🏀 Frisco’s Best Athletes Are Being Recruited Away — And That’s Just the Start

Frisco Heritage's Bryson Howard (Duke-bound, five-star) and Cameron Lomax (headed to SMU) both had offers to leave for prep schools last year.

Both stayed.

Why? "Unfinished business with my brothers," Lomax said. Also: winning a state championship with kids you've known since middle school hits different.

But UIL coaches know they're fighting an uphill battle. Prep schools offer shot clocks, national schedules, and exposure public schools can't match. Plus, families now have more options: charter schools, education savings accounts, the whole deal.

Area coaches are getting creative. Allen played a national tournament in New Jersey as a "club team" (UIL loophole). Lancaster scheduled nationally-ranked opponents just to prove public schools can compete.

The stakes: Texas public schools have always been basketball royalty. That's changing fast.

If you care: Your kid's coach is probably thinking about this already.

Property taxes after disasters: Cities and counties can no longer abuse disaster declarations to jack up rates indefinitely. They get two formulas now, and they can't recycle old disasters to justify future hikes. Local governments hate it. Taxpayers won.

AI gets guardrails: You'll now get a heads-up when you're chatting with a bot on government sites or when AI is involved in your healthcare. Creating deepfake content involving kids? Illegal. (Trump's trying to override state AI laws, but Texas's might survive since it focuses on government use.)

Small business tax break: Property tax exemption on equipment/furniture jumped from $2,500 to $125,000. That's about $2,500-$3,500 back in your pocket per year.

The furniture and home decor shop on King Road closed December 28. Owner Heather Harper-Hirosky isn't quitting… she's just done paying Frisco rent.

"The cost was becoming too much for brick-and-mortar," she said.

She's overhauling her website in early 2026. If you loved her mix of new and vintage finds, you'll still get it, just without the drive or the impulse-buy throw pillow.

Very 2026 energy: Physical retail isn't dead, but it's expensive and picky.

Bookmark it: shopharperrowhome.com

Frisco ISD theater kids crushed it. Over 80 students earned recognition at the Texas Thespians State Festival, with several qualifying for nationals. Frisco High School was named a Gold Honor Troupe, and students took first place in multiple categories. Your kid's drama teacher wasn't lying… this program is legit.

Dr. Pink Soccer Showcase is back. Nearly 100 matches at Toyota Stadium Soccer Center, Thursday through Saturday. Top boys and girls teams from across Texas. If you like soccer or just want an excuse to be outside, this is your weekend.

Bad Ass Coffee opened in Little Elm. Yes, that's the real name. Premium Hawaiian coffee, a food menu with island vibes, and a loyalty program that gives you $5 off your first order. Open now at 11700 FM 423. Fair warning: their lattes have a kick.