Dallas Area Boys Hoops: Preseason Rankings for 2025-26
The 2025-26 high school basketball season is almost here, and SportsDayHS expert Myah Taylor has unveiled her highly anticipated preseason area boys hoops rankings. Get ready to dive into which teams and players in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex are poised for greatness this year.
Kickstarting the Season: Myah Taylor’s Top Picks
Myah Taylor from The Dallas Morning News has meticulously compiled a list of the top programs for the upcoming 2025-26 season, providing insight into the teams to watch in both Class 6A and Class 5A. From perennial powerhouses to defending champions, the North Texas basketball landscape is set for another thrilling year.
Class 6A Dominators
In Class 6A, North Crowley leads the pack, a consistent force that finished 31-6 last season and reached the regional semifinals. With standout junior Isaak Hayes (22.4 PPG, 4.6 APG) returning and longtime coach Tommy Brakel at the helm, they’re set for another strong run.
Lancaster, a three-time state champion, is ranked second. After a strong 13-1 district finish in their first year in 6A, including a win over state champion Duncanville, they’re expected to return with full force following an unexpected first-round exit last season.
Duncanville, the reigning 6A Division I state champion, starts at third with new head coach Neiman Ford. Despite losing key players, the return of three-star junior Christopher Hunt Jr., a vital contributor to their state title run, keeps them in contention.
Other notable Class 6A teams include defending 6A Division II state champion Denton Guyer (ranked 4th, boasts MVP Silas Rodriguez), Allen (5th, rebuilding after a historic 26-game win streak but returning Nehemiah Lawrence), and Mansfield Lake Ridge (6th, coming off a 33-4 season marred by a playoff removal due to an ineligible player).
Rounding out the top ten are Little Elm (7th), Arlington Martin (8th, featuring four-star shooting guard Steven Reynolds), Mesquite Horn (9th, advanced to regional finals last season), and Waxahachie (10th, an area-round playoff team from a tough district).
Class 5A and Beyond Contenders
Kimball, an eight-time UIL state champion, tops the Class 5A-Others list. After winning the 4A Division I state title last season, they’re defending their championship with a challenging pre-district schedule designed to test them against the state’s best.
Parish Episcopal, the top-ranked TAPPS 6A/SPC 4A team, secured the TAPPS 6A state championship in 2024 and reached the title game last season. Their impressive wins against state-ranked public schools demonstrate their elite status.
Frisco Heritage (3rd) returns five-star Duke signee Bryson Howard and four-star SMU signee Cameron Lomax, who powered them to a 32-5 record and a 5A Division I state semifinal appearance last year.
Other strong teams in this category include Carter (4th, led by 6-9 sophomore center Terrell “Red” Jackson), Frisco Memorial (5th, with sophomore Dylan Steffe), Birdville (6th, state title game appearance last season with senior Sawyer Dotson), and defending 5A Division II state champion Mansfield Summit (7th).
Kennedale (8th), who claimed the 4A Division II state title last season, along with Red Oak (9th) and Mansfield Timberview (10th), complete the rankings, promising fierce competition in the lower classifications.
At a Glance: Key Teams to Watch
| Team (Class) | 2024-25 Key Achievement | 2025-26 Outlook & Key Player |
|---|---|---|
| North Crowley (6A) | Regional Semifinals (31-6) | Consistent program, returns standout junior Isaak Hayes. |
| Lancaster (6A) | District 11-6A Title (13-1) | Three-time state champion, seeking deep playoff run. |
| Duncanville (6A) | 6A Division I State Champion | New coach Neiman Ford, relies on junior Christopher Hunt Jr. |
| Kimball (5A) | 4A Division I State Champion | Defending champions, strong pre-district schedule. |
| Frisco Heritage (5A) | 5A Division I State Semifinals | Powered by Duke signee Bryson Howard & SMU signee Cameron Lomax. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who compiled these preseason rankings?
These rankings were compiled by Myah Taylor, a staff reporter and high school boys basketball expert for The Dallas Morning News. - When were these rankings released?
The 2025-26 preseason rankings were released on November 13, 2025. - What makes North Crowley a top contender in Class 6A?
North Crowley is consistently one of the state’s top programs, boasting a 31-6 record last season, a regional semifinal finish, and the return of second-team all-area selection Isaak Hayes. - Which 5A team is defending a state title?
Kimball, ranked #1 in Class 5A-Others, is defending their 4A Division I state title from the previous season. - Is there a new coach at Duncanville?
Yes, Neiman Ford, formerly the Duncanville girls coach and boys assistant, is in his first season as the head boys coach, replacing David Peavy.
As the tip-off for the 2025-26 high school basketball season approaches, these rankings offer a compelling preview of the talent and potential across the Dallas area. Keep a close watch on these top teams and their star players as they battle for district supremacy and state championship glory.
Dallas Area Boys Hoops Preseason Rankings
