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THE TIP-OFF: Can't-Miss Matchups in opening round of UIL GBB Playoffs
Just like that, the UIL basketball postseason has arrived.
With dozens of premier groups -- such as Hightower, Seven Lakes, Ridge Point, and more -- vying for their ambition to reach the state tournament a month from now, it is truly a great time to be a fan.
Check out some of this week's must-see matchups as the Bi-District tips off!
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Seven Lakes Spartans vs. Ridge Point Panthers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
After a relatively slow start to their district campaign, Seven Lakes quickly switched gears to finish as the co-district champions (14-2 district record) in the loaded Katy ISD. The dynamic duo of sisters Madison and Justice Carlton (Texas-signee) has been difficult to contain for any opponent thus far.
Both easily eclipse 15 points per game, with Madison also racking up over 11 rebounds on average. Senior Shreya Jategaonkar (11 ppg, 4 apg) has also been a key contributor to the Spartans' success.
On the Ridge Point side, Coach Michael Vitek will look to his veterans -- McKenna Minatra, Kennedi Turner, and Sydney Person -- to continue anchoring the squad after an impressive 11-5 performance in district.
The two teams will meet at the Merrell Center at 6:30 pm Tuesday night.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Shadow Creek Sharks vs. Clear Brook Wolverines
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Despite finishing second in their district, Shadow Creek should be brimming with confidence as they enter the postseason. Senior Krislyn Biscette leads the team in both points and steals per game, with Da'Niyah Lewis and Zoe Senganya providing the back up.
However, their ability to defend their side of the court has been the Sharks' key strength throughout to Winter, which will undoubtedly come into play when they face Clear Brook.
The Wolverines certainly have shooters to spare. Between Kamryn McLaurin, Rezia Castillo, and Kasey Oliver, it is a tall task for any opponent to shut down this group's offense.
We'll see, once the two face off at South Houston High at 5:30 on Tuesday.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Barbers Hill Eagles vs. Friendswood Mustangs
The Eagles utterly dominated in district this Winter, extending their undefeated win-streak against their 17-5A counterparts to 28.
After reaching the fourth round of last year's postseason, Coach Bryan Harris will look to his returners -- Cynthia Lecompte, Meghan Thompson, Korbyn Harmon to name a few -- in order to build upon that effort.
They will first have to overcome familiar foe, Friendswood.
The Mustangs have had their fair share of ups and downs throughout the year. however their offensive potential should not be underestimated. Helen Byrd is playing as exceptionally as ever, averaging nearly 20 points per game, which puts her in prime position to repeat as the district MVP.
Also watch for Claire Radtke and Mabry Venables when Barbers Hill and Friendswood meet at Lee College in Baytown on Monday night at 7:30 pm..
Hightower Hurricanes vs. Cinco Ranch Cougars
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Hightower enters the playoffs fresh off yet another district championship (15-1) which should have their confidence sky-high.
Paris JC-signee Jaya Johnson leads a stacked Hurricanes roster, which also features the likes of Daija Thomas, Chandler Caver, and freshman standout Ogechi Okeke.
This squad has the potential to go on another run similar to when they reached the State Tournament in 2019.
However, Cinco Ranch will have other plans.
Despite going 11-5 in the district, the Cougars only finished in fourth place, which speaks volumes of the talent they face during the regular season.
That should have them well-prepared, especially with Aniya Foy in the fold. The junior guard leads the team in points (24 ppg), rebounds (9 rpg), and steals (3 spg) per outing, which will pay dividends for the Cougars as they look to extend postseason.
The two will meet on Hightower's home court on Monday night at 6:00 pm.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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FIGHTING FOR SUPREMACY: Gray leads the pack for No. 23 Alief Taylor
Alief Taylor was on the brink of reaching the second round of the playoffs a year ago but fell just short to Clear Brook. Now, the Lions will look to make some noise in the regular season and beyond.
Nataliyah Gray (Jr. F) returns after a phenomenal sophomore season where she averaged 22.4 points and 11.4 rebounds per game. Gray is not alone though...
Fellow junior Madison Bush-Lewis is back after averaging 8.2 points and 3.3 rebounds, while sophomore Shaniya Williams is another starter to watch coming off her freshman campaign.
This team is one to watch with some impressive offensive firepower back on the floor for 2024.