to embody daily. With a 20-win season under their belts, Randle is ready to bring the JUICE — and earn whatever comes next.
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