Texas HS Season Preview

ALL PHOTO CRED: Brittany Graham @itsbybritt


As we head into the 2019 basketball season, we thought we should ask and attempt to answer some of the most important questions looming.



Can Desoto run the table in 6A?

I lean towards no, feeling like they will slip up somewhere during the regular season due to their youth. The current roster is composed of 1 senior, 4 juniors, and 7 sophomores. Having said that, Desoto will be the favorite in every game they play in. The pressure is real for Desoto, that comes when the vast majority of the roster have college offers and coming off a somewhat surprising run to the state championship game last year.



Can Irving McArthur get over the hump in 6A?

No, but my eyes are closed when I give that answer. With 2 MCDAA candidates and Baylor commits in 2020  Sarah Andrews &  Hannah Gusters along with 2021 sharpshooter  Jordyn Newsome, Irving MacArthur has the best trifecta of players in the state. Gusters manhandled the Desoto posts in her only meeting versus them last year. Andrews will be out for revenge after having a subpar game in last year’s playoff matchup. I lean towards Desoto’s depth, but this will be a 50/50 game going in should they meet in the playoffs.



Who else in the field could make a championship run in 6A?

In the DFW metroplex, watch out for Plano with McDAA candidate and Florida commit  Jordyn Merritt along with 2021 rising prospect  Amaya Brannon. As long as Rodney Belcher is coaching, Plano will be in contention. Duncanville has a fresh energy coming off the saga of last season. LaJeanna Howard both played and coached at Duncanville under longtime head coach Kathy Self-Morgan, giving her great insight about the championship expectations that come with the job. 2020 MCDAA candidate  Deja Kelly and fast-rising 2021  Nyah Wilson lead a fast-paced pressure attack that should put up huge offensive numbers this year. 



Down in Houston you have the best backcourt in the state at Cypress Creek in 2021’s  Rori Harmon &  Kyndall Hunter.Harmon & Hunter are both being nationally recruited and are jaw dropping to watch at times. The other major contender in Houston appears to be Summer Creek. 2020’s  Mailyn Wilkerson and Texas A&M commit  Maliyah Johnson feature one the better inside/outside combos in the state.



In the Cen-Tex region, Austin Westlake appears to be the favorite. Led by three seniors in 2020 Texas commit  Shay Holle, Texas State commit  Presley Bennett, and  Bailee Chynoweth. They have bolstered their roster with depth at all positions. Watch for freshman  Pace Rickard to make a difference. Vista Ridge led by 2021 super-recruit  Ashtynne Marotte, 2020 UC-Irvine commit  Victoria Baker and 2020 Southern Arkansas commit  Zion Neat also figures to be strong. Watch for San Antonio Reagan to make some noise with 2023 Baylor commit  Sammie Wagner and 2022 super recruit  Christeen Iwuala leading the way.



Will Amarillo repeat as state champs in 5A?

Yes. With highly recruited 2020  Zayla Tinner leading the way and with the addition of 2023  Zeryhia Aokuso to a deep and talented roster, Amarillo is going to be tough to beat. 

The Colony, led by one of the better backcourt duos in the state in 2020’s SMU commit  Tamia Jones and Wake Forest commit  Jewel Spear appear to be the top contender to knock off Amarillo (both are in region 1).  



SA Veteran’s Memorial led by 2020 super recruit  Sahara Jones, Fort Bend Hightower led by 2020 Houston commit  Taelor Purvis, South Oak Cliff led by Wichita State commit  Emani Jenkinsand Red Oak led by 2021  Aniyah Johnson and 2022  Breanna Davis are four others to watch out for. 

In 4A, are you going with Argyle, Hardin-Jefferson, or Canyon?

Argyle. Give me HC Chance Westmoreland, 2020 SMU commit  Rhyle McKinney and 2021 Clemson commit  Sydney Standifer and I’ll take my chances. I am, however, taking a chance as the top 2022 recruit in the state plays for Hardin-Jefferson in  Ashlon Jackson. As for Canyon, I am betting against Joe Lombard, who has won 19 state girls basketball championships and 7 more in cross country for a total of 26 – an ASTOUNDING number. Betting against Lombard is always a dicey proposition.
All in all, the talent in Texas is as deep as it’s ever been. This a tribute to all of the high school and club coaches as well as the personal trainers who have worked in a coordinated effort to make Texas girls basketball the best in the world!! 



We will see you soon on our  #PremierLook tour of the 2019-2020 season.