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THE BLACK & GOLD: Can Plano East make it Back-to-Back at State in the imminent postseason?
Over the course of the past few years, Plano East has emerged as a dominant force in Texas high school hoops, and despite the challenges of competing in one of the state's toughest districts, they show no signs of slowing down.
Coming off a historic 2023-2024 season, the Panthers completed a perfect 40-0 record and captured their first-ever UIL 6A State Championship with a 53-41 victory over Round Rock Stony Point.
Although they haven't maintained an undefeated record throughout the current campaign, their performance still makes them a formidable contender for a repeat.
With head coach Matt Wester back at the helm, East has continued to thrive, recently improving to 20-4 on the year.
Their strong district run, highlighted by a critical streak of wins over rivals Plano West (76-61), Prosper (74-54), and McKinney Boyd (62-42), has pushed their district record to 8-2.
While they sit second in District 6-6A behind the powerhouse Allen Eagles (24-1; 9-0), a pivotal rematch on February 4th against the top-ranked team in the state could have major implications for both teams' playoff aspirations.
A significant reason for the Panthers' success is the return of several star players with invaluable postseason experience.
Leading the charge is senior DJ Hall, the reigning UIL-6A State MVP. At 6-foot-7, the Texas State-signee is a force on both ends of the floor as the team’s leading scorer and an imposing defender at the power forward position.
He is supported by fellow senior Moustafa Abualneel (PF/C), as well as junior Izan Qazi (SF/SG), both of whom have consistently proven their ability to contribute offensively. Freshman guard Alex Brewington and senior Aarnav Boinpalli have also provided a boost to the team's depth, adding athleticism and versatility.
With an eye on the district title and a potential second consecutive trip to the Alamodome, the Panthers look primed for another extensive playoff run.
As they push through the final stretch of their district schedule, the excitement surrounding this team continues to build, and their championship aspirations remain within reach.
LIFTOFF: Lake Ridge Hoops eyeing first district title and potential State glory
Out of Mansfield, Texas, the Lake Ridge Eagles have been on a remarkable hot streak throughout the entire winter season.
Winners of five straight, their most recent triumph came in a one-sided 60-41 win over Mansfield Legacy. However, it was their victories over Crowley (67-58) and North Crowley (59-52) in the previous weeks that have proven most crucial in securing their firm hold on a potential District 3-6A title.
Under the leadership of Coach Cornelius Mitchell, Lake Ridge (25-2, 5-0 in district) is soaring as the second-ranked team in the DFW area and sits at No. 4 in the state according to MaxPreps.
This recognition is well-deserved, but the Eagles are determined to achieve more than just accolades—they want championships.
A year ago, the UIL-6A state title was within their reach as Lake Ridge made a monumental run to the State Semifinals, the first in program history. Unfortunately, their journey ended with a hard-fought loss to fellow Dallas powerhouse Plano East.
This season, they’re poised to rewrite that chapter, with ample talent to do so.
Leading the charge is senior forward Eze Nwakamma, who averages 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals per game. His 6-foot-8 frame makes him a dominant presence on both ends of the floor.
Nwakamma’s scoring and leadership are complemented by a talented group of seniors, including Shaqir Pack (9 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg, 3 spg), Abisayo Gbakinro (9 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 spg), and Dasean Johnson (8 ppg, 3 rpg). This depth of experience gives the Eagles a strong foundation.
But don’t overlook the impact of sophomores Roman Dulin (9 ppg, 2 apg, 1 rpg) and Kyle Amadi (8 ppg, 2 rpg, 1 spg), who have already shown their potential and contributed significantly to the team’s success despite their youth.
Currently leading District 3-6A with a perfect 5-0 record, the Eagles can’t afford to relax just yet. With Crowley and North Crowley each sitting at 4-1, Lake Ridge must remain focused as they push toward their first-ever district championship.
If the Eagles continue their stellar play, they’ll not only secure that coveted district title but also set the stage for what could be a lengthy and successful playoff run come February.
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