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THE PERENNIAL POWER: Lincoln maintaining degree of traditional excellence in 2024
When it comes to Texas high school girls hoops, there are few teams more consistent than Lincoln.
Similar to Duncanville in UIL-6A (4 championships since 2015), the Tigers are always in the conversation within Class 4A, evidenced by their 16 state tournament appearances over the past 34 seasons -- claiming three titles over that span.
That trend continues to this day, and then some, as Coach Ashley Greer and company have enjoyed a perfect 23-0 start to the winter, while they currently compete in the Sandra Meadows Classic.
The 2023 District 13-4A MVP, Ar'Jayla Elder (Jr. G), headlines the high-octane Lincoln offense, averaging just over 14 points per game.
Naturally, this has paid dividends for a group that now seeks to dominate 11-4A, following the UIL realignment this past off-season.
Of course, she's not alone.
Fellow returning starter T'Anna Saddler contributes roughly 9 points and 3 assists per contest, while adding a significant rebounding and defensive presence with her 6-foot-1 frame.
Meanwhile, newcomer Lanae Dallas has wasted no time in establishing herself within the team's ranks, as the freshman is averaging over 11 points an outing.
If that isn't enough to hurt the opposition, sophomore Jada Patterson (8 ppg), as well as seniors Grace Spencer (9 ppg, 2 rpg) and Sy'Niyah Gulley (5 ppg, 1 rpg) are more than capable of making a difference.
Lincoln reached the State Semis a year ago, where they fell 65-60 in a double-overtime heart-breaker against eventual champion Waco La Vega.
Suffice it to say, the No. 2 team in our updated rankings would love to return the favor down the line
As is the case every season, the Tigers will have their sights set on reaching the Alamodome. If all goes according to plan, they'll secure the program's first state crown since 2008.
STATE SEMIFINALS: Dallas Lincoln squares up with Waco La Vega
Dropping only three games the entire season, the Dallas Lincoln Lady Tigers have put forth an incredible effort that has shown a no doubt mentality. Outscoring their opponents by nearly 850 points combined on the season, the team has remained resilient through all moments-- even entering the state tournament.
Beginning their season with tough non-district victories over Dallas Skyline, North Forney, Hallsville, Arlington Bowie, Crandall, Red Oak, Princeton, Lancaster, Paris, and others, the Lady Tigers set their expectations for the season. Not willing to accept defeat, the teams' only losses came in their non-district schedule in hard-fought games against Memorial, Sachse, and Princeton.
T'Anna Saddler, Kayla Crowder, Aaliyah Rose, Ar'Jayla Taylor, Grace Spencer, Jada Patterson, Jalynn Staten, Sy'niyah Gulley, and other talented athletes continued to hold their heads high through district play as they finished at the top of their standings with a 10-0 undefeated district record. The team downed North Dallas, Dallas Carter, Dallas Wilmer-Hutchins, Dallas Pinkston, and others to secure a fantastic entry into the playoffs.
Once in the playoffs, the Lady Tigers sent Brownsboro, Sunnyvale, Panther Creek, and Canton packing. Now, on a 25-game win streak, Dallas Lincoln finds itself at the UIL Class 4A State Semifinal matchup against Waco La Vega (30-11). In a good position to secure a state title appearance, fans can expect this squad to power their way through each moment on the court on Friday.
Tip-off is set for 1:30 p.m. at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Friday, March 1.