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Atascocita's Anthony Key
Photo by Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)
The Atascocita Eagles came within a few points of reaching the state championship game a year ago, falling to Brennan in a heartbreaking state semifinal. That senior-heavy squad said goodbye to several stars, including Adam Boyd, Zayson Salanoa and Jachai Cantave.
Now, it’s Anthony Key’s turn to take center stage.
The 6-foot-7 guard is ready to become the face of one of the most recognizable basketball brands in Texas, and after a productive summer on the AAU circuit, the rising junior is eager to show the Houston area what he can do.
“I’m very excited for me and my guys like Royce (Shelton), Caden (Randolph), Mike (Farinetti) and Carter (Savoy) to get even more minutes and show the city of Houston what we are all about,” Key said.
For Key, there’s nothing quite like playing under the bright lights of Region III basketball, where packed gyms and passionate crowds create an atmosphere unlike any other.
“When we play in a packed gym, it’s a real feeling,” he said. “It’s a real feeling because the crowd is so close to you. I love the opportunity to show my craft to the crowd.”

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The hype surrounding Key is well deserved. Ranked as the No. 6 player in Texas for the Class of 2028, the talented guard averaged more than 14 points and eight rebounds per game last season. Blessed with size, athleticism and versatility, he has already attracted interest from several Division I programs.
But even with his impressive résumé, Key knows there is always room to grow.
“I really worked on just getting to the basket and getting stronger,” he said with a laugh. “Everything else, however, I’m gonna keep that a secret.”
Atascocita head coach David Martinez has built a program known for its toughness and defensive intensity, and Key has embraced that identity. The Eagles will need that same commitment as they look to reload and make another deep postseason run.
“I’m not gonna lie, our practices in high school ball are really tough,” Key said. “We are built on defense first, and we work on it extensively in practice. There are no days off on defense, and that is why his teams are always so good.”

As the recruiting process continues to develop, Key is looking for more than just a basketball opportunity. He wants to find the right environment to grow as a player and a person.
“Having a good group of people around me, holding each other accountable is very important to me,” he said. “A good family environment.”
And for Key, the dream stretches far beyond Texas.
“My mom is from Slovakia, and I’m working on getting my dual citizenship,” he said. “I would go play anywhere in the world to keep my basketball dream alive.”
The Eagles have a new leader, a rising star and another opportunity to chase a state championship. With Key ready for a bigger role, Atascocita's next chapter is already taking shape — and the rest of Texas will be watching.
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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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