Five players to know before UIL Texas state semifinals

In Texas, March high school basketball is where the elite separate themselves. 

This year’s lineup lives up to the hype. These five players are the reason their teams are still standing.

Get to know them before they tip off next.

Bryson Howard — Frisco Heritage (Duke commit)

The name alone draws attention. Bryson Howard, the son of former Dallas Mavericks All-Star Josh Howard, has become one of the most recognizable players in Texas high school basketball.

The 6-foot-6 wing at Frisco Heritage has developed into one of the top players in the 2026 recruiting class nationally. This season, he's averaging roughly 23 points, 8.5 rebounds, and over three assists per game.

Howard ultimately committed to Duke, choosing the Blue Devils over a list of blue-blood programs. His game mirrors the modern NBA wing prototype: He rebounds, initiates offense and can score from three levels.

With the Coyotes chasing a state title, Howard enters the semifinals as the biggest star in the tournament.

Cam Lomax — Frisco Heritage (SMU signee)

Sharing the spotlight with Howard is Cam Lomax, the dynamic scoring guard who forms one of the most explosive backcourts in Texas.

The 6-foot-1 senior guard has been a scoring machine for Heritage, averaging more than 26 points per game this season while leading the Coyotes through a deep playoff run.

Lomax’s résumé at Heritage is remarkable. He finished his career as the program’s all-time leader in points, steals and free throws, while earning multiple All-State selections and district MVP honors.

Lomax signed with SMU, giving the Mustangs one of the most explosive guards in Texas recruiting circles.

Bo Ogden — Austin Westlake (Texas signee)

In Central Texas, Bo Ogden has emerged as the centerpiece of Austin Westlake’s playoff run.

The 6-foot-5 wing is a consensus four-star recruit known for his smooth shooting stroke and ability to score in big moments. In a regional final victory, Ogden poured in 29 points, including a clutch three-pointer late in the game that helped send Westlake to the state semifinals.

Basketball runs deep in the family. Ogden is the son of Chris Ogden, the general manager for Texas basketball and a former Longhorns standout.

Following in those footsteps, Bo committed to the University of Texas, choosing the Longhorns over several major programs.

Donovan Criss — San Antonio Brennan (UTEP signee)

Donovan Criss has been the steady force behind San Antonio Brennan’s deep playoff run.

The 6-foot-6 forward averages about 14.6 points per game and anchors Brennan on both ends of the floor. His size, athleticism and versatility allow him to guard multiple positions while contributing consistently on offense.

Criss signed with UTEP, becoming one of the program’s top recruiting additions and continuing Brennan’s pipeline of Division I talent.

More than just a scorer, Criss provides leadership for a Brennan team that has quietly become one of the most consistent programs in Texas.

Isaak Hayes — North Crowley (2027 guard)

One of the most electrifying young players left in the postseason is Isaak Hayes, the 5-foot-11 junior point guard from North Crowley.

Hayes has emerged as a rising prospect in the 2027 recruiting class, already holding offers from programs such as Kansas State, TCU, Jackson State and Cal State Bakersfield. 

In North Crowley’s playoff run, he has played a key role as a playmaker, including an 18-point, seven-assist performance in a regional final win over Allen that helped send the Panthers to the state semifinals. 

But Hayes recently made national headlines for a highlight that spread quickly across social media.

During a regional semifinal victory, Hayes drove down the lane and tossed an alley-oop that resulted in a spectacular spinning 360 dunk, one of the most viral highlights of the Texas high school playoffs.