VYPE's Jackson DiPasquale and Matt Malatesta are back with another episode of the 'On My Whistle' Football podcast as its UIL State Championships week. Check out the breakdown of games Predictions and more!
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D'Ville sophomore Samari Holmen celebrates alongside the recently graduated Mariah Clayton and Chloe Mann at the 2024 UIL-6A State Championship (3/2/2024)
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
When it comes to Texas high school girls basketball, Duncanville stands as the unequivocal gold standard.
With 27 State Tournament appearances in its 90-year history and 12 championships, most recently in a 59-41 victory over South Grand Prairie in 2024, the Pantherettes have already solidified their dynasty, and then some.
That brief history lesson aside, they have every intention of going back-to-back at the Alamodome this March.
Under second-year head coach Neiman Ford, the Pantherettes began the season strong, winning their first two games against top-tier teams—Summer Creek (59-44) and Cypress Springs (64-57).
While they faced a few setbacks later in the season, they’ve turned a corner in the new year, winning seven consecutive games.
After a crucial 40-36 victory over district rival Cedar Hill on Tuesday, Duncanville improved to 20-5 overall and 7-0 in district play, climbing to No. 3 in the DFW rankings and No. 5 in Texas (MaxPreps).
Though they lost 2024 UIL-6A State MVP Mariah Clayton to Old Dominion, and Chloe Mann to Cincinnati, the team's production hasn’t faltered.
After putting up some respectable numbers in her debut a year ago, shooting guard Samari Holmen has truly flourished in her sophomore campaign. She currently leads the squad in every major statistical category, providing an approximate 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals per contest.
Experience is critical for postseason longevity, and the Pantherettes boast a seasoned starting lineup.
Senior forward Jasmine “Jazzy” Gipson, a University of Arizona signee, continues to shine with 12 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals per game.
Jasmine "Jazzy" Gipson (seen clapping) takes in the moment of winning the 2024 State Title with Clayton (#1) and Holmen (#13)Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
Another standout, senior UNLV signee Trystan James (11 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 spg), recently earned a nomination for the McDonald’s All American Games, as did Gipson.
Additional contributions come from seniors Londyn Harper and Kierston Russell, along with sophomore Aja Smith, rounding out a balanced and formidable squad.
Only a handful of matches remain in the regular season, and the Pantherettes are on track to capture their third consecutive district title (sharing it with DeSoto in 2024).
Subsequently, with the new upcoming UIL playoff structure, which reduces the number of victories needed to claim the state title by one, Duncanville has an even greater chance to add a 13th championship to their storied history.
Out of Mansfield, Texas, the Lake Ridge Eagles have been on a remarkable hot streak throughout the entire winter season.
Winners of five straight, their most recent triumph came in a one-sided 60-41 win over Mansfield Legacy. However, it was their victories over Crowley (67-58) and North Crowley (59-52) in the previous weeks that have proven most crucial in securing their firm hold on a potential District 3-6A title.
Under the leadership of Coach Cornelius Mitchell, Lake Ridge (25-2, 5-0 in district) is soaring as the second-ranked team in the DFW area and sits at No. 4 in the state according to MaxPreps.
This recognition is well-deserved, but the Eagles are determined to achieve more than just accolades—they want championships.
A year ago, the UIL-6A state title was within their reach as Lake Ridge made a monumental run to the State Semifinals, the first in program history. Unfortunately, their journey ended with a hard-fought loss to fellow Dallas powerhouse Plano East.
This season, they’re poised to rewrite that chapter, with ample talent to do so.
Leading the charge is senior forward Eze Nwakamma, who averages 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals per game. His 6-foot-8 frame makes him a dominant presence on both ends of the floor.
Nwakamma’s scoring and leadership are complemented by a talented group of seniors, including Shaqir Pack (9 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg, 3 spg), Abisayo Gbakinro (9 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 spg), and Dasean Johnson (8 ppg, 3 rpg). This depth of experience gives the Eagles a strong foundation.
But don’t overlook the impact of sophomores Roman Dulin (9 ppg, 2 apg, 1 rpg) and Kyle Amadi (8 ppg, 2 rpg, 1 spg), who have already shown their potential and contributed significantly to the team’s success despite their youth.
Currently leading District 3-6A with a perfect 5-0 record, the Eagles can’t afford to relax just yet. With Crowley and North Crowley each sitting at 4-1, Lake Ridge must remain focused as they push toward their first-ever district championship.
If the Eagles continue their stellar play, they’ll not only secure that coveted district title but also set the stage for what could be a lengthy and successful playoff run come February.
As we pass the midpoint of district play, the race for respective playoff seeding across the state has reached its pinnacle.
However, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the battle for supremacy seems especially tight, with margins between teams growing ever smaller. It’s no surprise, given that this region has long been home to some of the finest high school girls’ basketball programs in the state.
In our updated composite rankings, Boswell remains in the top spot. The Pioneers are perfect in district play (8-0) and sport an impressive 28-2 overall record, firmly establishing themselves as a powerhouse.
Right behind them is Denton Guyer, with a 24-3 record and a 7-1 mark in district. The Wildcats have the distinction of being the only team in Texas to have defeated Boswell this season, taking down the Pioneers 54-51 on December 3.
The District 5-6A race, however, remains far from decided, as Braswell and Flower Mound are right on Guyer’s heels, setting the stage for an enticing photo finish.
Meanwhile, defending UIL-6A State Champions, Duncanville, are finding their stride as the season progresses. With a solid 20-5 record, they’re well on their way to securing yet another District 11-6A title.
South Grand Prairie, last year’s 6A runners-up, are also back on track, sporting a 21-6 record and an undefeated 8-0 district mark, signaling their intent for another deep postseason run.
In addition, Argyle and Wakeland continue to lead the charge in Class 5A, while Lincoln and Glen Rose remain formidable forces in 4A.
With the stakes higher than ever, it’s a thrilling time for DFW girls high school hoops. Check out our full rankings for all the latest movements and what’s at stake as the postseason approaches.
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*Parentheses indicates the team's district
*Last section indicates current overall record/district record