The talent pool within Killeen ISD boys basketball replenishes year in and year out, and there’s no reason to believe 2025-2026 will be any different.
Following a season in which Ellison made it three state semifinals appearances in a row, Harker Heights remained atop District 12-6A, Shoemaker continued to be a contender, Chaparral advanced to the playoffs for the first time and Killeen High trended up, the gold standard of basketball will once again run through KISD.
The opening weekend schedule:
Friday
Bastrop at Ellison, 7 p.m.
Killeen at Round Rock McNeil, 7 p.m.
Shoemaker at Chisholm Trail, 7:30
Saturday
SHS vs. Saginaw, at Chisholm Trail, 11:30 a.m.
Chaparral at Waco Midway, 1 p.m.
Austin Royals at Killeen, 1:30 p.m.
EHS vs. Leander Rouse at Concordia, 4:30 p.m.
Harker Heights opens its season at 7 p.m. Tuesday at home against College Station A&M Consolidated.
Full schedules can be found by clicking here.
Hear from the coaches and check out team previews below.
District 16-5A
Chaparral
Last season: 20-15, bi-district finalist
Head coach: Christopher Onwukaife
Coaching staff: Christian Planas-Clavell, William Cook, Elijah Stroh
District: 16-5A
Returning varsity players: Carlos Robinson, Christian Redmond, Nate Brown, Curtis Watson-Davis, Demoni Mayes
Key newcomers: Logan Killen, Elijah Treadwell Harbor, Zhion Jones
X: @Chaparralbball
Notes: After leading the Bobcats into the postseason for the first time in program history, Onwukaife is back for Year 2 in charge. “This year’s group is versatile and meshes together really well,” Onwukaife said. “This team has the potential to exceed expectations and surprise some people.” Onwukaife added that his team will focus on daily improvement, which includes hitting goals in the classroom, weight room and on the court. “We’ve put in a lot of work since the offseason began, and the growth is evident,” he said. “I expect us to compete at a high level and display the brotherhood we’ve developed through our selfless play.”
Ellison
Last season: 30-6; Class 5A Division II state semifinalist
Head coach: Alberto Jones Jr.
Coaching staff: Ojai Black, Vernon Burns, Cedric Costley
District: 16-5A
Returning varsity players: Sean Parks, Chandler Miles, Elijah Bass
Key newcomers: Alberto “Tre” Jones, Chase Gordan, Messiah Lynch, Da’Wayne Castillo, Micah Augustus, Jacob Tolbert, Jaelynn Ransom, Taureon Graham, Jasyh Van Buren
X: @EHSBoys_BB
Notes: The Eagles are 103-16 over the last three seasons, a span in which they’ve won three district titles, three regional titles, played in three state semifinals and finished state runner-up twice. Parks, a point guard, has the most experience and a player Jones said will help lead. Jones, entering his 18th season in charge of his alma mater, said despite some roster turnover, the “standard is the standard” and “we have some new faces but the same goal.” Jones figures the Eagles will be buoyed by their defense and guard play, and maintaining a high level of intensity in every game will be key. Ellison begins the season ranked No. 10 in the Class 5A Texas Association of Basketball Coaches poll.
District 12-6A
Harker Heights
Last season: 26-10; Class 6A Division II bi-district finalist
Head coach: Jason Fossett
Coaching staff: Austen Stolte, Eric Tinsley, Liam Fach, Trey Harris
District: 12-6A
Returning varsity players: Elijah Gibson, David Blount, Larone James, Leo Wilson, Julian Ruiz, Kemari Otis
Key newcomers: Isaiah Peak, Devon Cannon, Doug Turner, Mykah Ferguson, Braylon Culbreath
X: @HHKnightsBB
Notes: Fossett returned to KISD last season, inherited a Harker Heights team that was coming off a district championship and led the Knights right back to the top. HHHS welcomes back six varsity contributors and can lean on familiarity with Fossett in Year 2. “Attitude, effort and coachability will be keys as the season moves along,” Fossett said. “We are excited to get the season underway. This is a good group of kids that has the potential to have a very successful season if we can learn to compete every night and every possession the right way.”
Killeen
Last season: 5-22
Head coach: Walt Harris
Coaching staff: Marvin Gamble, Antonie Chaney, Kendal McDonald
District: 12-6A
Returning varsity players: Avery Brown, Trint Robinson, Micah Horton
Key newcomers: Jordan Trahan
X: @RRBB_KHS
Notes: During the preseason, Harris noticed a selflessness about his squad that he believes is a good sign moving forward. “They trust and believe in each other to get the job done,” he said. To stack wins in 2025-2026, Harris said Killeen will need to stand firm on the defensive end. He also said that the Roos will be a guard-heavy unit and could pose a threat with its speed. “If we continue to play together, we have a good shot at winning,” Harris added.
Shoemaker
Last season: 18-15, Class 6A Division II area finalist
Head coach: Karron Taylor
Coaching staff: Brandon Howard, Andre LaTouche, Roy Rutledge
District: 12-6A
Returning varsity players: D’Anthony Moore, Beres Henry, Carey Walker, De’Mani Dail-Addison; Cayden Logan; Jaylen Benning, Tyler Armstrong
Key newcomers: Mohamed King Sanchez, Jabari Paynther, Draden Burleson, Zion Jackson, Jerimiah Maddox, Byron Garcia, Devin Hartsfield, A’Zari Longmire-Knight, Damyrion Dye-Allen, Jakyri Bell, Savion Devereaux; Kaveion Fraley
X: @SHOETXBB
Notes: The Grey Wolves return plenty of starting experience from last year’s playoff squad, including Moore, who was a member of the SHS team in 2023-2024 that advanced to the regional tournament. Taylor listed balanced, team chemistry, versatility, leadership and experience among what he sees as his team’s strengths this season. “We aim to be a gritty, relentless team that competes every game,” Taylor said. “Our focus is on teamwork execution, effort and energy — controlling what we can while always striving to improve.”