Texas High School 5A-6A Basketball Playoffs Preview
Photographed by: Connor Elias
The 2025‑26 UIL Texas boys basketball playoffs are officially underway, and fans across the state are gearing up for a first round packed with high-stakes matchups. From powerhouse programs to local rivalries, here’s a look at the games you won’t want to miss in 5A and 6A.
5A Division II: Bi-District Battles
The 5A Division II bracket is loaded with storylines. Teams like Richland, Mansfield Summit, and Wylie enter the playoffs with strong seasons, but their first-round matchups won’t be easy.
Burges vs. Hanks – This El Paso rivalry could go down to the wire.
Palo Duro vs. Memorial – Both West Texas teams have dynamic scorers who can take over a game.
Richland vs. Saginaw – Richland is a favorite, but Saginaw could pull off an upset.
Mansfield Summit vs. Polytechnic – Two Dallas-area programs with athletic lineups, this promises a fast-paced game.
Anna vs. Marshall – Local pride is on the line in this clash of evenly matched teams.
Memorial vs. Wakeland – A Frisco area showdown with two playoff-hungry squads, likely to be a high-energy matchup.
Other key matchups include Mt. Pleasant vs. Lovejoy and The Colony vs. Liberty, both with potential playoff spoilers. Fans should also keep an eye on Ellison vs. Crandall, a matchup featuring some of the top scorers in the district.
5A Division I: Rivalries and Potential Upsets
The 5A Division I bracket is stacked with some of the state’s most consistent programs. Expect several games to be decided by a last-minute shot.
Aledo vs. Birdville – Aledo has been dominant all season, but Birdville’s defense could make this a nail-biter.
Heritage vs. Highland Park – Two high-profile Dallas teams, both with sharpshooters capable of carrying their squads.
Reedy vs. Frisco – Reedy enters with momentum, but Frisco has the athleticism to keep this close.
Chapin vs. El Dorado – This could be the early-season upset to watch.
Other games like Tascosa vs. Legacy and Arlington Heights vs. Centennial also carry intrigue, with standout players who can swing the game in their favor.
6A Division I: Top-Tier Competition
The 6A Division I bracket brings the biggest schools and most talented players to the floor. Games like Eastlake vs. Midland Legacy promise high-scoring action and intense rivalries.
Eastlake vs. Midland Legacy – Both teams are known for their offensive firepower, making this a must-watch matchup.
(Additional matchups will feature state-ranked teams and players with Division I college aspirations.)
Fans should expect a blend of tactical games and fast-break basketball that highlights Texas’ elite high school talent.
6A Division II: Deep Talent and Local Pride
6A D2 first-round games highlight both athleticism and regional pride. Programs like Southlake Carroll, Frenship, and McKinney Boyd look to make early statements.
Eastwood vs. Frenship – Two high-scoring teams from opposite sides of the state, this game could be a shootout.
Mansfield vs. Byron Nelson – The Dallas-area rivalry brings both talent and a physical edge.
Little Elm vs. McKinney – Expect close games and highlight-reel plays from top scorers.
Other matchups, including Dallas Jesuit vs. Bowie and Grand Prairie vs. Pearce, feature programs that are quietly building playoff legacies, making them games to watch for surprises.
Games to Watch
Here are the top first-round games fans should mark on their calendars:
Aledo vs. Birdville (5A D1) – Potential upset with playoff implications.
Heritage vs. Highland Park (5A D1) – A shootout between two elite programs.
Richland vs. Saginaw (5A D2) – Can Saginaw pull off the shocker?
Memorial vs. Wakeland (5A D2) – High-energy Frisco-area clash.
Eastlake vs. Midland Legacy (6A D1) – Top teams with explosive offenses.
Eastwood vs. Frenship (6A D2) – Statewide talent clash and fast-paced action.
With the first round underway, every game matters. Whether it’s a high school legend in the making or a local team making a statement, the 2025‑26 Texas boys basketball playoffs are off to a thrilling start. Fans should expect buzzer-beaters, breakout performances, and maybe even an upset or two that will define this season.