Barbers Hill has State Expectations.
By Jamey Wright
But who’s coming for them?
Region III — Class 6A Division I
Round 2 brings a heavyweight clash between Cypress Creek Cougars and Seven Lakes Spartans — two tradition-rich programs enjoying bounce-back seasons. Cy Creek leans on Alissa Bryant, Aubrey Hampton, Kaycie Hanks and Mariyah Dickson. The Cougars know the stage — Rori Harmon once carried them to a State Final appearance.
Seven Lakes counters with Houston commit Madison Carlton, pouring in 20 points per game, alongside Willtrace Ngoh. Carlton’s sister, Justice Carlton — a McDonald’s All-American — now stars for the Texas Longhorns women's basketball.
Waiting in the bottom half are the Dawson Eagles, sitting at 33-3 behind Kendall Ford, Journey Lovett and Faith Etienne. Consider this your warning: do not sleep on Dawson.
Summer Creek’s path out of Region III is anything but easy.
Region II — Class 6A Division I
Klein Collins Tigers could be on a collision course with powerhouse Duncanville Panthers. Meanwhile, Cypress Lakes Spartans and Makennah Alexis square off with Conroe Tigers before a likely Dallas-area showdown.
Klein Collins remains Houston’s strongest bet to escape the region.
Class 6A Region III — Division II
This bracket is a bloodbath.
Hightower Hurricanes are loaded and balanced, but the road is brutal. After knocking off Manvel Mavericks, they’re staring at CE King Panthers with Memorial Mustangs or Katy Jordan Warriors looming.
Lurking is Shadow Creek Sharks, powered by Courtland Cloud, Kurynn McNeill and Da’Niyah Lewis — a trio capable of taking over games. Katy Taylor Mustangs and Casey Scherperell could shake things up on the bottom half.
In Region II, Cypress Springs Panthers — led by freshman Makenzie Jackson alongside Tamiah Harrison and Deliyah El Amin — are back in the mix. The Grand Oaks Grizzlies are rolling at 25-5, fueled by Jordan Daigle, Hannah Reynolds and Avery Campbell.
But the region’s true measuring stick remains Lancaster Tigers. They are dangerous.
Class 5A Region III Division I
The Porter Spartans and La Porte Bulldogs carry the Greater Houston banner on the bottom side. The upstart Spring Woods Tigers sit at 24-4 behind Anjalena Salazar, one of the state’s elite scorers at 22 points per game. Don’t overlook Ball Tornadoes either — they could make noise.
Class 5A Region III Division II
Last year belonged to the Barbers Hill Eagles. They’re again 33-3 but face a dangerous Huntsville Hornets squad in the Area Round. Iowa Colony Pioneers also loom as contenders after battling through a tough district.
Stay tuned to all of VYPE's GBB coverage leading up to the State Tournament.
THE BRACKETS
Class 6A Division I
Class 6A Division II
Class 5A Division I
Class 5A Division II
The stars of 2025-26 Atascocita Eagles Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
As is often the case, consistency and experience in high-pressure moments define a program’s staying power—both of which remain in abundant supply at AHS.
That foundation begins with District 23-6A Offensive Player of the Year and TGCA All-State selection Rhilynn McCoy, who returns at shortstop. The senior Louisiana Tech signee hit well over .500 last season, driving in 35 runs and adding five home runs to anchor the lineup. Just as imposing—if not more so—is Texas State–bound senior outfielder Kaitlyn Miller. Miller hit just under .450 while posting a monstrous 60 RBIs and 13 home runs, earning NFCA All-American, TGCA All-State, and first-team all-district honors.
Rhilynn McCoy (Louisiana Tech)
Matt Powell (VYPE)
District second-teamers Marigny Thomas (Sam Houston State), Cailynn Ruzick (Sr. 3B), and outfielder Ava Pittman (LeTourneau) also return, further reinforcing a lineup few opposing pitchers will approach lightly. In the circle, the Eagles will turn to right-hander Maya Hernandez (San Jac), who steps into the ace role following a junior outing in which she went 14–6 and earned a District 23-6A Rookie of the Year nomination.
Suffice it to say, all the pieces are in place for Atascocita to challenge for district supremacy—and perhaps evoke memories of the program’s lone UIL title run in 2018.
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