2017 State Playoff Preview

In anticipation of what is always an exciting time in gyms all across Texas, Premier Basketball Report is breaking down the matchups that will ultimately lead to the crowning of the UIL State Champions on March 4, 2017 at the Alamodome in San Antonio and TAPPS State Champions on February 25/March 4, 2017 at McMurry University in Abilene.
 
Jason Key and Shane Laflin got together to analyze the brackets by region and by classification. Open dialogue and hoops talk lead to point/counterpoint which lead to, as one would expect from two gym rats with old school “Basketball Jones” souls, some healthy heated debate and trash talk, and ultimately ended with the only solution: “We can’t wait until they toss up the ball.”
 
Texas is an undeniable hotbed for recruiting in all sports. The time and resources that schools allocate for sports in Texas is remarkable. The talent speaks for itself. Once again the state claims several McDonald’s All-Americans this year (6) and has had 50 overall since the inception of the Girl’s game in 2002. In fact, West
Team Head Coach Russell L. Ninemire could have an All-Texas starting lineup if he wanted to this year.
 
The coaches here are knowledgeable and experienced and some are incredibly successful. Spend some time and Google: Joe Lombard of Canyon (total state championships), Samantha Morrow of South Grand Prairie (consecutive state championships at the highest classification), Skip Townsend of Argyle (multiple consecutive state championships at multiple schools), and Cathy Self-Morgan of Duncanville (dynasty anyone?).
 
They are all in the hunt this post season in their respective classifications.
 
That should set the tone. It is “one and done” – no second chances. It is about winning seven in a row (in UIL). The playoffs are about preparation, experience, expectation and most importantly: PRODUCTION.
 
 
CLASS 6A
 
REGION 1
 
This has been known as Duncanville’s region for a long time. Right away a second round matchup catches the eye in what will likely be Duncanville vs Plano West. The consensus is that Duncanville wins, but do not think that Plano West 2019 (and SMU commit) Jaden Owens and recently committed 2017 Lyric Robins (Illinois) will read that and take it lightly. Plano West has been down this road before and will not back down. We expect Duncanville to advance to the Regional Semifinal here.
 
In the other part of the bracket, Arlington Bowie is lead by a solid backcourt in 2019 Malay McQueen and 2018 Jasmine Robinson. We look for them to matchup in the Regional Quarterfinal with Keller, who is lead by Stetson signee Megan Vincent and 2017 post and multi-sport player Ryanne Johnson. This will be a contest of contrasting styles as Keller has the size and Bowie has the stellar guard play. Look for Bowie to speed things up as Coach Kelly Carruthers attempts to lead her team to the Regional Tournament and set up a matchup with Duncanville.
 
The other part of the Region 1 bracket is tough. When looking at it on the setup on the UIL website, what would be the lower quadrant has some sure fire hoopers and quality teams. Just look at these first round matchups:
 

• Plano vs LD Bell

 
The Gordon sisters (2017 UCONN commit Lexi and 2020 Myra) will look to
lead their team past a very talented Plano squad (2018 Texas commit Lolo Davenport, 2018 Katie Ferrell, and 2020 Jordan Merritt). Word is that Plano will be without 2018 forward Emma Halverson for the duration of the playoffs, so we will see how this changes things for them. Coach Rodney Belcher will have them ready.
 
Jason: This is a great matchup and I look at it like this: Lolo vs Lexi and Ferrell vs Myra. That is must see TV right there. Jason will be in the building!
 
Shane: I like it – which makes the “ex factor” here 2020 Jordan Merritt. As the season has progressed, her production has been steadily rising. I love versatility and she is versatile, no question. The other thing I look for: could we see a performance for the ages out of Lexi Gordon? It’s a big stage and a motivating matchup… Can we get this on TV!?
 
Hard to call, but we see Plano advancing because of an edge in depth. But look out – stars come out in these games – what is Lexi Gordon going to do?
 

• South Grand Prairie vs Waco Midway

 
2017 unsigned Senior Barbara Benson will look to take her team past the South Grand Prairie trio of 2017 Texas A&M signee Kayla Wells, 2018 guard Amber Bacon, and 2018 center Uchenna Nwoke. The question here: will Midway be able to speed up the game enough to neutralize Nwoke’s presence inside?
 
Jason: Midway will press and SGP has shown trouble at times vs pressing teams, but as the season progressed SGP has sharpened their focus and Amber Bacon has been playing well and this is very key for them. Expect SGP to come through.
 
Shane: Coach Morrow is a pro, and she will have her team ready. Part of the backbone of their system is her patented 2.2.1 press – they will be ready for an opponent’s pressure and play to their strengths.
 

• Trinity vs Plano East

 
The major factor here: 2017 Baylor signee Trinity Oliver is out for Trinity HS with an injury. This gives a huge edge to Plano East which has 2019 Tavy Diggs, 2018 Emilie Austin, and 2017 Cameron University signee Andrea Martinez. The injury to Oliver may be too much for Coach Sue Cannon and Trinity to overcome. We look for Plano East who has signature wins this year vs Vista Ridge and Plano HS to get the win.
 
This could set up an exciting second round game with Cedar Hill who is lead by 2019 DJ McCarty, 2019 Taylor Hutchins, and 2018 Raija Todd.
 
Jason: Cedar Hill is a gritty group and I expect them to win that one.
 
We are looking down the road here, but in the other part of the bracket, look for the second round matchup between Arlington Martin (with 2017 Louisiana Monroe commit Tiara Malone) and Amarillo Tascosa who has an intriguing athlete in 6’2 K’Lia Smith who showed well this year at the (Mansfield) Spring Creek Invitational after Christmas.
 
Ultimately, we believe the winner of the highly anticipated SGP/Plano second round game will advance to the Regional Final to play Duncanville. It is to be noted that SGP and Plano played early in the season in the Allen Tournament and Plano won 51-37, however Amber Bacon was out with injury at the time.
 
Jason: I think a key factor here will be that overall, Katie Ferrell shows a reluctance to score the ball. With Halverson out (presumably), they will need a strong third option. Plano has shown the ability to throw different zones at their opponents this season and I expect them to do so vs SGP.
 
Shane: I have wanted more out of Uchenna Nwoke on the offensive end this year and I point to that as the “ex-factor” here. If Plano does indeed zone them, the inconsistency in SGP perimeter shooting may bite them. SGP’s bread and butter, and a Coach Morrow staple, is the 2.2.1 press into a 2/3 zone. I think Plano has enough firepower and ball handling to combat this. I am interested in how potentially SGP will handle the Merritt/Nwoke matchup. Merritt’s major emergence over the second half of district play has really intrigued me and I think will pay dividends. Ultimately, I think SGP’s perimeter shooting hurts them and I’ve got to give the nod to Plano here.
 
Jason: I look for a low scoring affair. Halverson out is a big thing for me here. I’m going with SGP.
 
Shane: This is a TOUGH one to call regardless…  Again, certainly one to see.
 
Region 1 winner: DUNCANVILLE
 
REGION 2
 
We look for a Regional Quarterfinal matchup between Mesquite Horn and Lakeview Centennial. Horn has a dynamic true PG in 2019 N’yah Boyd, a solid forward in 2018 Umaja Collins, and a double figure scorer in 2020 Tra’Liyah Washington.
 
Centennial is lead by emerging 2018 prospect Bre’Asiajah Mathews. We give Horn the edge in this one.
 
In an intriguing matchup in the second round, Cedar Ridge and Dekaney should play each other. Cedar Ridge has a couple of nice players in 2018 Marilyn Nzoiwu and 2019 Taryn Wills. Dekaney has been there and done that for years in the playoffs. Larissa Leal-Thomas took the helm for the Wildcats this season and they have played well and scored a lot of points in many games. 2017 Senior Jasmine Smith leads an energetic and competitive squad, which has a couple of other double figure scorers to help her out.
 
Shane: I would expect this to be a little like Cedar Ridge’s matchups with Pflugerville in district play. I’ve got to go with Dekaney here. Their experience and expectation gives them the edge for me.
 
Watch for Round Rock Westwood to make a decent run. Coach Doug Davalos is a master tactician (he is the former Head Coach of the Texas State men’s basketball program). Incarnate Word bound 2017 Kandyce Shepard patrols the paint and 2019 Dani Davalos is as tough as nails. She is a coach on the floor and can flat out shoot the ball.
 
In a rematch of last year, it’s hard not to give Dekaney the edge over Westwood (but it is ever so slight) in this year’s Regional Quarterfinal.
 
Look for Mesquite Horn and Dekaney to match up in the Regional Semifinal.
 
In the bottom part of the bracket, there are some familiar names to playoff success like Dallas Skyline and Pflugerville as well as some teams that are trying to make a name for themselves deeper in the playoffs in Sachse and Austin Bowie.
 
Sachse is powered by 2019’s Kayla Demus and Avery Crouse and the Tac sisters, 2017 Agang and 2020 Adhel (their older sister, Acheil, played at UNT).
 
Austin Bowie has a matchup with Hendrickson in the first round that pits two teams of similar style against each other. Bowie can get hot and score in bunches  (notables: 2017 Loyola-New Orleans signee Savannah Ralph, 2017 unsigned Senior Deziray Turner, and 2019 Hailey Atwood) and Hendrickson (notable: 2019 guard Mikayla Woods) uses a well-rounded roster and an aggressive press to wear opponents down. Bowie has the senior guards, but Hendrickson has some size that Bowie lacks. This could be a good one.
 
Pflugerville has shown over the years that they are legit and this year is no different. 2018 Britney Onyeje is a major emerging athletic wing. 2019 London Clarkson’s game has matured all year long. 2018 Starr Omozee is a nice complementary athlete to a team that likes to press and pressure and create points off of their defense.
 
Skyline is no stranger to the Regional Tournament. Head Coach Melanie Hopson took over for Coach Cassandra McCurdy last year and the expectations for the program haven’t changed. Unsigned Senior Jaylan Gulley, 2019 forward Kyjai Miles, and 2018 forward Jade Bradley boost their roster.
 
Jason: I like the Sachse/Skyline matchup to happen in the Regional Quarterfinal. I give the experience and culture edge to Skyline. The Senior PG Jaylan Gulley will get it done. But it is hard to call.. It’s a 50/50 game really for me..  Look for a possible “upset” here.
 
Shane: I have been a big fan of Pflugerville all season long since I watched them early in the Austin Bowie Be-YOU-tiful Classic in November. I have to believe Pflugerville matches up and is victorious over Skyline in the Regional Semifinal.
 
Region 2 Final: Pflugerville vs Dekaney // Pflugerville wins Region 2
 
 
REGION 3
 
Region 3 has a lot of talent for a lot of levels. There may not be as many early round matchups here to look at, but we have some later into the playoffs that are noteworthy. Some teams of note are Seven Lakes, Clear Springs, Pearland, Cy Ranch, Cy Woods (solid first round matchup with Westside), and North Shore.
 
The Clear Springs/Pearland potential matchup in the Regional Quarterfinals will be one to see. Pearland has 2020 super recruit DeYonna Gaston and a very solid 2017 PG in Ravae Payne. Clear Springs has several quality players in 2017 Tulane signee Sierra Chatham, UTSA signee Tasharian Robinson, and 2018 Diamond Gladney.
 
From the other half of that part of the bracket, we expect Seven Lakes to make it through setting up another matchup with Clear Springs in the Regional Semifinal. Seven Lakes Coach Angela Spurlock does a good job and her standout players in 2018’s Brooke Bigott and Jade Lake, 2020 Priscilla Williams, and solid contributors from the senior class have helped them to a successful regular season.
 
These two teams have played twice this season with Clear Springs winning both contests most recently in the McDonald’s Texas Invitational in November.
 
Shane Laflin: It is hard to beat a team three times, but considering the matchups were so early in the season, I consider the slate to be wiped clean. Seven Lakes moves the ball well and does a good job of playing to their strengths and finding good shots. Clear Springs is long and athletic and can throw a lot at you defensively. I think their pressure gets them over the top in this one. Clear Springs hasn’t been at their best as of late, but I expect the playoff atmosphere to re-focus them.
 
In the bottom part of the Region 3 bracket we have some star power.
 

• Cy Woods: 2018 Cate Reese

 

• Cy Ranch: 2017 McDonald’s All-American and Baylor signee Didi Richards, 2017 SMU signee Ariana Whitfield, 2018 Jayla Buster, 2018 D’Asia Collins

 

• Northshore: 2017 McDonald’s All-American and Texas signee Chassity Patterson

 
Watch for the possible “4 over 1” upset in Cy-Woods (4 ^th seed) vs Westside (1 ^st seed). Coach Troy Gillespie always has his teams prepared, but do-everything forward Cate Reese of Cy Woods simply imposes her will on opponents. Coach Virginia Flores is no stranger to the playoffs as they won a state championship two years ago.
 
If this can happen and Cy Woods and Cy Ranch can play in a rematch of a January district contest, hopefully it can live up to the hype of their last meeting. It was a real battle and Cy Ranch came out on top 57-50. Word is that Didi Richards and Cate Reese really went at it old school competitor style. This would be in the Regional Quarterfinal.
 
Looking ahead to the Regional Semifinal, Cy Ranch and Northshore seem to be the strongest candidates to reach this point. They played this year in the McDonald’s Invitational in November with Cy Ranch winning, 62-50.
 
Regional Final: Cy Ranch vs Clear Springs // Cy Ranch wins Region 3
(Rematch of a close one played on December 6 ^th with Springs beating Ranch 43-41.)
 
 
REGION 4:
 
Historically, this is the weakest region in terms of the number of teams that can truly contest for a State Championship.
 
Cibolo Steele has made a few runs to State from this region. SA Wagner has as well. Look for SA Johnson to make a splash this year on the post-season scene. Vista Ridge made a run last year and don’t sleep on them as they feature 2017 Nikki Cardano-Hillary (George Mason signee) who has been scoring in droves this year (we’re talking multiple 40 point games).
 
Key Players:
 

• Cibolo Steele: 2017’s Antonia Anderson (New Mexico signee) and Kianja Cain (ACU), 2018 Torrianna Nesbitt, 2020 Aja Holmes

 

• SA Johnson: 2017’s Megan Valdez (Houston Baptist signee) and Alyssa Adams (Abilene Christian signee), and 2020 Deja Kelly (Texas commit)

 

• Wagner: 2017 McDonald’s All-American and Stanford signee Kiana Williams and 2018’s Angel Hastings and Toni Cueller

 
Key matchup in this region: In the second round SA Johnson and SA Wagner will likely face each other. The winner of that game would have a great shot to win the region. Johnson beat Wagner 80-60 earlier in the year. “Ex factor”: Alyssa Adams. SA Johnson faces a very young Austin Westlake team in the first round (key starters are 2020’s Presley Bennett and Shay Holle). Katie Hensle’s squad will put up a fight, but Johnson is the favorite.
 
Steele will have to get through likely opponents Buda Hays (second round) and Vandegrift (in the Regional Quarterfinal). Interestingly enough, Steele lost to Vandegrift by two points in the Jack Frost Tournament in Georgetown in December. Vandegrift will likely face 2018 super recruit NaLyssa Smith and her SA East Central squad in the second round. Vandegrift is senior laden and controls the game well, but as stars tend to do, do not be surprised if NaLyssa Smith can carry her team over the top. That would set up a district rematch between Steele and East Central in the Regional Quarterfinal (East Central lost to Steele twice, but by no more than five points).
 
Steele should advance to the Regional Semifinal, but it could be by the narrowest of margins. Must see!!
 
Regional Final: Too close to call!! Steele? East Central? Vandegrift? vs Wagner? SA Johnson?
 
Shane: I think the key to Johnson’s run overall and in their matchup with Steele will be: Can Alyssa Adams stay out of foul trouble? Johnson has proved to be a legit contender all year, and this promises to be a fun game should it happen. Johnson plays with something to prove and doesn’t seem to get rattled. I like their guard play. Steele creates offense off of their press, and I think Johnson can handle it. I think Johnson makes the run – all comes back to who gets through the second round game: Wagner or Johnson?
 
Jason: Give me Wagner and I’m a big believer in Kiana Williams. I’ve got to go with the Senior leadership. I’m a huge fan of NaLyssa Smith – legends are born in the playoffs… Can she carry them past Steele potentially? Cannot wait for this region to play out.
   
State Tournament matchups are not determined until seeding after the Regional Tournaments conclude. However, it is hard to pick against the Duncanville repeat.
 
Jason: Duncanville is as vulnerable as they have been in a couple years, but I have not seen anyone play consistently enough with enough fire power to pick against them.
 
Shane: They have another level that most teams do not.. And the fact that they have seen it and touched it before makes them hard to beat.
 
 
CLASS 5A
 
REGION 1
 
Amarillo seems to be the team to beat in this region. They have been highly regarded all year long in the TABC polls and have dropped just one game thus far. They even have made an appearance in the USA Today Top 25 (#22 as of Feb 12 ^th).
The Tinner sisters (2017 Sidney and 2020 Zayla) lead the Amarillo attack. Amarillo plays solid team basketball and shoots the ball well from the perimeter, as many West Texas teams tend to do. They control the tempo of the game and do not beat themselves. We expect them to roll through their portion of the bracket.
 
Colleyville Heritage is lead by do-everything 2018 G/F Bryn Gerlich. From game to game Gerlich is asked to do a multitude of things for her team from different defensive assignments, to her spots on the floor offensively. Bryn can shoot it and has a great feel for the HP area where she can attack or distribute. Bryn’s mother, Krista Gerlich, is the Head Coach at UT-Arlington and won a National Championship as a player at Texas Tech. It is evident that Bryn is the daughter of a coach in the way she approaches the game.
 
The Amarillo/Colleyville Heritage matchup could very well happen in the Regional Semifinal. An interesting fact to that matchup is that Bryn Gerlich grew up with many of the Amarillo players in West Texas when her mom was the Head Coach at West Texas A&M before coming to the Metroplex. Look for Trimble Tech to give Colleyville a run for their money in the Regional Quarterfinal. This will be a battle of contrasting styles. Whoever controls the tempo and flow will win.
 
In the other part of the Region 1 bracket, the matchup we hope to see is Canyon vs Boswell in the Regional Semifinal.
 
Canyon, like Amarillo, is not going to beat themselves. Coach Joe Lombard’s teams always play the game with a high level of discipline and he has been to the state tournament and come away with championships too many times to count. He is in the Basketball Hall of Fame for a reason. Canyon is not a star-studded team, but they know how to win basketball games.
 
Boswell has one of the fastest rising 2018 recruits currently in the country in Audrey Warren. They have only dropped 3 games all season and play an exciting style of basketball. Warren is a big wing that really makes them go. Some very sound players and a few really good athletes complement her.
 
Jason: Amarillo has been solid all year long and it is hard to choose against them to get to the finals of the Region. All in all, I go with the experience of Joe Lombard at Canyon and think they will get out of the Region as the winner.
 
Shane: I agree.. Amarillo rolls to the Regional Final. The Boswell/Canyon matchup is hard for me to call. I have been historically amazed by the quality of basketball Canyon plays in these situations – hats off the Coach Lombard. I think for Boswell to complete the task, Audrey Warren will truly have to show out – much like Vivian Gray did for Argyle two years ago against Waco Midway in the State Semifinal by scoring 36; it was kind of her break out party. I think Warren would have to give similar production to get the win here. Either way, I think Amarillo gets the job done in the Region to make the trip to San Antonio.
 
Jason: Shane, you’re picking against the legend of a coach? Since when? I can always count on you to provide the view from the bench and lean toward the experience there.
 
Shane: True! I just had to go with what seems like this year is the better team. Very tough call however… They split in district this year, so we shall see..
 
Region 1: Toss Up!
 
 
REGION 2
 
Last year this Regional was must see basketball and we expect some of the usual suspects to compete again. The new team to crash the party to look out for is The Colony. 2017 McDonald’s All-American and Duke signee Jade Williams is back at The Colony from Prestonwood Christian. She is complemented by a couple of young guards: 2020’s Jewel Spear and Tamia Jones.
 
We look for Mansfield Timberview to run through their part of the bracket and into the Regional Semifinals. 2017 McDonald’s All-American and Texas A&M signee Chennedy Carter is as dynamic a guard as there is and she has some notable teammates in 2018 Lauryn Thompson, 2017’s (unsigned) Hailee Walls, Trelynn Tyler, and Taylah Thomas, and 2019 Mikayla Hutchinson.
 
The possible Regional Quarterfinal between Frisco Lone Star and The Colony should be a good game to see. Lone Star has a couple of very quality players in 2018 Mallory Adams and 2019 Mia Deck.
 
Jason: The Colony has been improving and gaining momentum all year and I expect them to win this one, but not before Adams makes it a tough road. Looking forward to Timberview vs The Colony in the Regional Semifinal, I’m rolling with Timberview, no doubt.
 
Shane: I would agree.. The Colony seems slightly more balanced and from what I understand about their guard play, it has been nice all year. Will the real Jade Williams please stand up? She can impose her presence at times, but I have also seen her shy away from things.. I am giving her the benefit of the doubt in the playoff environment. And I agree, there is no way I’m picking against Timberview.
 
In the top part of the bracket, Mansfield Summit and Mansfield Legacy look to be headed for a Regional Quarterfinal matchup in a third game between district opponents. Summit won both of those district games, and we expect to see the same result here.
 
This would set up a possible head to head with Frisco Liberty in the Regional Semifinal. Liberty made the run to state last year by beating Timberview. Seniors Jordan Hamilton (Northwestern University signee) and Rebecca Lescay (Tulsa signee) know what it takes to win. They will likely have to get through a Prosper team with 2019 Baylor commit Jordyn Oliver in the Quarterfinal.
 
Jason: Liberty will be missing 2019 Randi Thompson (injury) from last year. Ross Reedy does a good job preparing his teams. I have to go with Jordan Hamilton on this one – I’ve seen that kid perform in big time moments. It’s Liberty for me.
 
Shane: This regional will keep people in their seats. In the Summit/Liberty game… Great coaching matchup. Coach Dawn Mailloux-Smith was on staff when Mansfield won their 4 consecutive 5A State Championships and Summit has played an excellent schedule to get them prepared for these situations. The “ex factor” here: unsigned Senior Amber Dixon for Summit. She is a very solid, strong, and athletic PG who can guard. 2020 Tommisha Lampkin has been productive all year long for them. I lean towards Summit here.
 
Consensus winner of Region 2: Timberview
 
 
REGION 3
 
This should be a competitive region from a relatively speaking standpoint. Meaning several teams are evenly matched, but in comparison to the other Regions 1 and 2, there isn’t as much firepower player wise. There are a few teams here that have lingered in the Top 25 in the TABC rankings all season:
 
Barber’s Hill (#4)
Tomball Memorial (#9)
College Station (#13)
Houston Madison (#17)
Georgetown (#19)
 
Look for meaningful games in the respective Regional Quarterfinals in the top part of the bracket when Tomball Memorial faces Georgetown (potentially) and when Houston Madison faces Manvel. Again, these are hard to call as these teams are evenly matched and have had some up and down moments all year long.
 
If the rankings stay true, we will see Barber’s Hill vs College Station in the Regional Semifinal. Barber’s Hill is lead by 2018 UCONN commit Charli Collier and it is hard to pick against them.
 
Shane: In games/brackets like these, the matchups player wise and stylistically are a big part. Different teams struggle with different styles and they all have different strengths. The teams in these matchups that can take care of the basketball and tilt the tempo/style in their favor come out with the wins. I’ve got to look to turnovers and free throws taken/made as big statistics to look at in this region.
 
Consensus to win Region 3: Barber’s Hill
 
 
REGION 4
 
In this region we have several TABC ranked teams as well:
 
Austin High School (#10)
Kerrville Tivy (#13)
Brownsville Veteran’s Memorial (#22)
Laredo Cigarroa (#23)
Marble Falls (#25)
 
Kerrville Tivy vs Victoria East in the second round is intriguing because of contrasting styles of play. Tivy has seen a lot of success this year and moves the ball well, runs good sets, and is patient to wait for good shots – they are more finesse with not much dribble penetration. Victoria East relies more on their defensive pressure to create points as they don’t shoot the ball well from the outside – more of an aggressive style off the dribble. Victoria East has the Wimbish sisters (mom and Head Coach Yulonda played at Texas for Jody Conradt) in 2018 guard Imani and 2020 forward Leilani.
 
Austin High has seen its most successful season in recent history. Coach Tricia Hughes and her squad are lead by 6’3 post Mia Heide, 6’0 forward 2019 Tianna Gardner, and 2018 guard Ellen Hagen. They get out quick in transition because they do a good job on the glass and the ball outlets quickly out of Heide’s hands. Hagen has gained confidence throughout the year and is shooting the ball well from the perimeter. They have complementary role players and they have begun to move the ball well. They key for them will be when they meet a team that makes them really grind it out in the half court. They will have to be patient and execute. They play a couple of big and active zones and it has given teams trouble all year long.
 
It’s hard not to believe that Leticia Canales of CC Carroll will lead her team on a decent playoff run. They open up with Floresville, which has 2017 Sam Houston State signee in post Hannah Knight, but should win.
 
Shane: Ultimately, I think the winner of the region will come from the anticipated Kerrville Tivy/Austin High matchup in the Regional Quarterfinal. I think CC Carroll gets to the Regional Semifinal to face the winner of Tivy/Austin High. CC Carroll and Austin High have split in two matchups this season, both meetings coming in different tournaments. The top of the bracket is a bit of a toss up and, again, matchup oriented. Much like 6A, Region 4 is not the strongest region and hard to call.
   
Timberview wins the State Championship. They finish what they feel like they didn’t last year and they quite possibly avenge a loss to Amarillo in the (Mansfield) Spring Creek Invitational in late December. 
 
 
 
CLASS 4A
 
Class 4A started the year with a clear-cut favorite and we have not deviated from that at this time. Argyle has held strong to the top spot all year. Skip Townsend simply knows how to prepare his team to play at a very high level. Led by senior Vivian Gray (Fort Lewis signee) and also with Jocelyn Pierce (Texas A&M Commerce signee), Madison Ralston (Emporia State signee), and 2018 Gabby Standifer (Fresno State commit).
 
The other two top teams in this classification all year have been Liberty Hill and Kennedale. Kennedale overwhelms teams with pressure and fast paced play. Seniors Evie Whorley and Lucy Benson are their leading scorers.
 
Liberty Hill is led by 2018 6’7 Texas commit and multiple USA Basketball (U16 and U17) team member Sedona Prince. They have only two losses this season: Argyle (34-26 in the Jack Frost Tournament in Georgetown) and to Kennedale (66-43 in the Whataburger Tournament in Fort Worth). Argyle beat Kennedale early in the season 66-46.
 
In other words these three teams have been on a collision course all year long for the State Tournament. And the good news … They can all make it there. They represent Regions 1, 2, and 3.
 
Region 4 in 4A will be a toss up and anyone’s guess. The potential rematches in this classification will be competitive. We’ll wait in anticipation.
   
Until proven otherwise it is hard to pick against Argyle in their quest for the Three-Peat (nod to Pat Riley).
 
Jason: If the matchups fall that way, I’m interested to see myself when and if Argyle and Liberty Hill go against each other. After playing the club season together, Vivian Gray and Sedona Prince are very familiar with each other. I would like to see if Sedona will impose her physical will upon Vivian and Argyle.
 
Shane: Prince is as smooth as they come, but yes, it will be a matter of her physically dominating both ends of the floor. Another key is can her team get her early and easy touches? When I watched them in the final of Jack Frost tournament in December, they missed her in transition and in early offense and it allowed Argyle to execute their defensive game plan in the half court; can’t miss those easy buckets.
 
 
 
 
CLASS 3A – 1A
 
Naturally with all of the schools in Texas, it is hard to see a lot of the small schools especially in the rural areas. Attempting to predict these brackets is futile. Here are the TABC Top 5 in each class entering the playoffs with a few notes:
 
3A:
 

1.	Canadian	(26-3)
2.	Little River Academy	(25-5)
3.	Wall	(22-7)
4.	Jim Ned	(24-6)
5.	Hitchcock	(29-3)

 
** Tate Lombard is the Head Coach of Wall (father is Joe Lombard of Canyon) and he has State Championship experience as well.
 
2A:
 

1.	Martins Mill	(29-2)
2.	LaPoynor	(27-4)
3.	Panhandle	(22-6)
4.	Claude	(29-1)
5.	Falls City	(25-4)

 
**Beware of #7 Windthorst as they have the best player in the classification in 2018 Tatum Veitenheimer. She could very well carry her team far into the playoffs.
 
1A:
 

1.	Nazareth	(28-1)
2.	Dodd City	(26-3)
3.	Huckabay	(25-2)
4.	Garden City	(22-5)
5.	Spur	(25-5)

 
**Nazareth has a long and deep history of success. Canyon coach Joe Lombard started his career there.
 
 
TAPPS CLASSIFICATIONS
 
6A
 
Look for Bishop Lynch to make the run to the State Championship.
Notables:
            2019 Nyah Green
            2019 Endyia Rogers
            2017 Brooke Bradley (Incarnate Word signee)
            2017 Gabby Rogers (William & Mary signee)
 
Challengers come from their own district in Prestonwood Christian and Parish Episcopal. San Antonio Incarnate Word and also Tomball Concordia from different regions will also be challengers.
 

• Prestonwood:

            2019 Cameron Brown
            2019 Payton Hicks
            2020 Jordan Webster
 

• SA Incarnate Word:

            2018 Sophia Ramos
            2017 Mikayla Mabry (New Mexico State signee)
 
 
5A
 
Look for the Final 4 of the 5A classification to include: Dallas Christian, Westbury Christian, and Austin Regents.
 
Dallas Christian has 2019 super recruit Taylor Jones. Westbury Christian has 2017 Center Emer Nichols and 2017 SFA signee Marissa Banfield. Austin Regents has 2017 Loyola-Chicago signee Ellie Rice.
 
 
4A
 
Top ranked teams going into the post season according to TABC:
 

1.	Houston Lutheran North	(24-8)
2.	Lubbock Trinity Christian	(19-12)
3.	Marble Falls Faith Academy	(29-4)
4.	Fort Worth Lake Country Christian	(21-14)
5.	McKinney Christian	(18-9)
6.	Arlington Pantego	(17-5)
7.	Austin Brentwood	(20-10)
8.	Corem Deo Academy	(20-8)
9.	Bay Area Christian	(21-7)
10.	Austin School for Deaf	(22-7)

 
3A
 
Top ranked teams going into the post season according to TABC:
 

1.	Beaumont Legacy	(29-2)
2.	Midland Classical	(23-6)
3.	Temple Central Texas Christian	(25-7)
4.	Tomball Rosehill	(19-11)
5.	Mission Juan Diego	(16-6)
6.	Denton Calvary	(16-9)
7.	Hallettsville Sacred Heart	(13-15)
8.	San Antonio Keystone	(13-2)
9.	Spring Frassati Catholic	(17-8)
10.	Dallas Lakehill Prep	(16-7)

 
** Look for 2017 McDonald’s All-American and Baylor signee Alexis Morris of Beaumont Legacy to lead her team to a Championship
 
2A
 
Top ranked teams going into the post season according to TABC:
 

1.	Muenster Sacred Heart	(25-6)
2.	Red Oak Ovilla	(21-3)
3.	Bryan St. Joseph	(24-7)
4.	Austin Waldorf	(19-9)
5.	Sherman Texoma	(14-8)
6.	Shiner St. Paul	(14-9)
7.	Christian Academy of San Antonio (CASA)	(11-5)
8.	Bryan Allen Academy	(13-6)
9.	Plainview Christian	(15-8)
10.	Universal City First Baptist	(16-11)

 
 
1A
 
Top ranked teams going into the post season according to TABC:
 

1.	Edinbury Harvest Christian	(19-2)
2.	Desoto Canterbuy	(16-3)
3.	Wichita Fall Christ Academy	(18-8)
4.	Wichita Fall Notre Dame	(18-6)
5.	Houston Southwest Christian	(15-5)
6.	Waxahachie Prep	(9-5)
7.	Longview Trinity Texas	(12-8)
8.	San Antonio Legacy	(14-10)
9.	Lubbock Kingdom Prep	(12-10)
10.	El Paso Jesus Chapel	(12-6)

 
 
 
 
Best of luck to these teams, coaches, and players! We will see you in the gyms and ultimately at the State Championships.
 
 
--- PREMIER BASKETBALL REPORT