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RANKINGS
Dawson's Kendall Ford
THE PLAYMAKERS: The Biggest Names in South Houston Girls Hoops powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Girls Basketball Athletes of the 2024-25 season, who represented South Houston with style this Winter.
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A'Zyua Blair -- Pearland Girls Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Though they narrowly missed out on a fourth consecutive district title—finishing just behind Dawson (16-0)—the Pearland Oilers (29-8) still dominated District 22-6A with a strong 14-2 record, securing yet another playoff berth.
However, like their district counterpart, Pearland’s postseason run was cut short by eventual 6A-D1 state champion Summer Creek in a hard-fought Area Round battle.
Despite the early exit, the future remains bright for the Oilers, thanks to the talent set to return next season.
At the forefront of that promise is sophomore point guard A’Zyua Blair, who proved to be the driving force behind Pearland’s success.
Averaging approximately 19 points, 4 assists, and 4 steals per game, Blair’s stellar play earned her the title of District 22-6A Offensive Player of the Year.
Alongside fellow soon-to-be junior Shiloh Grays, Blair will continue to be a key piece for the Oilers, while further solidifying her status as a legitimate collegiate prospect.
Kamryn McLaurin -- Clear Brook Girls Basketball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Clear Brook (33-4) was among the top programs in Texas throughout the 2025 season, entering the postseason with just three losses to their name.
However, their momentum was ultimately halted in the third round by Alief Taylor in a heart-pounding 59-58 battle.
Despite the somewhat early exit, the Wolverines boasted one of the most electrifying offenses in the state, averaging just under 62 points per contest. At the heart of their success was senior Kamryn McLaurin.
Known for her defensive prowess as a two-time District Defensive MVP, McLaurin showcased her versatility this season, proving she could dominate on both ends of the floor. She averaged an impressive 19 points, 4 steals, and 4 rebounds per game, stepping up whenever her team needed her most.
Her impact didn’t go unnoticed, as she was named the District 24-6A MVP to cap off a remarkable high school career.
Kendall Ford -- Dawson Girls Basketball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
What a season it was for the Dawson Eagles!
After finishing third in district play last year and bowing out in the Area Round to Summer Creek, Dawson responded in dominant fashion, claiming its first district championship since 2013 with a flawless 16-0 record.
Under the guidance of 22-6A Coach of the Year Sharee Griffin, the Eagles continued their historic run all the way to the Region III Final before falling to eventual UIL 6A-D1 champions Summer Creek, ending the season with an exemplary record of 34-5.
Leading the charge for Dawson was junior combo guard Kendall Ford.
Though she had plenty of support from standout teammates like Jaycee Ingram (Sr. F), Mia Barre (Jr. G), Journey Lovett (Jr. G), and Jaylynn Perez-Richard (Sr. G), Ford’s commanding presence on both ends of the floor earned her the title of District 22-6A MVP.
With Ford and several key players set to return next season, Dawson looks poised to build on this year’s success and remain a force to be reckoned with.
Jazmine Hansley -- Dickinson Girls Basketball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Under the leadership of coach Toya Peterson, the Dickinson Gators (26-9) proved they could compete with the best this season.
That was especially evident in district play, where Dickinson dominated en route to claiming the 24-6A title with a 13-1 record before securing a playoff berth.
The Gators’ success was fueled by their depth, as they didn’t rely on any single player to carry the load.
Although, it’s hard to overlook the impact of senior point guard Jazmine Hansley, who played a key role in their impressive run. The District 24-6A Offensive MVP averaged 14 points per game, while also contributing 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals on a nightly basis.
Hansley, along with fellow senior standouts Ciara Williams and Kyndall Hosea, will soon be graduating, leaving Dickinson with some big shoes to fill.
However, given the Gators’ track record, they’ll be more than ready for the challenge.
Kenadie Francis -- Iowa Colony Girls Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
In just their third year as a varsity program—and their first season competing in Class 5A—the Iowa Colony Pioneers continued to solidify their reputation as one of Houston’s fastest-growing teams.
Despite playing in one of 5A’s toughest districts, the Pioneers battled their way to a second-place finish in 20-5A. They carried that momentum into the postseason, advancing to the Area Round before narrowly falling 62-57 to Rudder, closing out the season with a strong 21-14 record.
Coach Brandi Justice’s squad featured several key contributors, including first-team all-district selections Eryn Roberts (So. G), Payton Watson (Jr. G), and Aaliyah Rogers (Jr. F). However, the emergence of sophomore center Kenadie Francis played a pivotal role in Iowa Colony’s success.
Francis averaged 9 points per game—second most on the team—while also leading the way with 8 rebounds and 3 blocks per contest. Her defensive dominance earned her the title of District 20-5A Defensive MVP.
With the majority of the roster set to return next season, expect the Pioneers to keep setting new precedents.
Ayla McDowell of Cy Springs
THE HISTORY LESSON: Cy Springs leads VYPE's Top 5 State Contenders; the brackets
Cypress Woods, under the direction of Cy-Fair ISD athletic director Virginia Flores, won it in 2015 over Dallas Skyline. Erica Ogwumike was the game’s MVP and Nancy Mulkey was on the all-tournament team.
A year before, the Manvel Mavs beat Duncanville with Brianna Turner leading the way. She starred at Notre Dame, where she would win a National Championship.
In 2008 and 2010, Cy-Fair won State with the likes of Nneka Ogwumike and Chiney Ogwumike. Both were stars at Stanford and overall No. 1 picks in the WNBA.
So, what gives?
Over nearly 20 years, four teams have won State… three being from the Cy-Fair ISD.
Ten years after Cy Woods won the last H-Town title, there is a team that looks the part of a State Champion.
Shockingly, from the Cy-Fair ISD - Cypress Springs. The Panthers are blessed with a pair of national stars in Ayla McDowell and Jemini Mitchell. McDowell is a McDonald’s All-American and headed to super-power South Carolina, while Mitchell is one of the top sophomores in the country.
Looking ahead in the Class 6A DII Region II bracket, the Panthers are on a collision course with state-ranked Lancaster out of Dallas to get to the State Final Four.
Yes, DeSoto is in there, but the Eagles aren’t the Eagles of old.
With Cypress Springs as the No. 1 team in H-Town with realistic State Title dreams, who else has a shot as the playoffs have expanded into two divisions per classification?
THE GALLERY
Ayla McDowell of Cy Springs
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THE TOP 5 CONTENDERS
No. 1 Cy Springs - A lock for the State Final Four in Class 6A DII Region II. Too much star power.
No. 2 Hightower - Coach Jasmine Brewer has a balanced lineup with great guards and a talented young post in Okeke. Only CE King and Alief Taylor stand in the way in Class 6A DII Region III… kind of.
No. 3 Dawson - Journey Lovett, Jaycee Ingram, Kendall Ford, Mia Barre and Jaylynn Perez-Richard are connected as a team and ran the table in a competitive district. Summer Creek, Pearland or Cinco Ranch will challenge the Class 6A DI Region III State Final Four spot. Clear Brook has a “Big Three” as well.
No. 4 Summer Creek - the Lady Bulldogs have played a BRUTAL non-conference schedule that may have them prepared for a run. They have the playoff experience and a bona fide star in Kennedy Simpson. They can win every playoff game in Class 6A DI Region III… but on the flip… they can lose them all too.
No. 5 Alief Taylor - The Lions have a special talent in Nataliyah Gray (Miss. State signee), but don’t sleep on Madison Bush-Lewis and Samyra Williams in support. If they BELIEVE they are supposed to be in this conversation, they have a shot.
SLEEPER ALERTS - Klein Collins is well-coached with young stars who are hungry. Grand Oaks and Bree Riley can run, run, run. Cinco Ranch has a bucket in Foye, while Clear Brook has McLauren, Castillo and Terrell balancing the floor. Wheatley and Willowridge are the top teams from Houston in Class 4A. Barbers Hill and Friendswood lead the way in Class 5A.
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THE BRACKETS