2018 Texas High School Playoff Preview

   
6A  ||  Region 1
 
Bowie vs Duncanville
Frenship vs Plano
 
Location: Wilkerson-Greines Activity Center
 
Jason: Kelly Caruthers has done an amazing job with Bowie.. their program expectations have really risen. Duncanville really used their inside (major) advantage against Allen well.
 
Shane: I am very intrigued by Plano and the fact that unsigned senior Katie Ferrell has taken her game to another level in the “one and done” atmosphere of the playoffs. I would expect to see Duncanville vs Plano in the Regional Final here. Neither team goes too deep into their bench.. this could be a great matchup for a bid to state.
 
 
6A  ||  Region 2
 
Skyline vs Pflugerville Hendrickson
Sachse vs Pflugerville
 
Location:  Davis Fieldhouse
 
Jason: Watch out for Sachse.. they are a well balanced attack. They seem to have a different scoring leader every night out. The guard play has been poised and they have good athletes inside. The youngest of the Tac sisters for Sachse is much improved and effective on both ends. Will we get another matchup of Skyline vs Pflugerville?
 
Shane: Look at the District 13 representatives from Pflugerville both making it! Hendrickson comes at you with speed and pressure and youthful confidence. Skyline historically is a staple at this regional as is Pflugerville.
 
 
6A  ||  Region 3
 
Jersey Village vs Summer Creek
Cy-Creek vs Atascocita
 
Location: Merrell Center
 
Jason: District 17 making a push to the bid at state.. We anticipated Jersey Village and Cy-Creek to get to this point.
 
Shane: We’ve been hearing all year how good District 17 is and Summer Creek and Atascocita have been on a roll as well since the beginning of the year. This regional will be highly competitive in all three games, I think.
 
 
6A  ||  Region 4
 
East Central vs Alexander
Judson vs United South
 
Location: Blossom Athletic Center
 
Shane: Judson has been the favorite in the region for the entire season. They have held up well – not easy – and they will look for that next bid to state. East Central is powered by the talent and drive of NaLyssa Smith.. I anticipate those two schools will matchup in the final.
 
Jason: Judson has gone all over the state and has seen competition, so they are prepared. NaLyssa Smith is the individual talent that can win you games..
 
   
 
5A  ||  Region 1
 
Canyon vs Colleyville Heritage
Amarillo vs Boswell
 
Location: The Coliseum – Snyder
 
Jason: These two matchups are as even as any regional we have this weekend. The Canyon game plan is always one to study. Amarillo is strong.. and have been knocking at the door for a few seasons. But how do you go against Joe Lombard?
 
Shane: I’m still taking Colleyville…  I think the Boswell vs Amarillo game is going to be intense and physical. These teams are all tough and competitive. The Boswell guards will have to play a disciplined style to get through.
 
 
5A  ||  Region 2
 
Mansfield Summit vs Frisco Liberty
Mansfield Timberview vs Frisco Lone Star
 
Location: Curtis Culwell Center
 
Jason: The most intriguing matchup of Friday to me is Timberview vs Lone Star.
 
Shane: District 10 vs District 13.. Remarkable! The coaches in this region are outstanding..
 
 
5A  ||  Region 3
 
Cedar Park vs Crosby
Temple vs Barber’s Hill
 
Location: Delmar Fieldhouse
 
Jason: This region is Barbers Hill’s to lose..  They have been a staple in this region since Charli got on campus. Dilworth twins playing well for Temple.. last time Temple was at a regional was when their mom was in high school and playing..
 
Shane: Check out Cedar Park making a run under first year Coach Donny Ott… Playing with a lot of energy and enthusiasm right now… Charli Collier is running out of room on the stat sheet during her senior campaign.
 
 
5A  ||  Region 4
 
Kerrville Tivy vs CC Veteran’s Memorial
Marble Falls vs Flour Bluff
 
Location: Northside Sports Gym
 
Shane: Very methodical styles in this region.. None of them really push the ball, but want to control in the half court. Tivy, Marble Falls, and Flour Bluff were all here last year.
 
   
Look for Argyle, Liberty Hill, and Veteran’s Memorial to all make a state bid.
 
4A  ||  Region 1
 
Denver City vs Glen Rose
Lleveland vs Wylie
 
Location: Rip Griffin Center
 
 
4A  ||  Region 2
 
Sanger vs Tatum
Argyle vs Gilmer
 
Location: TAMU-Commerce Field House
 
 
4A  ||  Region 3
 
Liberty Hill vs Wheatley
China Spring vs Yates
 
Location: Johnson Coliseum
 
 
 
4A  ||  Region 4
 
SA Veteran’s Memorial vs West Oso
Wharton vs Aransas Pass
 
Location: Steinke Physical Education Center
 
   
3A  ||  Region 1
 
Roosevelt vs Brock
Idalou vs Colorado
 
Location: Chaparral Center
 
 
3A  ||  Region 2
 
Sunnyvale vs Mount Vernon
Pottsboro vs Chapel Hill
 
Location: Rockwall Heath High School
 
 
3A  ||  Region 3
 
Marlin vs Hitchcock
Grandview vs Woodville
 
Location: Midway High School
 
 
3A  ||  Region 4
 
Industrial vs George West
Lago Vista vs Odem
 
Location: Seguin High School
 
   
 
2A  ||  Region 1
 
Claude vs Haskell
Panhandle vs Sundown
 
Location: Texan Dome
 
 
2A  ||  Region 2
 
Hamilton vs Union Grove
Era vs Martin’s Mill
 
Location: McKinney North High School
 
 
2A  ||  Region 3
 
LaPoyner vs Woden
Centerville vs Tenaha
 
Location: Leon High School
 
 
2A  ||  Region 4
 
San Saba vs Freer
Mason vs Falls City
 
Location: Comal Canyon High School
 
   
 
1A  ||  Region 1
 
Nazareth vs Ropes
Happy vs Jayton
 
Location: Texan Dome
 
 
1A  ||  Region 2
 
Hermleigh vs Garden City
Klondike vs May
 
Location: Abilene Christian University
 
 
1A  ||  Region 3
 
Huckabay vs Dodd City
Gorman vs Slidell
 
Location: Mansfield High School
 
 
1A  ||  Region 4
 
Martinsville vs Mouton
Slocum vs Nueces Canyon
 
Location: Burger Gym
 
 
The time is here again for the “win or go home” format of the Texas High School Basketball Playoffs.
 
What teams have been practicing the ME over WE mentality all season long? Who truly defends? Who wins on the glass and makes free throws? Who can control tempo and style of play round after round versus teams with contrasting styles? Who manages possessions and limits turnovers? Who can overcome size with speed? Who shoots the three-ball the best – the great equalizer? Who are the best TEAMS in the state in each qualification? The only unbiased measuring stick… WHO WINS!?
 
There are a lot of talented players and teams out there. There are a lot of selfish teams. Hate to be so short, but… those will not be the ones that will win. “Showcase me ball” will not get the job done.
 
The teams that execute on both ends of the floor will win. The teams that can make adjustments will win. The teams that know how to manage game situations will win.
 
Seniors, this is it for you.. GOOD LUCK. Lead from the heart!! Leave it all on the floor!!
 
Coaches, we look forward to seeing your polished product, X’s and O’s, and game strategies on display.
 
Throw the regular season out the window… It’s ONE and DONE time..
 
You will see the brackets broken down into regions with “Key Players” from each region. We have broken down each region into quadrants (Q 1-4). We’ll look at the favorites and some “dark horses” in each region at the end and then a PICK EM section just for fun.
 
 
   
Key Players:
 
Duncanville
Zarielle Green (Tennessee), Hannah Gusters, Starr Jacobs (Houston/injured), Krislyn Marsh (Howard), Aniya Thomas (Kansas), Nyah Wilson
 
DeSoto
Bria Patterson, Ariyanna Hines, Ash’a Thompson, Kayla White (SMU), JaQuia White (SMU), Brielle Woods (UT-Permian Basin)
 
Plano
LoLo Davenport (Deleware), Emma Halverson (UTA), Katie Ferrell (unsigned senior), Jordyn Merritt
 
LD Bell
Myra Gordon
 
Plano East
Tavy Diggs
 
Cedar Hill
Taylor Hutchins, DJ McCarty, Raija Todd (unsigned senior)

Flower Mound
Whitney Cox
 
Allen
Sydney Hardeman (unsigned senior), Jada Peacock (Wichita State), Zoe McCrary, Klaire Bentley (unsigned senior), Tyler Jackson
 
McKinney
Quincy Noble (New Mexico), JaMya Braxton (Cleveland State), Erin Fry, Kayla Moutry (Tulsa)
 
Bowie
Malay McQueen, Jasmine Robinson (UNT)
 
Irving MacArthur
Sarah Andrews, Tailor Broussard, Jordyn Newsome
 
Amarillo Tascosa
K’Lia Smith (unsigned senior), Montasia Gilbreath, Jada Miller
 
Lamar
Destiny Thurman (unsigned senior)
 
Waco Midway
Reese Rhodes, JaNaiya Davis, Ca’Leyah Burrell
 
 

• NOTES/MATCHUPS:

 
(Q1) Look for Arlington Bowie to run their quadrant of the bracket with a matchup with Amarillo Tascosa in the Regional Quarterfinal. Timber Creek is 27-4.. could make a name for themselves.
 
Shane: I saw Tascosa at the Jack Frost Tournament this year. They are disciplined and well coached. Smith is an athlete inside and they are balanced on the perimeter.
 
Jason: Bowie has had a really good year.. they are guard oriented. Can the guards control the pace vs the inside athletes of Tascosa?
 
(Q2) Irving MacArthur vs Killeen Ellison is an intriguing first round matchup. Also, look forward to a MacArthur vs Allen matchup in the second round. Duncanville vs McKinney in round two is no gimme as they played a good game early in the season.
 
Shane: I look for Mac to beat Ellison – both teams have athletes and play hard. Gotta give the nod to the PG Sarah Andrews in that one. McKinney can be explosive offensively from the perimeter – question will be shot selection, taking care of the ball, and will they play D that night..? It will take a four-quarter effort.
 
Jason: MacArthur has been winning under fire to hang on to that playoff spot in the hardest district in the state. Look for them to continue momentum. With the McKinney vs Duncanville and Allen vs MacArthur matchups, those are the two top districts in Dallas for sure… look for those to be dog fights. When McKinney and Duncanville played early in the year, McKinney lead as late as the third quarter, but Duncanville closed them out. Duncanville is still the favorite, but they are not as invincible as they have been in the past.
 
(Q3) Toss Up! Mix of West Texas teams and Metroplex teams.. Arlington Martin has had a good year, and Keller has been here before, but lost key players from last year.
 
(Q4) Tough! Look for a Plano vs DeSoto matchup in round two. Cedar Hill vs Waco Midway in the opener is going to be a good one. Plano East vs Flower Mound is tough to call, but look for Plano East to advance to a second round matchup with Cedar Hill.
 
Shane: Midway can come at you in droves, so Cedar Hill has a task at hand.. Plano vs DeSoto – that will be MUST SEE!! We will see if Merritt is 100% which will pay dividends for Plano.. DeSoto has been on a mission..
 
Jason: I’m leaning toward Flower Mound over Plano East, but man that is tough to call..  The Plano/DeSoto matchup at Sandra Meadows was a fight.. DeSoto couldn’t rattle PG Katie Ferrell of Plano, and ball pressure and creating TO’s is their M.O. .. Physically, Plano is bigger… X Factor has to be Jordyn Merritt.. they need Emma Halverson to play physical.
 
 
6A  ||  Region 1        FINAL THOUGHTS
 
Favorites: Duncanville, DeSoto, Plano
 
Dark Horse: McKinney, Allen, Cedar Hill
 
   
Jason: Duncanville – to be the champ, you gotta beat the champ
 
Shane: Duncanville – I’m not going against Cathy Self-Morgan and tradition
 
   
Key Players:
 
Skyline
Jade Bradley (unsigned senior), Jazion Jackson, Kyjai Miles
 
Richardson
Noelle Yancy, Nikyla Green, Skye Dugan
 
Pflugerville
London Clarkson, Kiera King, Starr Omozee (Incarnate Word), Britney Onyeje (UCF)
 
Sachse
Jayla Brooks, Avery Crouse, Kayla Demus, Adhel Tac, Elizabeth Woods
 
Mesquite Horn
N’yah Boyd, Umaja Collins, Jasmine Shavers, Tra’Liyah Washington,
 
Hendrickson
Zoe Nelson, Mikayla Woods
 
Lakeview Centennial
Bre’Ashia Mathews (New Mexico/not playing), Candice Parramore

Cedar Ridge
Marilyn Nzoiwu (Houston Baptist)
 
Dekaney
Tayana Hill (Houston)
 
Klein Oak
Liz Scott
 
Austin Bowie
Hailey Atwood, Carina Vockell 
 
 

• NOTES/MATCHUPS

 
(Q1) We are looking for a Skyline to make the run here. Rockwall is steady and solid, so it is not a given.  
 
Shane: I saw a lot of Skyline at the Pflugerville Tournament and they were great. Look for Kasie Brewer to have Rockwall ready as usual.. Coaching matters at this time of year!
 
Jason: I look for Skyline to make this run as well.. This could be a time when Jazion Jackson’s stock could really rise if they can make a run to state… Good guard.
 
 
(Q2) Hendrickson is young and scores off their press. Dekaney has been a power in this region for a long time.. Don’t count out Round Rock Westwood and the game planning of Doug Davalos.
 
Shane: DeKaney has been here so many times.. They have athletes and an inside presence.. Experience and expectations carry a lot of confidence this time of year. Hendrickson has been up and down, but could give Dekaney a run in the second round.
 
(Q3) Sachse and Mesquite Horn look to take care of business and matchup in the second round. Richardson should get through and meet the winner of that in the Regional Quarterfinal. Lakeview Centennial could disrupt this potentially..
 
Jason: I’m going to take Richardson to come out of this one.. Sachse is junior laden and Horn is young, so this is an interesting matchup.. 50/50 game..  Sachse is a good TEAM, Horn is still trying to prove they can really play together.. good second round game.
 
(Q4) Look for an Austin Bowie vs Klein Oak second round game. Pflugerville and Austin Bowie seem to find each other every year in a battle of two of Austin’s strongest programs – that could be the Regional Quarterfinal.
 
Shane: Vickie Benson has done an amazing job with Austin Bowie again.. They are lead by under that radar junior Hailey Atwood and junior shooter Carina Vockell (who has hit 105 threes this year). They will have to game plan for Liz Scott and Klein Oak in the second round I predict.. This regional quarterfinal has seen Pflugerville vs Bowie numerous times, and I expect it to be no different this year.
 
6A  ||  Region 2        FINAL THOUGHTS
 
Favorites: Skyline, Pflugerville
 
Dark Horse: Dekaney, Rockwall, Richardson, Mesquite Horn, Sachse
   
Jason: Skyline – Rolling with the Metroplex and the guards here.. This one is hard!
 
Shane: I’m leaning toward Skyline as well..  Something about Pflugerville tells me this is their most vulnerable year in a while. Man.. Region 2 is tough to pick.. Skyline did come to Pflugerville’s house and win their tournament in December.
 
   
Key Players:
 
Cypress Creek
Rori Harmon, Kyndall Hunter
 
Jersey Village
Kayleigh Truong, Kaylynne Truong
 
Cy Ranch
Jayla Buster (South Alabama), D’Asia Collins (West Florida), Kween Jean
 
Westside
Jordon Lewis, Kayla Pilson, Fatou Samb
 
Summer Creek
Maliah Johnson, Damaya Telemaque (South Florida)
 
Seven Lakes
Brooke Bigott (Appalachian State), Jada Lake
 
Langham Creek
Briley Perkins

Fort Bend Travis
Queen Egbo (Baylor)
 
Clear Springs
Diamond Gladney (Houston)
 
Pearland
DeYona Gaston
 

• NOTES/MATCHUPS

 
(Q1) We are looking forward to a Seven Lakes vs Jersey Village matchup in round two. Cy Ranch is led by a couple of experienced and college basketball-bound seniors.
 
Jason: The Truong twins at Jersey Village are a combo to be dealt with.. Those two are the best junior combo backcourt in the state. I would not be shocked to see them come out of this region.
 
Shane Laflin: Seven Lakes has experience and coaching, and a heady PG in Brooke Bigot.. The second round game should be good.
 
(Q2) Clear Springs vs Summer Creek is an intriguing matchup potentially in round two.
 
Shane: Summer Creek is talented and has been on a good run.. Clear Springs is lead by Pam Crawford and PG Diamond Gladney.. never count out coaching experience and a senior leader.
 
(Q3) Westside vs Katy should be a good one in round two.. they played early in the season, but Westside was missing the inside presence of Samb. Langham Creek looks to disrupt that vs Westside in the opener. Cy-Creek.. they are young, but are they the favorite? Their two guards are dynamite!
 
Jason: Cy Creek has a dynamic duo – best young backcourt in the state.. freshman! They have done it on the club circuit, but this is a different stage.. one and done! Rori Harmon and Kyndall Hunter can flat play and have shown to be fearless..  The team has been rolling, this is an interesting developing regional quarterfinal..
 
Shane: I saw Cy Creek at the McDonald’s Invitational early, and you saw them a lot at Sandra Meadows.. they rolled through district.. Consistency is key! Westside has size and a couple gritty guards.. Gillespie can coach.
 
(Q4) Toss Up! Atascocita has made a decent name for themselves this year.
 
 
6A  ||  Region 3        FINAL THOUGHTS
 
Favorites: Jersey Village, Cy-Creek, Cy-Ranch
 
Dark Horse: Summer Creek, Seven Lakes, Clear Springs
   
Jason: Jersey Village – going with the twins
 
Shane: That District 17 is a toss up! They all beat each other.. I’ll have fun and go with Cy-Creek. I really like those young guards.. Why not?
 
   
Key Players:
 
Judson
Corrina Carter, Kyra White, Tiffany McGarity, Heaven Mbaruk (UALR)
 
Steele
Desi Caldwell (USC), Aja Holmes, Torrianna Nesbitt (A&M CC), Bria McClure
 
Vista Ridge
AJ Marotte, Victoria Baker
 
Stevens
Destiny Jenkins 
 
O’Connor
Natalie McCoy (unsigned senior), Nicole Hemphill
 
East Central
NaLyssa Smith (Baylor/missed games because of injury)
 
Westlake
Shay Holle, Presley Bennett, Bailee Chynoweth, Gwen Gilmore
 
SA Johnson
Deja Kelly (Texas commit)
 
 

• NOTES/MATCHUPS

 
(Q1) Question… Does Nalyssa Smith play for East Central? Obviously, that makes a difference. Vista Ridge is young, scrappy, and they play D.. Steele vs Johnson in the second round potentially is going to be one to see.
 
Jason: Smith being the big question mark here… Steele vs Johnson in the second round is one to note.. Deja Kelly has been scoring in droves all year long..
 
Shane: When will we find out about Smith…? Deja can carry Johnson so far, but their team will need a very focused four quarters to beat Steele. Vista Ridge is young enough to be fearless.. again, if they matchup with East Central – does Smith play?
 
(Q2) Toss Up! Admittedly, we do not see a lot of the valley teams.
 
(Q3) Judson vs Stevens is as good of a matchup in the first round as we’ll see. Look for a young, but experienced Westlake team to advance, but who will they see in the next round: Taft or Smithson Valley? -– contrasting styles. SA Lee is senior laden which historically bodes well..
 
Shane: Anissa Hastings will have Stevens ready for Judson.. mark my words. Westlake has been building momentum all year long.. The question is will their youth be relaxed enough collectively to perform and to carry them on a decent run? Because it could happen.. Judson is the favorite going in here.
 
Jason: Judson is one of the favorites in this region… they have a lot of pieces.. they have a nice mix of seniors and young talent.
 
(Q4) Toss Up!
 
 
6A  ||  Region 4        FINAL THOUGHTS
 
Favorites: Steele, Judson
 
Dark Horse: Westlake, SA Johnson
   
Jason: Steele – senior lead PG in Desi Caldwell and pieces to compliment
 
Shane: Steele – I’m going with stability here
 
   
Key Players:
 
Canyon
Isabella Hayden
 
Boswell
Audrey Warren (Texas), Allysa Lafontaine,
 
Colleyville Heritage
Bryn Gerlich (Oklahoma State)
 
Amarillo
Zayla Tinner
 
Denison
Zya Nugent
 
Denton High
Jamie Means (Louisiana-Monroe)
 
Lubbock Monterey
Braylan Dollar (unsigned senior)
 
Aledo
Taylor Morgan
 
 

• NOTES/MATCHUPS

 
(Q1) Hard to think anything but Canyon here..
 
Shane: Who picks against Joe Lombard..?
 
Jason: You can pick against Joe if you want to..haha!
 

(Q2) Colleyville vs Aledo in round three should be a good one. Both teams can make this happen.
 
Shane: Bryn Gerlich is a helluva leader for Colleyville.. they made it far and dropped to Canyon last season.
 
Jason: Colleyville vs Denton in round two is intriguing.. Aledo has a good soph guard, Taylor Morgan.
 
 
(Q3) Look for an Amarillo vs Lubbock Monterey matchup in round three.
 
(Q4) Denison vs Grapevine could be a good one in the Area round. Boswell should get the winner of that one.
 
Shane: Man, this is a tough one to call. Don’t sleep on Denison..
 
Jason: Boswell… Denison has been putting up numbers up ALL year long… This is a tough part of the bracket to call. Good games coming!
 
 
5A  ||  Region 1        FINAL THOUGHTS
 
Favorites: Canyon, Colleyville
 
Dark Horse: Denison, Boswell
   
Jason: Canyon – the King Lombard!!
 
Shane: Colleyville Heritage – Canyon isn’t as strong.. Can’t pick the same as you.. It’s no fun! Outside of Canyon, this is hard to call. Boswell could… Denison could…
 
 
   
Key Players:
 
Timberview
Mikayla Hutchinson, Destiny Jackson, Lauryn Thompson (Virginia Commonwealth)
 
Prosper
Jordyn Oliver (committed to Baylor), Mackenzie Hewitt (Yale)
 
Lone Star
Mallory Adams (San Diego State), Adryana Quezada, Mia Deck, Leah Harris
 
Summit
Tommisha Lampkin
 
Frisco Liberty
Katelyn Burch, Kelsey Kurak, Randi Thompson, Kailyn Lay
 
The Colony
Jewel Spear, Tamia Jones
 
South Oak Cliff
Emani Jenkins
 
 

• NOTES/MATCHUPS

 
(Q1) Mansfield Summit vs South Oak Cliff should be one to see in the second round.
 
Shane: Summit has been up and down this year.. But I trust Dawn Mailloux-Smith. Tommisha Lampkin is a matchup problem. But, the game with SOC is key..
 
Jason: People need to know this name: sophomore Emani Jenkins.. (SOC)
 
 
(Q2) Frisco Liberty and The Colony in the Regional Quarterfinal is highly anticipated!
 
Shane: The Colony has been good, but I expected more from them this year overall.. Jade Williams left a big hole. The two sophomore guards in Jones and Spear are really good… But, when I’ve seen them play, I think there were far too many threes taken.. Could be replaced with game management and better possessions.
 
Jason: The return of Randi Thompson gives Ross Reedy the chess piece that makes them very dangerous… Reedy can flat out coach! I think The Colony wins the matchup.. but by a 51/49 % margin..
 

(Q3) Timberview…
 
Jason: Crowley vs Midlothian is a good first round game… However, no one gets in the way of Timberview..
 
 
(Q4) Prosper vs Lone Star in round three!! Buy your tickets now.
 
Shane: Jordyn Oliver has been healthy for the longest period of time in a while, and it has made all the difference. I really like Yale bound Mackenzie Hewitt. Lone Star has multiple utility players in Mallory Adams and Adryana Quezada – who is the X Factor to me -- She has really come on this year. Stock riser…
 
Jason: Lone Star and Prosper are on a collision course… I’m going to take Lone Star, but Prosper scares me. Mia Deck is a nice complimentary player to Adams and Quezada.. Lone Star has been really consistent. Leah Harris is a pretty good player for Lone Star too.. She can really get to the paint and distribute.
 
 
5A  ||  Region 2        FINAL THOUGHTS
 
 
Favorites: Timberview
 
Dark Horse: Prosper, Lone Star
   
Jason: Timberview – Toughest Region… much like 6A Region 1
 
Shane: Timberview – It’s a shame more than one team can’t come out here..
 
   
Key Players:
 
Barber’s Hill
Charli Collier (Texas)
 
Fort Bend Elkins
Ashley Daniel, Monet Jones (LSU)
 
Cedar Park
Hannah Wheeler, Nicole Leff, Jordan Ott (Kansas Wesleyan)
 
Manvel
McKenzie Green
 
Temple
Jhakya Dilworth (Florida A&M), Keziah Dilworth (Florida A&M)
 
 

• NOTES/MATCHUPS

 
(Q1) Look for Cedar Park (undefeated in district play) to push through here.
 
Shane: Cedar Park is making noise under first year coach Donny Ott. They have been able to add back in the contribution of sophomore PG Hannah Wheeler as of late.. Transfer Jordan Ott has given them a nice player.. Nicole Leff bangs inside.
 
 
(Q2) Toss Up.. Outside of Ft Bend Elkins and their athleticism inside.
 
(Q3) Look for a Temple vs Georgetown meeting in round two.
 
Jason: The Dilworth twins play a nice pickup style with Temple.. fast and they attack from all positions.. with no real big inside. They tested themselves at Sandra Meadows.
 
(Q4) Manvel and Ozen should matchup in the second round. However, this region probably belongs to Barber’s Hill.
 
Shane: I really like everything about McKenzie Green at Manvel, but I can’t pick against Charli Collier and Barber’s Hill.
 
Jason: Charli Collier has been knocking at the door for a long time.. this could be the year she wins it. She is arguably the best post in the country. She has been on a scoring tear!!
 
 
5A  ||  Region 3        FINAL THOUGHTS
 
 
Favorites: Barber’s Hill
 
Dark Horse: Temple, Cedar Park
   
Jason: Barber’s Hill  -- Charli’s year..
 
Shane: Barber’s Hill – Charli has been a favorite for a long time…
 
 
   
Key Players:
 
Austin High
Mia Heide (Tulane), Ellen Hagen (unsigned senior)
 
Marble Falls
Mya McMillian (Liberty)
 
Boerne Champion
Katelyn Ghavidel (Colgate)
 
Flour Bluff
Hayle Campbell, Meredith Marcum (unsigned senior)
 
 

• NOTES/MATCHUPS

 
(Q1) Kerrville Tivy should come out of this part of the bracket.
 
(Q2) Toss Up!
 
(Q3) Austin High vs Marble Falls in round three is the anticipated Central Texas matchup. Boerne Champion in round one is no gimme for Austin High as Champion has sharpshooter Ghavidel.
 
Shane: This part of the bracket is almost identical to last year.. Austin High, Flour Bluff, and Marble Falls all made it to the regional tournament last year. The AHS vs Marble Falls matchup in the regional quarterfinal will come down to the head to head of the posts and forwards of the both teams.. Give AHS the knod in the guard play and an advantage inside as well.
 
Jason: They key to Austin High making the run past the regional final is getting past pressure and making sure to utilize the mismatch of Mia Heide inside. The tendency is to think that post touches = black hole, but the fact is in 5 games this year, Heide had 6+ assists – traditionally, teams play through their guards, but simply put.. it doesn’t matter.. play through your best player!  
 
(Q4) Last year’s regional champion, Flour Bluff, should take care of this portion of the bracket.
 
Shane: Flour Bluff has two good guards and experience and confidence from last year.
 
 
5A  ||  Region 4        FINAL THOUGHTS
 
 
Favorites: Austin High, Flour Bluff
 
Dark Horse: Kerrville Tivy
   
Jason: Flour Bluff – Austin High has to prove to me that they learned from last year’s regional final.. because they should have won. But shoulda, coulda, woulda never brought home the hardware.
 
Shane: Austin High – Seniors lead the way…
 
   
** TABC Rankings as of February 5, 2018
 
4A
 
Liberty Hill
Glen Rose
Levelland  
Navasota
Denver City
Dallas Lincoln
SA Veterans Memorial
Houston Wheatley
Canton
Tatum
 
** Argyle
 
Key Players
 
Liberty Hill
Sedona Prince (Texas), Kandyn Faurie (Tarleton State)
 
Lincoln
Kennedy Taylor (Texas State), Diamond Sweats
 
Argyle
Gabby Standifer (Fresno State), Sydney Standifer
 
SA Veteran’s Memorial
Sahara Jones
   
Shane: The bottom line is this: Liberty Hill simply has to get it done. Lincoln can get it done… But Liberty Hill simply should win. Prince and Faurie are a tough duo..
 
Jason: The Lincoln vs Argyle matchup in the Regional Quarterfinal is really key here. Argyle is basically a brand new team and Chance Westmoreland has them playing well, but Lincoln is good. This matchup has been anticipated since the tip in November. Liberty Hill is the favorite.
 
 
3A
 
Canadian
Pottsboro
Wall  
Little River Academy
Mt Pleasant Chapel Hill
Idalou
Brock
Jim Ned
Leanard
Teague
 
**Sunnyvale / Poth
 
 
2A
 
Martins Mill
LaPoyner
Panhandle
Windthorst
Stratford
Hico
Tenaha
Woden
Claude
Era  
 
Shane: Windthorst has one of the best players in Texas high school history in Oklahoma bound Tatum Veitenheimer… talking legendary status among the small schools. Can this be the year they get through?
 
Jason: Windthorst vs Martin’s Mill…  Let’s see it.
 
1A
 
Nazareth
Garden City
Dodd City
Moulton
Ropes
Huckabay
Rankin
McMullen County
Roby
May