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Some of the stars of 2024-25 Bellaire Basketball
THE LAST DANCE: UIL Basketball 6A-D1 State Final Preview -- Bellaire vs. Duncanville
In the final game of the season, the 6A-Division I title will be decided between Houston’s Bellaire Cardinals and Dallas powerhouse Duncanville Panthers.
For Bellaire (27-10), history has already been made. Earlier this week, the Cardinals reached the State Tournament for the first time, then extended their milestone with a 65-57 semifinal win over Brennan.
Led by Coach Bruce Glover, Bellaire boasts one of the most dynamic players in Texas—superstar Shelton Henderson. The state’s No. 1-ranked player in the Class of 2025, Henderson is a force on both ends of the court.
Bellaire's Shelton Henderson (Duke-commit)Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
His 6-foot-7 frame, scoring ability, and all-around impact were on full display in the semifinals, where he posted 26 points, 20 rebounds, and 4 assists. A state championship—and possibly a State MVP honor—would be the perfect way to cap his high school career before heading to Duke.
Of course, Henderson isn’t alone. Three-star guard L.J. Andrews, who holds offers from Texas A&M, George Mason, Lamar, and Nicholls State, plays a key role, while seniors Jaren Brown (F), Kohlman Dutton (G), Ejypt Gibbs (F), and sophomore Jadarian Williams (G) have all contributed to Bellaire’s historic run.
However, the Cardinals will face their toughest challenge yet in Duncanville.
Duncanville (26-7) is no stranger to this stage, having reached the State Tournament nine times, including four straight appearances from 2019 to 2022. Under longtime coach David Peavy, the Panthers have become a powerhouse and now seek their first state title since 2021—and their sixth overall.
After splitting the District 11-6A title with Lancaster (13-1), Duncanville dominated Temple (58-33), Wylie (70-56), Grand Oaks (84-68), and Rockwall (79-30) before edging out Allen 77-74 in the semifinals.
Senior guard Kayden Edwards, a TCU-signee, has been the driving force behind Duncanville’s success, averaging 26 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals per game.
Alongside him, standout point guard Christopher Hunt Jr. (offers from Sam Houston State, Texas State, etc.) has been equally effective, averaging 14 points and 4 rebounds while leading the team in field goal percentage (53%).
The Panthers’ depth is another key factor. Beckham Black (9 PPG, 5 APG, 3 RPG), Cam Smith (9 PPG, 6 RPG, 2 APG), and Gary Jones (6 PPG, 3 RPG, 1 APG) round out one of Texas’ most complete squads, eager to add another championship to their storied history.
With two elite teams set to clash, the stage is set for an unforgettable UIL 6A-D1 State Championship in the Alamodome on Saturday night (7 PM).
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The Jordan Warriors are emerging in th Regional Tourney
SUPER TUESDAY: Huge Night For Girls, Boys Basketball Playoffs
On the girls’ side. The State Semis will see a trio of Houston-area teams vying to for the Alamodome in San Antonio.
VYPE will be on site at the Campbell Center for the Summer Creek vs Cibolo Steele Class 6A DI State Semis at 5:30.
Summer Creek fell to State Champ Duncanville in the State Semis last season 39-31 in overtime and is back under the bright lights tonight against Steele (27-7 overall).
Bulldog Kennedy Simpson is the alpha for first-year coach Kiara Marshall, who came over from Chaparral High School. Summer Creek has been to UIL State four times in six years. Addison Martin, Endia Thomas and Taiya Kikunga will need big games to advance.
In Class 6A DII, Hightower will face Churchill in Victoria, Texas tonight. Coach Jasmine Brewer’s squad is LOADED and deep. Kailee Beaudion, Ogechi Okeke, Chandler Caver, Breonna Shelby and Sydney Thomas lead the way, but the bench is deep and ready. Churchill is loaded too, with Alina Hernandez, Rakiya Nelson and Daphne Zuniga as the Chargers Big 3.
Up the road at College Station High School, it will be the Barbers Hill Eagles facing Liberty Hill for the right to go to State. Coach Bryan Harris is an elite coach and has Jayci Lackey, Brooklynn Roberson and Rachel Glynn running his system. Liberty Hill runs a college style offense and a slower pace. Possessions will be key in this game.
THE GALLERY
The boys playoffs enter the third-round of the postseason all over the city.
Class 6A Region III have some serious matchups, starting with Seven Lakes vs Atascocita and Bellaire and Summer Creek in DI. These are some of the biggest brands in Houston. The star power is legit with Spartan Isaiah Santos, Duke-signee Shelton Henderson (Bellaire), Atascocita’s Jaylen Fenner and a balanced Summer Creek squad who plays connected as a team. Their could be a match-up between District 23-6A powers Summer Creek and Atascocita in the finals.
In Class 6A Region III DII, Jordan faces CE King, while George Ranch plays the No. 1 team in Houston - Shadow Creek. The Sharks face George Ranch, who is led by Cayden Munnilal. Shadow Creek is led by super-duo Michael Collins and UH-signee Bryce Jackson. Prediction for this Region is for Katy Jordan and Shadow Creek to face off in a potential instant classic. Jordan is blessed with a senior-laden squad and an elite backcourt.
The Aldine Mustangs and Grand Oaks Grizzlies are two of the biggest stories in the State. Both have advanced to the Class 6A Region II, DI Regional Semis. Aldine first-year head coach Christopher Ceaser took over a team that went WINLESS in 2024 and is now in the third round of the postseason. Trae Lewis, Michael Rosario and Kevin Waddell run the show for Grand Oaks coming out of the Conroe ISD, in which they were district champs. Aldine faces Rockwall and Grand Oaks plays Duncanville, two very tough DFW schools.
In DII, College Park and Willis are in the Conroe ISD as well and have also advanced to Regional Semis. The Cavs face Wylie East and Willis plays Horn. Willis is led by SJ Young and his 20 points per game, followed by Chandler Beasley. College Park is driven by Colorado-signee Ian Inman and Aiden Buckmon. The district-mates have a legit shot to face each other for the right to go to the State Semis.
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In Class 5A, No. 1 FB Marshall faces Barbers Hill and Randle faces Port Arthur Memorial tonight, while Stafford, Yates, Wheatley, Washington and new Fort Bend school Crawford are still in the Class 4A mix in Region III, while La Marque, Brazosport and Wharton are stll alive in Region IV.
Back-to-back State Champ Hitchcock faces Mexia tonight to continue their run to a return trip the the Alamodome.