Tis the season of state championships and in Texas, the College Interscholastic League (UIL) applied a D1 and D2 degree playoff bracket throughout the board. So from 1A to 6A (highest classification), there will probably be two state champions topped in every division.
I’m not going to do a preview of all 12 potential trophy holders, however from a nationwide perspective there are some actually intriguing matchups available Tuesday evening that may affect the FAB 50 Nationwide Excessive College Crew Rankings.
UIL 6A Division 1 Semifinal Preview
Allen (Texas) vs Duncanville (Texas) at Coppell Excessive SchoolThe No. 4 ranked group within the newest FAB 50, Allen is the seeking to have the identical outcomes their program had in 2018. Rocking a group that may go 9-10 deep, the Eagles’ fixed ball stress, tempo, and athleticism from all positions make them a troublesome group to beat. Its backcourt of 2026 Nehemiah Lawrence and 2025 Trent Pane create a stability of playmaking and scoring. The Shannon twins, Antoine and Antonio, are athletic wings that make open pictures and guard a number of spots, whereas UNT signee Deandre Thomas brings a mix of physicality and inside/out talent.
I can go on and on, however the level is, Allen is a troublesome out and it’ll be fascinating to see how they make the most of their depth to decelerate the high-octane Duncanville offense. Duncanville is a FAB 50 bubble group proper now, however a win tonight and on Saturday within the state remaining on the Alamodome can be the field checked to slip again in to the FAB 50.
Bug IssueÂ
Led by TCU signee Kayden Edwards (who I imagine will probably be an all-Huge 12 convention participant in the future), the lefty is a dynamic scorer that will get scorching fast. “Bug” is a fearless shot taker, that for my part, is the quickest participant with the ball in his palms in Texas.
2027 (sophomore) Beckham Black took an enormous leap in his improvement and toughness this season. A wise level guard that could be a big-time playmaker on ball-screens that has added extra instruments in his scoring field. Sophomore Deuce Hunt Jr. is an electrical scoring guard that has proven a noticeable enchancment in attending to his spots faster to let it fly. He’s powerful and proven capacity to attain successfully on and off the ball.
Cal State-Fullerton commit Cam Smith will play an enormous position within the semifinals together with his play within the entrance court docket. Smith is a flexible wing that may present matchup issues because of his rising scoring abilities, plus mobility and size. Duncanville doesn’t have a real massive and he’s the tallest participant the Panthers have, so his toughness on the glass and general inside will play an enormous position.Deciding Elements: Effectiveness of Allen’s depth, Dvill’s inside play, rebounding battle.
Bellaire (Houston) vs Brennan (San Antonio, Texas) at Texas Southern UniversityBrennan, who we now have ranked No. 3 within the FAB 50, sports activities a 33-2 document and it seems to be to complete this season with a state title that features a number of teammates which were hooping with one another since center faculty. The Bears are led by Houston signee and five-star level guard Kingston Flemings, who has been spectacular this season. Flemings has gained video games this 12 months solely on his passing and rebounding. If he wants to attain 40 factors to win the sport, he’s proven he’ll try this with no downside. His senior season will probably be talked about ten years from now within the Lone Star State and that’ll particularly be true if Brennan wins out.
Sacramento State commit Cam Cowgill lights it up from deep. All through his highschool profession, Cowgill has hit clutch shot after clutch shot and his heroics could also be wanted tonight.
The core 2026 (junior) gamers in Donovan Criss, Isaiah Ward and Talon Todd will play key roles tonight. Todd can get to the paint effortlessly and create open seems to be for his teammates. Ward is a talented however powerful wing that performs larger than his listed top at 6-foot-5. Criss began to show the nook together with his play this season. Identified for his perimeter capturing, Criss has made strides in his shot creating and general toughness. We may see an enormous uptick in his recruitment this spring.
Brennan’s capturing prowess, tempo and toughness makes them a troublesome group to beat. When you’ve a participant like Flemings, there’s no recreation Brennan can’t win they usually’ve proven that this season. It is going to be a enjoyable one tonight vs Bellaire.
Flemings vs. Henderson
When the Burger Boy roster got here out in January, Kingston identify was one that individuals felt was lacking. Shelton Henderson of Bellaire additionally made a case to be within the recreation, too. A 6-foot-6 guard that’s strongly constructed and an explosive athlete, he’s a matchup downside because of his power, ending skills, deal with and playmaking. The Duke signee is without doubt one of the hardest matchups within the nation.
2025 (senior) Anthony Andrews is a talented ahead with inside-out scoring chops. When he and Shelton go in a two-man recreation, it’s a choose your poison on what the protection tries to cease, particularly if each are going offensively. Senior guard Kohl Dutton has been big-time together with his play in the course of the playoffs, making well timed and hard pictures, defending a number of spots and simply making defenses pay when left open.
Bellaire is a group that actually competes on the defensive finish and its position gamers are stepping up. When you’ve a participant like Henderson although, you’ve an opportunity to win any recreation on the schedule. Two extra wins offers them a fantastic shot on the FAB 50 too.
Deciding elements: Kingston vs Shelton, effectiveness of Brennan’s depth and 3-point capturing numbers, Bellaire’s position guys taking one other leap.
