The Wheeler Fieldhouse will host the Class 6A, Region III tournament as Houston's Final Four do battle.
There is a ton of star power with Under Armour All-Americans and college commits all over the court.
So, who gets out of the Region?
...
Ridge Point Panthers (44-4) vs Dawson Eagles (43-4)
Ding… Ding…
It's the second Regional Playoff meeting for Dawson and Ridge Point. Last year, the Panthers swept Dawson in the finals to go to their first ever state tournament. Gone are Skylar Fields and Kennedi Johnson, who now play at Texas and Baylor, respectively. Both are loaded again. Under Armour All-Americans headline Ridge Point in Reagan Rutherford (Kentucky), Nia McCardell (Rice) and Claire Jeter (Texas A&M). Tiana Davis, Randee Hennings, Lindsey Ogle and Alexis Roberson all had over 130 kills on the season to support the stars. Brittany Ong helps on defense and Kendall Sekula helps with assists. Can you say LOADED?
Coach Lauren Leth has Dawson humming again this season with a 43-4 record. The Eagles have some serious fire-power with hitters Alexia Jones (402 kills), Nicole Deslatte (290 killls), Aliyah McDonald (259 kills), Kylie Nance (237 kills) and Madison Deslatte (219 kills). Dahlia Mills is the defensive standout, while Kamryn Scoggins runs the offense from the setting spot.
The last game that Dawson lost was August 31 st to… Ridge Point.
PREDICTION: Dawson gets revenge and advances. Will advance to STATE!
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Cy-Fair Bobcats (36-10) vs Deer Park Deer (40-9)
They are back… It's been since 2013 that Cy-Fair has made the regional tournament. The Bobcats are led by legendary head coach Donna Benotti (700 wins) and a pair of lethal hitters. Rebekah Portalatin and Lauryn Bourne combined for 1,100 kills this season. Julia Chew is the top setter but Portalatin has over 500 assists as well. The key to Cy-Fair has always been defense and this year is no different. Bourne' lead the team in digs with 584, followed by Portalatin with 563 and Annie Leliste with 559.
Balance, balance, balance. The Deer have six players with at least 130 kills on the season. The leader is dual-sport star Courtney Plocheck, who led the team with 433 kills. Pheobe Stigen had 385 and Hannah Baker had 342 kills. Katelyn Mallett is the top blocker, while Baker is the top defensive specialist. Senior Peyton Nance run the offense with over 830 assists. It's been since 2001 that Deer Park was in the Regional Tourney. In 2005, the Deer went to state.
So, what gives?
PREDICTION: Cy-Fair advances as their defense keeps them in the match