U.I.L. Texas High School Basketball Playoffs begin tomorrow, and we are excited to see all the great Bi-District and Area match ups this week. Which team will earn the bid to represent Region IV in the State Tournament, and play in San Antonio at the Alamodome? We expect to see some upsets early, second round matchups that some can argue will determine who goes to the region finals, and also, see which cinderella teams will be looking to make more history for their high school this March. Let’s dig in starting with:
1A
Favorite: #1 La Poynor (23-2) (15-0) is in their final season in 1A & I’m thinking they know this has to be the year for the Flyers. Last season they lost to Oakwood in the Regional tournament. Played consistent all season, defended well against their opponents, and finished with only 3 losses with their very tough 1A schedule. Familiar to the playoffs and are expected to make a deep push. ’20 Isaac Jackson is definitely one of the best players in the entire state for class 1A, and having him in the playoffs is going to be an advantage.
Sleepers: #10 Leggett (27-6) (10-0) Averaged an extremely impressive 96 points per game in district play with their 6 losses coming from 3 3A & 3 4A schools. They will not be an easy matchup for any team that is going to draw them. Their ability to put points on the board, and rapidly has been key for them all season. ’20 Davian Perkins is averaging 31.4 ppg, while teammate Jacoby Sells averages 18.1 ppg, and Chase Parish averages 15.1 ppg. 6 players over 6ft on roster!!
#13 Waelder (28-6) (12-0) Recently just beat Slidell in a warm up game that had some people by surprise, but, if you have kept up with them this season, Coach Graves has had his scrappy, tough nosed, players competing at a high level this entire season. Their press is intense, and will cause team to turnover that basketball. Balanced scoring team, but players can get hot. Isiah Jones Miller & Colby Thorne are two players that are going to be key for the Wildcats this playoff run.
Cinderella Story: #23 Tilden (28-5) (8-0) – The Cowboys are looking for their magic to continue going, & carry into this years playoffs. The community supports their team strong, and will travel deep throughout the playoffs to be loud for their boys. Coach Jenkins has done a wonderful job with his group of players and has them playing some good team basketball. The Cowboys chances to go to state are tough, but, it is not impossible. They’ll take on Waelder in the Regional QF and if they can get the upset win, will then look to take on LaPoynor. A lot of history will be made shall this occur, however, being from a small town close to Tilden, I wish them the best of luck!
Key Games: LaPoyner/Waelder – These two teams would meet up in the Regional Semi-final, and if so, the winner of this game, will win the region. Waelder has multiple players that are capable of having big scoring games, but LaPoynor is on a mission & aiming to make school history. This is going to be a classic, I can see it brewing now. Coaches will be playing chess with the schemes and play calling, and the players will be attacking the basket HARD and letting them 3’s FLY.
Dime Box/Rock Springs – Rock Springs went 14-0 in district and have been on a 15 game win streak to this point. The Angoras have been looking very sharp lately and have been picked by most to advance. However, Dime Box, has two district losses to Waelder who is a top team, and by them facing the tougher competition in district play recently, it will benefit them in the long run. I am going with Dime Box to come out on top and shake some things up in this bracket!
2A
Favorite: #3 Hearne (21-1) (10-0) – Last year went to the state tournament and it is looking like they will be headed back down to San Antonio this year. The Eagles are loaded, with a deep roster that contributes each game. Their athleticism and ability to cause chaos on defense allows them to control the tempo, and score quickly. They’ll need to take one game at a time, but, I am expecting to see them back at state!
Sleepers: #16 Flatonia (26-7) (9-1) – Coach Sodek has his young talented ball club with a senior scorer Kannin Mikulik that can help carry the scoring load for his team, clicking at the right time. Can the Freshman Four (Venegas, Law, Kloesel, Green) be solid for the team? If so, it will truly enhance their chances at a deeper playoff run. The Bulldogs will need to prepare well for each opponent and not take anything for granted. If they are able to limit turnovers & defend throughout the playoffs, they will play in the Region Semi final.
#10 San Perlita (14-10) (8-0) – 6’6 Tige Johnson, one of the best 2A prospects in the state, will have to be big for his team if they aim to make a trip to state or the regional tourney. His ability to score, get rebounds, and alter shots for his team truly makes a difference. If the Trojans can get past Yorktown you will see them in the regional semis..
Cinderella Story: #22 La Pryor (26-0) (12-0) – Their best season in school history and the only remaining undefeated team in the state of Texas. The Bulldogs have a tough, scrappy senior heavy team that has been playing good basketball this season. Coached by former pro baseball player Chadd Flick, they have 3 guards (Erin Patino, Marco Castillon, Ruben Amaya) that are all capable of knocking down the 3 point shot, which allows the team to spread the floor well. 6’4 Juan Valdez holds it down for them down low grabbing boards, and hitting his mid range jumper. It’ll be key for him to remain out of foul trouble in the playoffs if they expect to make the run they have all been working hard for. Running into Thorndale in Area is going to be the biggest task that they have had to face all season. With the small town 830 communities supporting them, expect their fans to travel & pack the gym. It’ll be good to see how they finish their playoff journey!
Key Games: La Pryor/Thorndale – The outcome of this game in my eyes is going to be headed to the regional tournament. This is a crucial 2A Area matchup. La Pryor has the shooting & team chemistry to compete with Thorndale, but Thorndale is used to big games as they battled region 4 2A favorite Hearne two times in district, & also made it to the Regional semi final where they lost a nail biter 42-40 last season against Port Aransas. The Bulldogs will be looking to make history for the first time, while Thorndale looks to continue theirs. Expect no shortage of effort in this big matchup, this is one I have had my eyes on for some time now, and am looking forward to watching the game.
San Perlita/Yorktown – Area matchup that could have a trip to the Regional Semi-final on the line for the winner. It is going to come down to the Wildcats being able to stop Tige Johnson from scoring & keeping him off the glass. Johnson, one of the best players in 2A, has had himself a year. Yorktown has the guards and the size to compete with San Perlita, but how well they shoot the ball will be a key factor!
3A
Favorite: #3 Cole (27-6) (10-0) – There is no surprise here, the Cougars are looking to head back to the state tournament behind their very talented roster & great coaching staff. ’22 6’11 Vince Iwuchukwu should ring a bell if you follow HS or Club basketball. The big man is the real deal, and is so skilled and coordinated with soft touch around the basket. Expect him to be dominant in the playoffs, having big games for his team and playing his role to the best of his ability. ’20 SR. Jordyn Arnette, ’22 Trey Blackmore, and ’22 Silas Livingston are 3 guards for the Cougars who are all capable of creating off the dribble and putting the ball in the basket. Coach Cantu knows his personnel and studies his opponents very well. Cole will be extremely hard to beat, however, they may need to knockout district rival Randolph one more time to head to state for the second consecutive year.
Sleepers: #7 London (29-4) (12-0) – The Pirates have been ranked all season long by TABC Hoops & Hoop Insiders. Early in the season they had some impressive wins over bigger programs. They are a pretty good sized ball club, that have the ability to beat you inside or outside. ’21 6’6 Joshua Chesney is a player to keep your eye on these playoffs, as he looks to help lead the team to a trip to the regional semis where they’ll run into a solid Randolph team who is eager to prove themselves. 6 Seniors (RJ Moreno, Andre Gonzales, Luke Cazales, Andrue Mendoza, Noah Gonzales, JR Garza) on the team for the Pirates who will not go out without a fight. Pirate Nation is ready!!
#6 Randolph (27-4) (8-2) – A ball team that is eager to make a statement after not coming out on top of district like they wanted to. Lost both district games to rival Cole. The Rohawks are led by UIW Commit Logan Bracamonte who is a great shooter that can also take his opponents off the dribble. ’21 AJ Haines is a scrappy tough guard that is able to create for his teammates on the offensive end as well. Knowing the stakes of each matchup, and how battle tested Randolph is, I expect to see them pulling off some big wins this playoff season!
Cinderella Story: #25 Jourdanton (24-6) (10-0) – Every true South Texas basketball fan knew that this was the year the Indians were going to have a special year. It has been in the works over the last two years. Seeing this team grow, come together, and start playing some intense, great team chemistry basketball, has been fun to watch down south. The Indians have had some good wins, along with taking some tough teams down to the wire in losses, with multiple shooters, the whole team in good in shape, and a Head Coach who won’t let them let their guard down until the end. Coach Truman will have his boys well prepared each round, and won’t look passed any opponent they face. They’ll run into Aransas Pass again for the second year in the Region QF, and it’ll come down to the Indians limiting them to one possession, locking down their captain point guard, and keeping Aransas Pass off the free throw line. Being from South Texas, and having watched these boys several times this season, I am hoping to see them get over the hump and take down Aransas Pass to advance to Region Semi-Final. District 30 is cheering them on, and wishing them the best!!
Key Games: Jourdanton/Aransas Pass – This is the game I am eager to see and if it does occur I will for sure be in attendance. I called this months before, and just think this is the year the Jourdanton Indians get revenge. Of course, Aransas Pass has other plans of their own. They are such a well coached basketball team, and can really light it up when they get hot. This game is going to be an absolute dawg fight. YES, DAWG FIGHT, not D-O-G, your sons will not be talking nicely in this game, it is going to be intense, fast paced, with both crowds cheering loud. I am expecting a packed gym, get your popcorn ready!!!
Randolph/Hallettsville – A regional quarterfinal matchup that could possibly lead to a regional final matchup against Cole to see who represents the region at state. Hallettsville was playing strong for majority of the season but as of late have lost 3 straight and have seemed to hit a roadblock. I am expecting them to bounce back since they do come from a tough district, however, this matchup with Randolph sets up a treat for hoop fans. Both teams have size, and are both capable of playing by possession of getting out a running some also. It is going to be interesting go to see how the coaches game plan for this key matchup. This is a game you want to mark on your brackets…
4A
Favorite: #6 Liberty Hill (26-7) (9-1) – Went to state last year losing to Oak Cliff Faith Family in an epic state championship 53-51. Liberty Hill isn’t as strong as they have been in the past, but lets not forget they have been here before and have the experience to know what effort it takes to make it to the state tournament. They have a deep roster and a team that understands their role. Very well coached, and disciplined basketball team. They are not going to beat themselves, they take care of the basketball, share the wealth, and do what is needed to win games. Will they have enough fire power to head back to state? We will surely find out in the upcoming weeks..
Sleepers: #20 Boerne (24-9) (9-1) – Deep team that has multiple weapons on the offensive end, and players who are capable of guarding their yard defensively. They know how to rotate quickly, and their communication is usually on point. An intense, disciplined, well coached team, that is going to be ready to face whoever they see throughout the playoffs. The Greyhounds are looking to surpass the 3rd round which has been tough for them to get past in recent years. Boerne has a lot of 2021 talent on roster who know how to play the game. Their multiple scoring options and ability to shoot the basketball is going be to make it tough to beat and knock them out. ’21 Luke Whidbee leads the team in scoring at 13.4 ppg, while Joaquin Gonzalez 11.7 ppg, and Ben Phillip averages 12.1 ppg. These 3 scorers will need to put the ball in the basket so that the Greyhounds can have an even better chance at more success this year.
#13 Fredericksburg (31-1) (9-1) Was undefeated for the entire regular season until the season finale against Boerne were they happened to be beat at home. A team that is going to compete & won’t quit until the final whistle. Senior Ryan Davis leads the team in scoring at 15.1 ppg as will need to be big for the remainder of the playoffs if Fredericksburg looks to add some more accolades and success to their amazing season. Jayden Davis, who averages 10.1 ppg has also been key for Fredericksburg this season. Their task to the state tournament won’t be easy as they’ll see tough competition throughout their playoff journey. They have what it takes to to represent region 4 at state, but it will not be easy, and will ultimately all come down to their execution.
Cinderella Story: #15 Pleasanton (31-3) (10-0) – The Eagles have been flying high and ballin’ out this season. Averaging 73.4 ppg, this group of players know how to put the ball in the basket. They did have some impressive wins over tough teams early in season, By playing in South Texas, I’ve been able to keep an eye out for them, and the one thing you can say about them is that they are consistent. They play the game at an uptempo pace which allows them to get up and down the court quickly, firing 3’s and getting transition layups and points. This team is hungry to prove themselves this year, and them making the regional final or state would be a HUGE statement coming from the best team in the 830 this year. Santiago Arguijo has been scorching the nets having multiple 30 point games this year. 2023 RJ Marquez 13.9 ppg is having himself a great freshman campaign. You can instantly tell this young man has a great feel for the game. Dalton Hobbs holds it down for the Eagles down low getting boards, boxing out, and scoring inside the paint. With these 3 scoring weapons, Coach Marquez who is extremely passionate about the game, and a community that is fully supportive, this team is going to be hard to eliminate, they’ll be prepared.
Key Games: Boerne/Liberty Hill – Boerne coming off a big on the road win over undefeated Fredericksburg 31-0 at the time, and are peaking at the right time. The Greyhounds are a very well coached team, and are consistently making playoff runs. I can see them beating Liberty Hill in this QF game, however, Liberty Hill knows this is a big game for them, and that it will not be an easy task, so they will be ready to play. If you have the opportunity to see this game, you’re in to witness a complete chess match. Both teams want this badly, and effort will not be short handed. Quote me “First to 60 points wins”, this game too!
Fredericksburg/Stafford – Two state ranked top 20 teams that will battle it out when they meet up for the Area Championship. THE MOST INTRIGUING second round matchup we will get. Fredericksburg has only 1 loss on the year, and are eager to make up for it with a statement trip in the playoffs. Stafford is consistent & has been this season, they have the talent to make a playoff statement.
Sinton/Pleasanton – Big time second round match up between these two tough competitive teams. Both have had great success this year & are wanting to make that playoff run their school needs. The winner of this game should head to the Regional Semifinal. A lot of people are picking Pleasanton in this game, but please do not be surprised if you see Sinton get this victory over Pleasanton. The Pirates have some tough guards in Marcus Villarreal & Tyler Hesseltine who are both able to light it up from the outside. Sinton played in a strong district, so I do expect this to be a close intense game. I like matchups, and with these two teams, the player matchups will be fun to watch, it’s unfortunate they meet in Area, but this is TXHSBB.
I hope you all reading this, are able to make it out to some games this playoff season. No matter which game or region you are in, be ready to see some great playoff games throughout the entire state!