It's almost that time of year again.
As we enter the final week of the high school softball regular season, teams are preparing for the imminent postseason, following the conclusion of the district race.
In Class 6A, not much has changed in terms of the overall rankings, since the mid-season point.
Katy, Pearland, and Oak Ridge are locked in as potential state contenders, along with Bridgeland, who has surged to reclaim the top spot in District 16-6A. Also look for clubs such as Kingwood, Alvin, Brazoswood, Deer Park, Langham Creek, and Dawson to make substantial runs in the coming weeks.
Class 5A is still being dominated by Barbers Hill and Lake Creek, while Angleton, Crosby, Manvel, and Foster are among the programs in hot pursuit. Don't sleep on Kingwood Park, Fulshear, or Friendswood either.
On the private school scene, Episcopal remains the SPC-favorite with Houston Christian right on their heels. FBCA has made considerable strides in TAPPS-II following a thrilling series against Lutheran South. Additionally, St. Agnes, TWCA and St. Pius X continue to perform under pressure.
With the playoffs on the horizon, it's time to dole out the final regular season softball rankings.
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CLASS 6A TOP-20
1. Katy Tigers (29-1-1; 14-0 in district)
2. Pearland Oilers (24-3; 8-1)
3. Oak Ridge War Eagles (28-4; 12-2)
4. Bridgeland Bears (25-4; 11-1)
5. Kingwood Mustangs (26-6; 12-0)
6. Alvin Yellowjackets (23-4; 7-2)
7. Langham Creek Lobos (26-5; 10-2)
8. Deer Park Deer (23-6; 9-0)
9. Brazoswood Buccaneers (24-7; 11-0)
10. Houston Memorial Mustangs (25-2; 12-0)
11. Cy-Fair Bobcats (22-8; 12-1)
12. Dawson Eagles (18-6-1; 8-2)
13. Clear Springs Chargers (19-7; 8-2)
14. Conroe Tigers (23-10; 12-2)
15. George Ranch Longhorns (22-5; 15-0)
16. Summer Creek Bulldogs (20-9-1; 9-2)
17. Klein Oak Panthers (20-8; 10-2)
18. Heights Bulldogs (20-9; 10-0)
19. Katy Taylor Mustangs (19-10; 12-2)
20. Spring Lions (17-8; 13-0)
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CLASS 5A TOP-15
1. Barbers Hill Eagles (27-4-2; 11-1 in district)
2. Lake Creek Lions (26-6; 10-2)
3. Angleton Wildcats (22-8; 8-2)
4. Foster Falcons (18-4-1; 8-0)
5. Crosby Cougars (25-6; 10-2)
6. Manvel Mavericks (20-8-1; 8-2)
7. Kingwood Park Panthers (19-8; 4-4)
8. Fulshear Chargers (18-14; 11-1)
9. Friendswood Mustangs (17-8; 7-3)
10. Lamar Consolidated Mustangs (20-6; 8-4)
11. Dayton Broncos (21-9; 4-4)
12. La Porte Bulldogs (14-7; 5-4)
13. Magnolia West Mustangs (17-15; 6-6)
14. Porter Spartans (13-12; 3-5)
15. Magnolia Bulldogs (16-14-3; 4-8)
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PRIVATE SCHOOL TOP-10
1. Episcopal Knights (17-9)
2. St. Agnes Academy Tigers (12-7)
3. FBCA Eagles (11-8)
4. Lutheran South Academy Pioneers (14-3)
5. Houston Christian Mustangs (14-11)
6. TWCA Warriors (13-2)
7. St. Pius X Panthers (15-11-1)
8. St. John XXIII Lions (8-5)
9. Cypress Christian Warriors (9-10)
10. Kinkaid Falcons (10-10)