Lake Travis Cavaliers Aaron Mathis (11) brings the ball down in the first quarter of the game between the Lake Travis Cavaliers and the Westlake Chaparrals, Jan. 9, 2026 in Lake Travis.
Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman
The Texas high school boys basketball season is less than two weeks from the playoffs. With most schools having only two or three district games left, the American-Statesman looks at 30 Central Texas players who are having breakout performances this winter.
(Players listed alphabetically. Stats as of Feb. 9. Note: First- or second-team all-district selections a year ago are not eligible as they don’t meet the definition of “breakout.”)
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Preston Alexander, Bastrop: A junior guard/forward, he’s helped the Bears to a playoff berth out of District 24-5A by averaging 12.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 4.1 apg and 3.2 spg.
Luke Ashby, Bowie: The Bulldogs are headed back to the playoffs thanks in part to the senior forward’s efforts. He’s a dynamic rebounder who is averaging 7.5 ppg and 5.2 rpg. Was the Bowie Invitational tournament MVP in December.
Evan Berger, Brentwood Christian: A double-double machine, the junior forward has dominated the paint for the Bears averaging 10.5 ppg, 12.5 rpg and 1.5 bpg.
Braxton Blue, McNeil: The future of the Mavericks, the 6-foot-5 freshman has broken into the starting lineup and is averaging 8 ppg and 4 rpg in the loaded District 25-6A.
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Nick Briggs, Anderson: Key off the bench for a Trojans squad that sits atop the District 24-5A standings, he’s come on strong in the second half of the season averaging 5.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 2 apg in district play.
Drake Carsno, Liberty Hill: A senior guard, he’s hit 68 shots from behind the arc and is averaging 13 ppg and 5 rpg for a Panthers team in the thick of the District 25-5A playoff race.
Kingston Colter, Manor New Tech: The impressive junior guard is averaging 14.6 ppg, 7 rpg, 4.7 spg and 4.3 apg for a Titans team that has 26 wins.
Oliver Crane, LASA: The Raptors are making a late-season playoff push and the sophomore forward is a big reason why. He’s averaging 10.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 2.1 spg in district play.
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Tytan Crayton, San Marcos: A talented freshman who the public should keep an eye on the next three years, he’s averaging 7 ppg, 7 rpg and 2 bpg while shooting 56% from the floor.
Will Cunningham, Legacy Ranch: Producing 7.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.1 apg and 2.2 spg, the sophomore guard has helped the Wranglers be in the playoff mix in their first varsity year.
Cason Davis, Austin High: Someone who will be in the running for District 26-6A newcomer of the year, the sophomore post is averaging 12.4 ppg and 5.2 rpg in district play while shooting 46.5%. He’s also recorded several double-doubles since the calendar switched to 2026.
Hayes Goldman, Westlake: A sophomore point guard who provides quality play off the bench, he also provides the foundation for the Chaps’ future.
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Destin Herring, Vandegrift: One of the better defenders in Central Texas, the athletic junior guard matches up with the opposition’s top player. He’s also a bonus to the Vipers offense, averaging 7 ppg, 4 rpg and 2 apg.
Christian Hawthorne, LBJ: Just a sophomore — he’ll be a player to watch the next two years — the 6-foot-3 combo guard has helped the Jaguars to an undefeated district mark by averaging 9.9 ppg and 5.3 rpg.
Austin Haywood, Anderson: Part of a deep rotation for the Trojans, the sophomore forward has excelled in the paint averaging 7.5 ppg and 3 rpg in district play.
Cayden Hinderman-Close, East View: Possibly the best player the public isn’t aware of but should be, the junior guard is averaging 17.3 ppg and 3 spg for a Patriots team in the District 23-5A postseason race.
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Kam Hill, Westwood: A member of a loaded Warriors team, the freshman guard is the first player off the bench and is averaging 8 ppg while shooting 45% from the field and 72% from the line.
Brayden Horne, Westlake: The senior post does all the little things for the Chaps in the paint and is a physical rebounder.
Max Lipinsky, Round Rock: Making an immediate impact in the starting lineup, the junior guard is lighting up the stat sheet averaging 13.8 ppg, 4.1 apg, 3.9 rpg and 1.5 spg for a Dragons team heading to the Class 6A Division I playoffs.
Aaron Mathis, Lake Travis: A sophomore guard who does it all for the Cavs, he’s averaging 10.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 3.6 apg while shooting 58% from the floor and 35% from behind the arc.
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Jacob McLeod, Liberty Hill: Arguably the definition of a “breakout player,” the junior guard is averaging 18 ppg, 5 apg and 4 spg for a Panthers team primed to return to the playoffs. He’s also connected 78 times from behind the arc.
Aiden Ott, Brentwood Christian: The Round Rock transfer and junior guard has made a big impact for the playoff-bound Bears averaging 14 ppg, 5 rpg and 1.5 spg.
Hudson Roberts, Glenn: There’s no lack of scoring options for the Grizzlies, but the sophomore guard is one of the best. He’s averaging 12 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 apg and 2 spg for the District 25-5A champions and also has two games where he’s scored more than 25.
Legend Samuel, Hendrickson: One of many dynamic players on the District 23-5A champion Hawks, the sophomore guard can score in a hurry and is averaging 13.5 ppg.
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Jayden Savage, LBJ: Long and athletic, the 6-foot-4 wing has made a big impact for the Jags on both ends of the court. He’s averaging 7.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 1.4 bpg.
Kade Shaver, Lake Travis: A major glue guy for a Cavs, the junior guard has played a big part for a Lake Travis team that is tied atop District 26-6A and already has 24 wins.
Miller Stephens, McCallum: The junior guard has been a crucial addition to the Knights lineup and has hit double figures in scoring five times, including tallying 19 once. He’s a big reason McCallum is heading back to the playoffs.
Rex Stroup, Legacy Ranch: With a team of only sophomores and freshmen, the guard has helped the Wranglers be part of the District 25-4A playoff race by averaging 11.8 ppg and 5.1 rpg.
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Chris Thompson III, Weiss: One of only a few seniors on the Wolves, the guard is averaging 8 ppg, 2 rpg, and 2 apg while shooting 35% from behind the arc. He’s a key contributor for a Weiss team that could be dangerous in the 5A playoffs.
Narayan Varma, St. Michael’s: Getting playing time and production for the loaded Warriors is a difficult prospect, but the sophomore guard has done just that. He’s averaging 8.5 ppg for arguably the area’s best team and is shooting 37% from behind the arc.
Legend Williams, Manor New Tech: A dynamic point guard, the sophomore is averaging 10.5 ppg, 4.7 apg and 3.7 rpg for a Titans team heading to the playoffs.
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