In the 5A-Division II girls’ final, defending state champion Wakeland faces off against Cedar Park in what is expected to be a fast-paced, high-stakes showdown.
Wakeland enters the Final on an impressive 15-game winning streak, having steamrolled through the competition, including a 3-0 win over Grapevine in the State Semis last Friday. With an undefeated record of 24-0-1, the Wolverines have solidified their place as the No. 5-ranked team in Texas (MaxPreps).
Led by head coach Jimmie Lankford, Wakeland’s strength lies in its depth.
Sophomore defender Dilan Pistorius is a standout, contributing to both the defense and the attack. She’s supported by a talented core, including forwards Morgan Landry, Kennedy Clark, and Audrey Gilbert (Mizzou-commit), as well as midfielder Kendi Smith and goalkeeper Claire Manis (Idaho)—each playing key roles in the postseason run.
Should Wakeland claim victory on Friday, it would mark the program's fifth state title since the school’s inception in 2006 and their third in the last four seasons.
However, Cedar Park is a similarly formidable opponent, determined to disrupt Wakeland’s dynasty.
The Timberwolves (24-2-1) are on a 15-game unbeaten streak, their last loss coming on January 17 against, coincidentally, Wakeland (4-2). This familiarity between the teams adds extra intrigue to the final, as both sides are well aware of what to expect.
Under the guidance of coach Winston Pool, Cedar Park has surged to its first State Final appearance since 2002, dominating Barbers Hill 4-0 in the semifinals.
Despite having a youthful lineup, including a dynamic freshman class, the Timberwolves have shown they can compete with the best.
Offensively, Cedar Park relies on the scoring prowess of senior Meredith Koltz (Belmont-commit) and freshman Blake Gilkey, who lead the team in scoring, with 26 and 25 goals, respectively.
Defenders Sofia Peters and Alivia Towns have been crucial in both offensive and defensive transitions, while sophomore goalkeeper Emma Hart has been stellar between the posts.
This marks the fifth time Cedar Park has reached the State Tournament, but they’ve yet to secure a championship. With the taste of history on the line, expect the Timberwolves to come out with everything they’ve got.
The stage is set for an unforgettable clash between two powerhouse programs. Wakeland and Cedar Park will battle for glory this Friday at 11:00 AM in Georgetown.
