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THE STATUS: Updated VYPE HOU Basketball Rankings entering district race; Travis, Alief Taylor skyrocket
As we ring in the new year, the tournament portion of the season reaches its end and teams now turn their attentions towards securing a coveted playoff spot and more.
Through the first half of the winter, numerous developments have been made when it comes to the overall outlook of Houston-area hoops.
Regarding the boys' side, Fort Bend Travis has experienced a meteoric rise in success, now that they currently maintain an 18-2 record, swiftly putting their district -- and the city for that matter -- on high alert.
As expected, Fort Bend Marshall (5A), Shadow Creek, Katy Jordan, Seven Lakes, Atascocita, and Ridge Point have been among the several programs to flourish and should anticipate lengthy runs in the ensuing postseason.
Don't sleep on the likes of Bellaire, Clear Springs, Friendswood (5A), Cinco Ranch, Iowa Colony (5A), Barbers Hill (5A), and Grand Oaks, though, as they have proven to be more than capable of winning the close contests.
Meanwhile, Stafford (23-0) has yet to face defeat within Class 4A, which bodes well for a team that's eager to make another run for State.
On the girls' side, Cypress Springs is certainly living up to the hype thus far, considering they've gone 18-3 despite facing a gauntlet of formidable opponents in their first couple of months.
Dawson (23-4) and Pearland (21-6) will be battling for District 22-6A in the coming weeks, while Clear Creek (20-4), Clear Brook (22-2), and Dickinson (17-8) will do the same in 24-6A, creating some enticing match-ups for audiences to witness.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the season, so far, has been the rapid level of success that Alief Taylor has enjoyed. As it stands, the Lions are 21-4 and should only continue to gain momentum on the road towards the Alamodome.
However, teams such as Hightower, Grand Oaks, Tomball Memorial, Summer Creek, and Cinco Ranch might have something to say about that.
With that in mind, see who's making waves on the H-Town basketball scene as we approach what should be a thrilling second half of the season.
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VYPE HOU BOYS BASKETBALL TOP-20 (Class 6A-4A)
***Last section indicates current overall record/district record
1. Fort Bend Marshall Buffaloes (5A) -- 23-2; 3-0
2. Shadow Creek Sharks (6A) -- 18-2; 5-0
3. Katy Jordan Warriors (6A) -- 20-2; 5-0
4. Seven Lakes Spartans (6A) -- 20-5; 4-2
5. FB Travis Tigers (6A) -- 18-2; 2-0
6. Atascocita Eagles (6A) -- 14-4; 2-0
7. Ridge Point Panthers (6A) -- 15-5; 2-0
8. Cinco Ranch Cougars (6A) -- 21-3; 5-1
9. Friendswood Mustangs (5A) -- 20-3; 3-0
10. Clear Springs Chargers (6A) -- 20-3; 2-0
11. Bellaire Cardinals (6A) -- 14-7; 3-0
12. Grand Oaks Grizzlies (6A) -- 19-6; 6-0
13. Stafford Spartans (4A) -- 23-0; 3-0
14. Barbers Hill Eagles (5A) -- 15-6; 2-0
15. Iowa Colony Pioneers (5A) -- 16-8; 2-0
16. College Park Cavaliers (6A) -- 16-8; 4-2
17. Katy Tigers (6A) -- 20-3; 3-2
18. Summer Creek Bulldogs (6A) -- 13-9; 1-1
19. C.E. King Panthers (6A) -- 10-7; 2-0
20. Cypress Springs Panthers (6A) -- 16-8; 2-1
Honorable Mentions: Cypress Falls, Hitchcock, Mayde Creek, Booker T. Washington, FB Bush, Pearland, Willis, Clements, Dickinson, FB Austin, Nimitz, Tomball Memorial, Yates
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VYPE HOU GIRLS BASKETBALL TOP-20 (Class 6A-4A)
***Last section indicates current overall record/district record
1. Cypress Springs Panthers (6A) -- 18-3; 5-0
2. Dawson Eagles (6A) -- 23-4; 8-0
3. Clear Brook Wolverines (6A) -- 22-2; 3-1
4. Pearland Oilers (6A) -- 21-6; 7-1
5. Clear Creek Wildcats (6A) -- 20-4; 4-1
6. Alief Taylor Lions (6A) -- 21-4; 4-0
7. Hightower Hurricanes (6A) -- 19-5; 5-0
8. Grand Oaks Grizzlies (6A) -- 21-3; 8-0
9. Summer Creek Bulldogs (6A) -- 12-10; 4-0
10. Tomball Memorial Wildcats (6A) -- 19-4; 7-1
11. Manvel Mavericks (6A) -- 20-6; 6-2
12. Fulshear Chargers (6A) -- 20-7; 3-1
13. C.E. King Panthers (6A) -- 14-5; 3-1
14. Cinco Ranch Cougars (6A) -- 17-5; 7-1
15. Klein Bearkats (6A) -- 20-6; 5-2
16. Cypress Falls Eagles (6A) -- 17-4; 4-0
17. Tomball Cougars (6A) -- 18-5; 5-3
18. Dickinson Gators (6A) -- 17-8; 4-1
19. Katy Taylor Mustangs (6A) -- 19-5; 7-1
20. Shadow Creek Sharks (6A) -- 18-8; 5-3
Honorable Mentions: Montgomery, Klein Collins, Tompkins, Houston Memorial, FB Austin, Westfield, Cypress Ranch, Barbers Hill, Willowridge, North Shore, Hitchcock, Klein Oak, Wheatley
THE TIP-OFF: Can't-Miss Matchups in opening round of UIL GBB Playoffs
Just like that, the UIL basketball postseason has arrived.
With dozens of premier groups -- such as Hightower, Seven Lakes, Ridge Point, and more -- vying for their ambition to reach the state tournament a month from now, it is truly a great time to be a fan.
Check out some of this week's must-see matchups as the Bi-District tips off!
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Seven Lakes Spartans vs. Ridge Point Panthers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
After a relatively slow start to their district campaign, Seven Lakes quickly switched gears to finish as the co-district champions (14-2 district record) in the loaded Katy ISD. The dynamic duo of sisters Madison and Justice Carlton (Texas-signee) has been difficult to contain for any opponent thus far.
Both easily eclipse 15 points per game, with Madison also racking up over 11 rebounds on average. Senior Shreya Jategaonkar (11 ppg, 4 apg) has also been a key contributor to the Spartans' success.
On the Ridge Point side, Coach Michael Vitek will look to his veterans -- McKenna Minatra, Kennedi Turner, and Sydney Person -- to continue anchoring the squad after an impressive 11-5 performance in district.
The two teams will meet at the Merrell Center at 6:30 pm Tuesday night.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Shadow Creek Sharks vs. Clear Brook Wolverines
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Despite finishing second in their district, Shadow Creek should be brimming with confidence as they enter the postseason. Senior Krislyn Biscette leads the team in both points and steals per game, with Da'Niyah Lewis and Zoe Senganya providing the back up.
However, their ability to defend their side of the court has been the Sharks' key strength throughout to Winter, which will undoubtedly come into play when they face Clear Brook.
The Wolverines certainly have shooters to spare. Between Kamryn McLaurin, Rezia Castillo, and Kasey Oliver, it is a tall task for any opponent to shut down this group's offense.
We'll see, once the two face off at South Houston High at 5:30 on Tuesday.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Barbers Hill Eagles vs. Friendswood Mustangs
The Eagles utterly dominated in district this Winter, extending their undefeated win-streak against their 17-5A counterparts to 28.
After reaching the fourth round of last year's postseason, Coach Bryan Harris will look to his returners -- Cynthia Lecompte, Meghan Thompson, Korbyn Harmon to name a few -- in order to build upon that effort.
They will first have to overcome familiar foe, Friendswood.
The Mustangs have had their fair share of ups and downs throughout the year. however their offensive potential should not be underestimated. Helen Byrd is playing as exceptionally as ever, averaging nearly 20 points per game, which puts her in prime position to repeat as the district MVP.
Also watch for Claire Radtke and Mabry Venables when Barbers Hill and Friendswood meet at Lee College in Baytown on Monday night at 7:30 pm..
Hightower Hurricanes vs. Cinco Ranch Cougars
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Hightower enters the playoffs fresh off yet another district championship (15-1) which should have their confidence sky-high.
Paris JC-signee Jaya Johnson leads a stacked Hurricanes roster, which also features the likes of Daija Thomas, Chandler Caver, and freshman standout Ogechi Okeke.
This squad has the potential to go on another run similar to when they reached the State Tournament in 2019.
However, Cinco Ranch will have other plans.
Despite going 11-5 in the district, the Cougars only finished in fourth place, which speaks volumes of the talent they face during the regular season.
That should have them well-prepared, especially with Aniya Foy in the fold. The junior guard leads the team in points (24 ppg), rebounds (9 rpg), and steals (3 spg) per outing, which will pay dividends for the Cougars as they look to extend postseason.
The two will meet on Hightower's home court on Monday night at 6:00 pm.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)