GAMES
RANKINGS
The stars of 2025-26 Second Baptist School Basketball
THE PROSPECTUS: VYPE Houston 2025-26 Preseason Private School Boys Hoops Rankings
No. 1 -- Second Baptist Eagles
Fresh off one of the most commanding displays of the decade, Second Baptist enters this campaign with all the momentum—and aura—it could ask for.
Rightfully so, considering the Eagles (33-4 in 2025) delivered a master class in composure, powering their way to the TAPPS-5A State Championship. In head coach Taylor Land’s inaugural season, SBS capped its title run with a convincing 65-47 win against Grace Prep —marking the program’s first state crown since 2018 and fourth overall.
By all accounts, point guard Reese “Lil Skip” Alston is him. The reigning TAPPS-5A Player of the Year collected a slew of honors last season — Tournament MVP, District MVP, and TABC All-State among them. Ranked No. 24 nationally and regarded as a four-star blue-chip talent, the 6-foot-2 junior already holds more than 20 Division I offers, and counting.
But it’s far from a one-man show. Equally integral to Eagles’ offensive dynamic is Shia Francis (Navy-commit), a senior guard who returns after averaging 15 points and 7 rebounds en route to first-team, all-state honors. Junior Will Goolsby (13 ppg, 4 rpg) also earned first-team, all-state recognition, while senior Maverick Manginello (second-team, all-district) and junior Cason Hall round out a loaded unit that’s dead-set on a repeat in 2026.
No. 2 -- Houston Christian Mustangs
Isaiah Vela (VYPE)
In an era where programs often chase relevance through waves of young talent, some would argue that true staying power begins with direction and identity. Fortunately for Houston Christian Hoops, the Mustangs have both. Under head coach Ron Crandall, the program has become a model of consistency — a trend that remains firmly intact.
Last winter, HCHS posted a 19-13 record and advanced to the SPC-4A Semifinals, falling only to rival Episcopal. But the early signs surrounding this year’s group suggest the Mustangs could once again be in position to contend for their first championship since 2023.
Standing 6-foot-9, junior forward Landon Veal is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. His size, mobility, and soft finishing touch make him one of the most intriguing frontcourt players in Houston. Alongside him, 6-foot-7 Will Arriaga brings physicality and balance on both ends, forming a formidable front line.
In the backcourt, senior point guard Demetri Lewis elevates the offense with his composure, vision, and unselfish playmaking. Meanwhile, juniors Josiah McGowen and Xavier Gibbons, along with senior forward Miller Martin, round out a rotation defined by depth and familiarity.
No. 3 -- The Woodlands Christian Academy Warriors
Wins certainly came in bunches for The Woodlands Christian Academy in 2025. The Warriors capped off a strong 24–8 campaign with an undefeated district title before bowing out to bitter rival Second Baptist — the eventual TAPPS 5A State Champions — in the second round of the postseason.
Now entering his third year at the helm, head coach Jason Tocabens faces a mild retooling process following the graduation of several TWCA pillars, most notably first-team, all-state selections Howie Keene (Montana State) and Nick Brashear (Colorado College).
Still, the offseason brought a wave of new playmakers that should keep the Warriors firmly in the mix once again.
Headlining that group is senior guard Christian Haskett, a 6-foot-4 Houston Christian-transfer and recent All-SPC performer whose scoring instincts add a dynamic edge to the unit. Fellow senior Jackson Day, another 6-foot-4 guard who arrives from Willis, brings proven production after averaging 12 points, four rebounds, and three steals per game en route to second-team, all-district honors.
Meanwhile, returner Jack Krantzcke, a junior forward and former all-district honorable mention, is expected to take on a larger role, while Jacob McClure and Tyler Dalton — the latter a Tomball transfer — round out a promising TWCA squad.
No. 4 -- Episcopal Knights
Matt Powell (VYPE)
It’s business as usual for Episcopal High this winter as the Knights look to build on yet another impressive outing.
Coming off a 24–8 season, Episcopal’s focus is clear: avenge last year’s 79–65 loss to Greenhill in the SPC-4A title game— a defeat that denied the program its sixth championship. The motivation is there for head coach Wayne Jones and company. Fortunately, so is the firepower.
Leading the way is junior Alim Olajuwon, whose blend of length and finesse at 6-foot-4 makes him virtually unguardable. The nephew of NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon and cousin of Stanford-commit Aziz Olajuwon (IMG Academy), Alim continues to carve out his own name as one of the area’s premier guards.
Newcomer Nyle Harrison, a 6-foot-6 forward from Fort Bend Austin, adds a steady inside presence and consistent double-double potential. Furthermore, the likes of Caleb Clay (Jr. CG), Jordan Goffney (So. PG), and Reid Sasser (Sr. G) will only bolster EHS as the team looks to make a swift response.
No. 5 -- Fort Bend Christian Academy Eagles
All signs point to progress for Fort Bend Christian Academy as the Eagles approach this campaign with new leadership steering the wheel. The program turned the page this past April with the hiring of Ondra Waddy, formerly the head coach at Mesquite Horn. He inherits a program that most recently went 21-16 and advanced to the Regional round of the TAPPS-5A playoffs.
In terms of returning talent, few in the state bring more to the table than senior forward Sean Jimmy-Ducksworth, FBCA’s all-state cornerstone who eclipsed the 1,000-point career mark last year. SJD averaged over 17 points and eight rebounds per game, anchoring both ends of the floor with his versatility.
Running the backcourt is senior point guard Dylan “DJ” Nunn, a steady playmaker and second-team, all-state selection after posting 13 points and four assists per contest. Juniors Layden McGrady and Trent Meyer, along with senior Charlie Molloy, compose an incredibly balanced mix of athletes who are sure to help Fort Bend Christian act on its tremendous upside.
Others to Watch: Concordia Lutheran, St . Francis Episcopal, St .Thomas, St . Thomas Episcopal, The Kinkaid School, Westbury Christian
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FW Country Day's Canaan Factor
JACK OF ALL TRADES: Factor sees his stock rising as a tri-sport athlete for FW Country Day
His year-round athletic schedule reads like a blueprint for consistency and discipline, with each season bringing new opportunities—and new accolades.
This fall, Factor earned All-SPC honors and was named SPC-3A Wide Receiver of the Year, anchoring a high-powered Falcons offense.
Just months later, he capped off the winter basketball season by earning the team’s MVP award and another All-SPC selection.
Photo provided by Canaan Factor (Twitter: @CanaanFactor26)
And now, he’s back at it—this time on the track—competing in sprints, jumps, and relays for FWCD as they head into the SPC Spring Championship Meet this Saturday.
With all that on his plate, it’s fair to wonder when Factor ever has time to rest.
“That’s definitely what it seems like,” Factor said with a laugh. “But in all honesty, there are a lot of benefits because it helps me to become a more well-rounded athlete overall. Growing up, I would always play whatever sport was in season, and I never really outgrew that. It’s difficult to just give up on any one sport, so I like to think that my favorite one is whichever I’m playing at the time.”
While he enjoys each sport, football remains his long-term focus.
Factor hopes to play at the collegiate level and has already taken steps toward that goal. Last summer, he attended camps at TCU and Trinity, and this June, he plans to train at Georgetown, Princeton, and Tulsa, just to name a few.
Standing at 6-foot-2, Factor possesses the physical traits to succeed at the next level. As both a wide receiver and a defensive back, his length and strength set him apart. But he believes it’s another attribute that gives him a unique edge.
“Obviously, speed kills at the receiver position,” he said. “But I think one thing that helps to make me stand apart would be my ability to jump. Basketball has really helped me with that, because of the constant repetition in games and practice. I’ve gotten my vertical up to about 37 inches now, so that’s provided me with something of an edge on the field.”
Factor leaps over a defender to snag a passPhoto provided by Canaan Factor (Twitter: @CanaanFactor26) -- Shot by Animal State Studios
That explosiveness has also translated well to track and field. Factor competes in the High Jump, Long Jump, 100m Dash, 200m Dash, and 4x100m Relay—showcasing not just his versatility but his willingness to push himself in new ways.
Throughout his athletic journey, two key influences stand out.
“The first one that comes to mind is definitely my Dad,” Factor said. “In terms of staying on me, pushing me to compete, and literally doing everything he possibly can to help me succeed, he’s been the one.”
“Another person would be my track coach, Coach (Jared) Connaughton. He’s the type of guy who knows everything about the human body and how to train. He was an Olympian, and he understands what it takes to excel at the next level. Both of them have had a tremendous impact on me and my drive as an athlete.”
Reflecting on his growth over three years at FWCD, Factor points to a shift that’s happened more internally than physically.
“Above all else, I feel that I’ve gotten better at managing my stress levels in each sport,” he said. “Confidence is key in most aspects of life, and I think that’s what I’ve improved on the most. It’s not uncommon to have pre-game or pre-meet butterflies in your stomach. But the more you do it, the more comfortable you get with that level of adversity. I was terrified as a freshman. But now, I’ve been able to overcome that feeling.”
He has yet to receive a formal offer at the next level—whether in football or track—but with his resume and relentless work ethic, it may only be a matter of time.
Until then, Canaan Factor will keep doing what he does best: competing.