GAMES
RANKINGS
TOP OF THE FOOD CHAIN: Brennan Hoops continues to bolster exemplary reputation
With roughly a month remaining in the UIL basketball regular season, the Brennan Bears are proving to be one of the most formidable teams in Texas.
Not only have they secured the top spot in San Antonio's rankings, but they have also earned recognition from the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) as the No. 1 team in all of Class 6A.
With a stellar 21-2 record, it’s clear that Brennan’s success this season is no fluke. The team has demonstrated remarkable skill, resilience, and consistency, earning respect from both local and statewide opponents.
Under the leadership of Coach Koty Cowgill, Brennan has faced and triumphed over some of the toughest competition in Texas.
Early in the season, they opened with an impressive victory over the 2024 TAPPS-3A champions, St. Francis Episcopal, dominating the game 82-48. Their competitive spirit continued throughout the season as they outworked Fort Bend Marshall, a 5A powerhouse, securing a 66-57 win.
Perhaps most notably, the Bears handed Allen (22-1), a state superpower, their only loss of the season in a thrilling 71-66 overtime win.
Fast forward to the present, and Brennan sits in a commanding position for a district title with a perfect 8-0 record against their 28-6A opponents.
This success is largely due to the standout performances of their senior duo, Kingston Flemings and Camden Cowgill, who have been the team’s driving forces.
Flemings, a five-star point guard and University of Houston signee, has been a constant on both ends of the floor, averaging 21 points, 7 assists, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals per game. His leadership and playmaking ability make him a true difference-maker.
Cowgill, who is drawing attention from several colleges including Sam Houston State, Cal Poly, and Coastal Carolina, has proven to be a dynamic complement to Flemings. Averaging 18 points, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds per game, Cowgill brings both scoring and versatility to the Bears’ lineup.
In addition to these two stars, juniors Donovan Criss (11 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg) and Talon Todd (8 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 apg) have stepped up, providing critical support and depth to the team.
With such a balanced roster and the momentum they’ve built, the Bears are in a strong position as the playoffs approach.
Historically, Brennan has reached the state level twice, with their most recent appearance in 2023 when they narrowly lost to Beaumont United in the 6A State Semifinals, 70-68.
After making a deep run to the regional semifinals last year, this talented group of Bears appears poised to make another significant postseason run. The road to the state title is wide open, and Brennan is a team to watch as they look to bring home the championship this season.
Stay tuned for what’s sure to be an exciting finish to the year.
SKYROCKETING: Judson becoming a resurgent force in 6A Girls Hoops
As the 2024-25 UIL basketball season tipped off, many across Texas knew that the Judson Rockets, hailing from Converse, TX, would be a formidable contender.
After all, the team is fresh off a remarkable five-year streak of reaching the State Tournament from 2017 to 2021, and they’ve continued to prove themselves as a top-tier program.
Entering the new year, Judson has exceeded even the highest of expectations.
The Rockets have been nothing short of dominant, posting an impressive 26-1 record, with a perfect 5-0 mark in District 29-6A play. They began January with two crucial district victories: a nail-biting 43-40 win over fellow contender Cibolo Steele, followed by a commanding 63-27 triumph over San Marcos.
This hot start was on the heels of a successful showing at the M.T. Rice Tournament to cap off December, where they clinched the championship by defeating (who else?) Cibolo Steele, 56-47.
A large part of Judson’s continued success can be credited to Coach Christina Camacho, who boasts 808 career wins and a wealth of experience.
Under her leadership, the Rockets have thrived, thanks in no small part to standout players like Kayla King and Delaney Arredondo.
King, a senior combo-guard committed to the University of Houston, is a perennial candidate for District MVP honors and has earned TABC All-State recognition. Her leadership on and off the court has been invaluable to the team’s success.
Meanwhile, Arredondo, a nationally-recognized point guard in the Class of 2026, continues to make a name for herself. Recently surpassing the 1,000-point milestone for her career, Arredondo has already attracted offers from multiple collegiate programs, including New Mexico State, UTSA, South Alabama, Tarleton, and Abilene Christian. Her rise in the basketball world shows no signs of slowing down.
While much of the attention revolves around King and Arredondo, the Rockets' success is a result of contributions from across the roster. Juniors like Cora Bennett (offers from Cal, UNT, Wichita State, Rice, etc.), as well as seniors such as Korina Garcia, have played vital roles in the team’s depth.
This well-rounded effort has powered Judson to the top of both the local and state rankings, including a No. 1 spot in the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) 6A Girls division.
Judson's journey to this point has not been without setbacks.
Last year, the Rockets experienced an early-round exit in the playoffs against Brandeis, a result that left a sour taste for the team. However, the momentum they’ve built this season, combined with their track record of success, suggests that bigger things may be on the horizon.
Judson has reached the State Tournament five times, with their crowning achievement coming in 2019 when they captured the 6A Girls Basketball State Championship with a 49-46 victory over DeSoto.
As they continue to build on this momentum, one question remains: Will this be the season the Rockets claim their second state title?