With the playoffs starting today across the state, we’re going to give the predictions and preview each game, starting with 6A Region 3.
Sam Houston (23-8) vs Cy Creek (24-11)
Monday- 7pm Campbell Center
Picking the winner in this game is tougher than a tucked hotel bed sheet… This might be the most intriguing 1st round match up in 6A Region III. Cy Creek is a talented group lead by seniors Nate Martin & Ed Trahan, & the junior trio of Chas Kelley, DJ Richards and Braylon Haynes. When they are clicking offensively it can be extremely dangerous for the opposition. Sam Houston is a tough, gritty, & physical bunch that will look to impose their will on this game. The Garrick twins will be responsible for this along with sharp shooters Cam Amboree and Kameron Burton. Senior big man John Shanu will be an X factor in the games for Ralph Barreras’ squad. Not going to lie.. I’m perplexed on who will win this game, but I’m going to give the nod to Sam Houston.
Sam Houston 71- Cy Creek 68
Morton Ranch (24-8) vs Elkins (20-13)
7pm Wheeler Fieldhouse
Morton Ranch is one of the favorites to win the region & Elkins finished 4th in a tough district. Elite bucket getter LJ Cryer is on a scoring tirade and doesn’t look like he’s slowing down any time soon. Elkins’ backcourt of Shane Bell, Jacolbi Harris, & freshman Chris Johnson will have their hands full trying to defend Cryer. Morton Ranch’s other seniors, Eddie Lampkin, Westley Sellers, & Adrian Caldwell know what’s at stake now that the playoffs are here. In order to have a shot at this game, the Knights will have to value the ball, slow the game down, & don’t have many empty possessions.
Morton Ranch 85- Elkins 70
Bellaire (25-6) vs Jersey Village (20-12)
Cy Ridge HS 7PM
The back court duel between these two teams should be outstanding! Jersey Village’s senior guards, Marcus Tobias and Davion Coleman are experienced and looking to make a run their last year in the purple and gold. Across those lines they’ll be squaring off against junior’s Jaylon Calvin and Elijah Lawrence, both of whom have been playing at an all district level. Freshman Jacolb Cole will be counted on for his versatility in the 1st playoff game of his young career. I expect a back and forth game with several lead changes.
Bellaire 62- Jersey Village 57
Astascocita (30-5) vs Beaumont Westbrook (25-10)
Beaumont United HS 7PM
Atascocita is another one of the 6a Region 3 favorites, & they are loaded like Pappas Barbeque baked potato. Dylan Dawson, Tom Hart III, Kaleb Stewart, & Christian Ashby are weapons of choice at the disposal of coach David Martinez. This veteran group is hungry and primed for a deep playoff run. Coach Andre Boutte & Westbrook will have to look to get the ball inside to big fella Christian Dews, as the 6’9 sophomore will have the size advantage in this contest. The scrappy Bruins will have to be physical and prepared to get defensive stops if they want any chance to come out victorious.
Atascocita 64- Beaumont Westbrook 54
Ridge Point (25-9) vs Katy Tompkins
Wheeler Fieldhouse 7PM
This Ridge Point team is a dangerous group to see in the playoffs… They have shot makers, Matthew Lewis, Zach Gonsoulin, they have an interior presence in Folu Fashoro, they defend & have tough guard play with the likes of Elijah Thomas & Clay Baldwin. If Tompkins can match the physical toughness and energy of RP it will be a dog fight. Hank Sanders, Bryson Morehead & Jonny Nash will need to continue to step up and play well for the Falcons. RP will have a slight home court advantage but I expect this one to be close.
Ridge Point 64- Katy Tompkins 59