The Atascocita Eagles are arguably the “big brand” of Class 6A boys’ basketball.
Built by coach David Martinez, the Eagles are once again the city’s top hoop troop.
Going 30-8 overall and 13-1 in district play a year ago, Atascocita returns Louisiana Tech-commit Jaylen Fenner and Adam Boyd, the floor general.
Jaylen is the heart and soul of this team,” Martinez said. “He can defend, rebound and score with anyone. Adam is the engine of our team and gets us in transition.”
Zayson Salanoa and Carson Countryman will play huge roles in 2024-25.
So, what’s the secret sauce to Atascocita’s program success?
“I think it’s that I have a genuine relationship with each player,” Martinez said. “They trust me, and I can coach them hard. I feel like I get the best out of them because of that. Also, we aren’t afraid to play some really tough defense.”
The Eagles will likely put another district title in the trophy case but have the talent to advance to the State Final Four.
Thanksgiving week is a monumental time in Texas high school football, as only the top teams get to continue their playoff journey. Here's a look at some key matchups in Classes 5A, 4A, and 3A, with insights and predictions:
Randle vs. Brenham (5A Regional Semifinal)
Randle, under HC Brian Randle, is a juggernaut this season with a 12-0 record, including dominant playoff wins. Facing Brenham (11-1), fresh off a tight win over Liberty Hill, presents their toughest test yet.
Keys to Victory:
Randle: The Lions rely on their dynamic backfield with QB Keilan Sweeny and 5-star RB Landen Williams-Callis, who averages nearly 143 yards per game. Defensively, Texas A&M commit Chase Sims and DB Sh’Rhod Revis are key to containing Brenham’s ground game.
Brenham: RB Jacoby “Man Child” Dixon, averaging 187 yards per game, must shoulder the offensive load against a fierce Randle defense.
Prediction: Randle’s defensive dominance and Callis’ big game propel the Lions to a 14-point win.
Angleton
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FB Marshall vs. Iowa Colony (5A Regional Semifinal)
Iowa Colony (22-2 over two years) meets a familiar foe in FB Marshall, a rematch from earlier this season where the Pioneers triumphed.
Keys to Victory:
Iowa Colony: Sophomore QB Carson White must distribute the ball effectively to playmakers like Jayden Warren. RB Aaron Tenner adds explosiveness on the ground, while Baylor commit Chris Johnson anchors the defensive line.
Marshall: QB KK Johnson will look to his standout WRs Ja’kayden Ferguson and Andre Feast for big plays. Defensively, Texas commit Caleb Chester leads a secondary tasked with containing Iowa Colony’s versatile offense.
Prediction: Iowa Colony edges out Marshall late to move to the Regional Final.
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Bay City vs. Calallen (4A Regional Semifinal)
Bay City hadn’t won a district championship in almost two decades until this year where the Blackcats won the district out right. Posting an 11-1 record on the year, the Blackcats are on a mission to make it to Jerry’s world as one of the most slept on teams in 4A texas high school football. They play Calallen this week, and will need a big game from Sr. QB Alex Estrada who has thrown for 3,155 yards this year. Expect Estrada to get the ball to big play threat Sr. WR Xylan Williams to help open up the run game with Sr. RB Jada Andrews.
Prediction: Bay City continues its dream season, beating Calallen by 17.
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Other Predictions in 5A, 4A, and 3A:
Angleton vs. College Station: Angleton wins a high-scoring thriller.
A&M Consolidated vs. La Porte: Consolidated remains unbeaten with a narrow victory.
Chapel Hill vs. Stafford: Chapel Hill’s potent rushing attack overwhelms Stafford.
Hitchcock vs. Franklin: Hitchcock stuns Franklin in an upset.
Columbus vs. Yoakum: Columbus powers through for a rematch with Hitchcock.
These games highlight the best of Texas high school football, with Thanksgiving week showcasing the grit and skill of the state’s top programs. Stay tuned as teams fight for a spot in the Regional Finals and beyond!
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After back-to-back Regional Final appearances, the Fort Bend Marshall Buffs (35-3; 14-0 in district) have that look again under the direction of legendary coach Ronnie Courtney.
“The strength of our team is experience,” coach Ronnie Courtney said. “We have nine returners and four starters who have been to two Regional Finals. That gives us a chance to be really good. I don’t have to teach as much because everyone has been around the program. We have some tremendous leadership who know what I’m looking for.”
Back in the huddle are Kevin Sargeant, Eian Lowe, Armani Theus and Johnathan Walker, who all started last year.
Sargeant was all-state and the District Defensive MVP in 2024.
“When he talks, everyone listens,” Courtney said.
Other Buffs to look out for include Ryan Johnson, Harvey Baker, Braydan Cooper and Chase Crawford, who will all play expanded roles this season.
The kings of Class 5A Region III look to defend their crown and take it two steps further.
Shadow Creek (31-3) was one of the most dominant squads around in the 2023 regular season, as they would go on to make their seventh consecutive playoff appearance.
Although they were eliminated in the Area Round, at the hands of a formidable West Brook team, the fact that a significant portion of their stars are returning bodes well for the Sharks.
Eighth-year coach David President will lean on the veteran leadership – particularly from District MVP Michael Collins (Sr. PG / 21 ppg) – to elevate the entire roster, while placing an emphasis on staying healthy.
Aiden Law moves over from St. Francis Episcopal (TAPPS-4A State Champs) to further bolster SCHS, paired with Julian Cuillier (first-team, all-district), Adin Lewis (second-team), and senior guard Bryce Jackson (Houston-commit), who returns after two years of injury.
The motto in 2024 is “WE WILL”.
All things considered it appears that Shadow Creek will be even deadlier.
