Realignment has officially shaken up UIL 5A basketball, and no district has felt the impact more than 5A Region IV District 26. This district didn’t just change — it transformed into what might be the new powerhouse of 5A basketball.
District 26 keeps three familiar contenders:
- Boerne High School
- Boerne Champion
- Alamo Heights
But the real story is the five major programs that are now gone — programs that have defined 5A competition for years:
- Pieper → 6A
- Wagner → 6A
- New Braunfels → District 25
- Veterans Memorial → District 25
- Tivy → 4A (impacting 4A Region IV District 27)
Losing five powerhouse schools opens the door for a brand‑new identity in District 26… and the replacements are anything but small.
New Additions Bring Serious Firepower
This district now introduces five programs that made real noise in their previous districts:
- John Jay – One of San Antonio’s most historic state‑championship programs
- Great Hearts Monte Vista – A disciplined, rising program
- Harlandale – A proud program with playoff pedigree
- McCollum – A scrappy team familiar with big wins
- South San Antonio – A storied program with tradition and toughness
With these additions, District 26 becomes an 8‑team gauntlet, blending tradition, athleticism, and playoff experience. John Jay and South San bring championship history. McCollum and Harlandale bring grit and familiarity with postseason basketball. Boerne and Alamo Heights bring consistency and elite coaching.
This is not just a district — it’s a battlefield.
Why District 26 Is Now a True Heavyweight
You’re combining:
- Historic San Antonio programs
- Battle‑tested playoff teams
- Two Boerne schools with elite coaching
- Alamo Heights’ consistency
- South San, Harlandale, and McCollum’s toughness
- Great Hearts Monte Vista’s disciplined system
Only four teams will survive the climb to the postseason — and every game will matter.
This district is built for drama, rivalries, and unforgettable matchups.
Preseason Predictions
Based on returning talent, coaching, and program strength, here are my early preseason rankings:
1️⃣ Alamo Heights
2️⃣ John Jay
3️⃣ Boerne
4️⃣ McCollum
5️⃣ Harlandale
Eight teams. One district. Four playoff spots. Welcome to the new era of 5A Region IV basketball.
