District 29 is back — and if you know San Antonio basketball, you know this isn’t just a realignment… it’s a reset of one of the city’s most historic battlegrounds.
Nine programs.
One district.
All representing Northside ISD, one of the deepest, most tradition‑rich basketball communities in Texas.
And before we dive into the preseason picks, let’s set the stage.
A District Built on History
Northside ISD didn’t always have nine high schools. It started with one — Northside High School, later renamed John Marshall High School in 1960. Marshall is the OG, the blueprint, the school that laid the foundation for what would eventually become one of the largest and most competitive districts in the state.
Today, District 29 includes:
- Northside Brennan
- Northside Harlan
- Northside Holmes
- Northside Marshall
- Northside O’Connor
- Northside Sotomayor
- Northside Stevens
- Northside Taft
- Northside Warren
That’s a whole lot of tradition, talent, and gym‑night electricity.
Realignment Shake-Up
For the past cycle, these teams were competing in District 28. Now they’re back in District 29, and the biggest shift isn’t the district number — it’s the playoff path.
Instead of heading north toward Austin in the second round, NISD teams now go south to face:
- District 30 in the first round
- Winners of District 31 vs 32 in the second
That means new matchups, new scouting, new rivalries, and a whole new flavor of Region IV basketball.
The Standard Bearers
Let’s keep it real — Brennan and Harlan have been the faces of NISD basketball in recent years. Deep playoff runs, elite talent, and programs built to compete at the highest level.
But every season writes a new story.
And this year?
This district feels wide open.
Preseason Top Five (Plus One)
These are my preseason picks — not predictions, not guarantees — just the early pulse of the district.
- Harlan
Harlan has size, skill, and a system that travels. They’ve been knocking on the door of a regional breakthrough, and this year’s group looks poised to keep the momentum rolling.
- Brennan
Brennan is never down for long. They reload, they adjust, and they compete. Expect them to be in the mix from day one.
- Sotomayor (Soto)
Soto is young, athletic, and hungry. They’ve been building something quietly, and this might be the year they step into the spotlight.
- Taft
Taft brings toughness and discipline. They’re the kind of team that can steal games late and make life miserable for opponents.
- Marshall
The district’s original powerhouse is trending upward. Marshall has grit, experience, and enough firepower to disrupt the top tier.
- Holmes
Holmes rounds out the early list — a team with potential, energy, and the ability to surprise people if they catch rhythm.
Final Word
These are just preseason picks — nothing more.
Games still have to be played.
Players still have to show up.
And District 29 has a way of flipping the script before January even hits.
One thing is guaranteed:
This district is going to be loud, competitive, emotional, and full of breakout performances.
