After months of preparation and competing, the private school basketball scene is finally coming down to the wire.
With several key matchups -- such as TWCA v. Second Baptist, Village v. Ursuline Academy, Second Baptist v. Saint Mary's Hall, and Rosehill Christian v. Brazos Christian -- taking place in the TAPPS State Tourney, fans should be in for a spectacle.
Here is the rundown of each respective exhibition.
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TWCA Warriors vs. Second Baptist Eagles
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2023-24 TWCA Basketball
It's been another banner year on the court for The Woodlands Christian Academy (26-7; 9-1 in district) as they look to return to their 2020-21 State Title form.
After consecutive postseason victories over St. Augustine (83-60) and San Antonio Christian (77-57), coach Tanner Field and company are one step closer to achieving just that.
TWCA's exceptional depth has been their strong-suit on the floor, with the likes of Tres Luzey, Nick Brashear, Howie Keene, and Hunter Bowman propelling the Warriors further.
On the Second Baptist side, the Eagles (29-8; 13-1 in district) are coming off wins against St. Joseph Academy (96-50) and TMI-Episcopal (59-49) and look to keep their win-streak intact.
Senior Dyllan Thompson (18 ppg) has been the center-piece of coach Kevin Mouton's group, alongside the talents of Christian Haskett, Mike Olaly, and freshman Reese Alston.
This is a matchup between two TAPPS-5A district rivals, so it's safe to say that audiences are in for a show when they face off on Friday.
Doug Brown (VYPE)
2023-24 Second Baptist Basketball
Village Vikings vs. Ursuline Academy Bears
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Some of the stars of 2023-24 Village Girls Basketball
The Village School has already surpassed their 2023 mark of reaching the second round of the playoffs, following their statement wins against Trinity Christian (66-47) and Prestonwood Christian (59-52).
Despite having a relatively young squad, that hasn't stopped coach Jason Cantwell and the Vikings (27-11; 9-3 in district) from trouncing the opposition.
Senior guard Mila Rossini (19 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg) provides the necessary game experience on the floor, with sophomores Shaniya Williams (17 ppg, 7 rpg) and Cyra Narahari (7 ppg, 5 rpg) complementing her with style.
They now look to retain their momentum when the face Ursuline Academy on Thursday.
The Bears (21-9; 10-2 in district) recently defeated Parish Episcopal 60-48 following their district title acquisition.
Coach Nikki Nester's roster will feature the talents of senior Madelyne Davis (13 ppg, 4 apg, 4 rpg), Annabelle Tobin (10 ppg), and Lily Smith (9 ppg, 4 rpg), and Izzy Schroeder (8 ppg, 6 rpg).
Second Baptist Eagles vs. Saint Mary's Hall Barons
Doug Brown (VYPE)
2023-24 Second Baptist Girls Basketball
When it comes to private school girls hoops, Second Baptist is the model of consistency.
Coach John Herndon and the Eagles (28-9; 12-0 in district) enter the third round of the TAPPS postseason -- which marks their seventh-consecutive year of doing so -- on the heels of dominant wins against St. Joseph (83-40) and St. Joseph Academy (68-47).
Herndon has an arsenal of weapons -- Livy Sauvageau, Riley Tackett, and Holly Horton, just to name a few -- that he can turn to in the crucial moments, which will be essential down the line.
Next up for the Eagles is Saint Mary's Hall on Thursday.
The Barons (34-3; 14-0 in district) enters the TAPPS-5A Final Four, following victories over Kelly Catholic (63-23) and San Antonio Christian (44-35), which extends their win-streak to a whopping 16-straight.
Isabella Chase (17 ppg, 4 apg, 4 rpg) has had an exemplary sophomore campaign, with Sedelia Wilson-Larkin (15 ppg, 13 rpg) and Maddie Florence (12 ppg, 4 rpg) rounding out a dangerous trio for coach Matt Hayes' squad.
Rosehill Christian Eagles vs. Brazos Christian Eagles
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2023-24 Rosehill Christian Girls Basketball
This Winter has seen nothing but success from Rosehill Christian Girls Basketball.
The Eagles (18-3; 5-0 in district) enter the TAPPS-3A State Tournament on the heels of back-to-back playoff wins versus Round Rock Christian (64-33) and Live Oak Classical (68-33), and they don't plan on slowing down anytime soon.
Seniors Charity Montgomery and Mercy Freeman headline coach Steve Krantz's talented group, which looks to add another title to their already-crowded trophy case.
They will face off Brazos Christian (27-8; 12-0 in district) tonight to determine who will have the opportunity to compete in the state championship.
