Premier Basketball Report congratulates each of the teams that qualified for this year’s State Basketball Tournament to be played at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Some incredibly competitive games took place at the regional tournaments, leading up to one of the most talked about state tournaments ever. A good selection of traditional powers are attending this year’s event, but some first-time teams will be sure to affect the outcome. We wish all the teams the very best as they battle to bring the Championship trophy to their hometown.
Skyline High School (30-6) Coach Cassandra McCurdy vs.
Flower Mound High School (28-7) Coach Sherika Nelson
Cypress Woods High School (33-1) Coach Virginia Flores vs.
San Antonio Wagner High School (26-10) Coach Christina Camacho
A couple of DFW teams—Skyline and Flower Mound—will make their first appearance in the State Tournament this year. Cy Woods brings a really strong team to Alamo City, and Wagner is a balanced and deep squad with experience. Overall, this is a very even Final Four matchup and the winner will be a tossup.
Canyon High School (32-3) Coach Joe Lombard vs.
Bryan Rudder High School (36-4) Coach Michael Stenseth
Cedar Park Vista Ridge High School (36-2) Coach Pecos McDaniel vs.
Bryan Adams High School (29-4) Coach Darren Eubanks
The legend, Coach Joe Lombard (Canyon), tries for another one and Coach Pecos McDaniel (Vista Ridge) has a lot of experience at the highest level. Bryan Adams continues beating good teams, and Bryan Rudder is loaded with talent.
Waco La Vega High School (34-2) Coach Amy Gillum vs.
Argyle High School (30-5) Coach Skip Townsend
Liberty Hill High School (37-2) Coach Matt Kirschner vs.
Abilene Wylie High School (31-5) Coach Kurt Richardson
Defending Champs La Vega have not missed a beat this year. Coach Skip Townsend knows how to win, and Argyle is on a roll. Liberty Hill’s tradition means they are always in the picture. Abilene Wylie has another strong team.
Shallowater High School (31-1) Coach Chuck Darden vs.
Jarrell High School (34-3) Coach Marlena Brown
Sunnyvale High School (35-2) Coach Jill McDill vs.
Rockdale High School (35-3) Coach Liz McQuitter
Sunnyvale is State’s top ranked team and they are very talented. However, Shallowater is also a powerful team with only one loss this season. Jarrell and Rockdale both have had excellent seasons and will be ready for the challenge.
LaRue La Poynor High School (34-2) Coach Gary Grahn vs.
Martin’s Mill High School (29-7) Coach Laura Jenkins
Weimar High School (34-4) Coach Roger Maupin vs.
Gruver High School (30-5) Coach Trent Lankford
The battle of East Texas (LaPoynor vs. Martin’s Mill) will undoubtedly be an entertaining semifinal with two strong defensive teams. Traditional powers Weimar and Gruver are a great matchup, making for engaging small town basketball.
Lipan High School (32-3) Coach Amber Branson vs.
Garden City High School (30-4) Coach Chris Sumrall
Nazareth High School (35-2) Coach EricSchilling vs.
D’Hanis High School (27-6) Coach Fred McCollum
The trophy case at Nazareth is very large, and girls' basketball is a big reason. Lipan is loaded and will be a difficult team to face. Nonetheless, you can never count out traditionally strong teams D’Hanis and Garden City.