GAMES
RANKINGS
HOOP SCOOP: Ramirez is key to young Keller squad's success
Keller Indians
Head Coach: Zach Weir
District 4-6A
The Indians of Keller High School were on the doorstep of marching on to the Alamodome a season ago. Keller fell in the Regional Finals, ending their year at 30-6 overall.
Weir returns just one starter off that squad but it is a big piece in District Offensive Player of the Year Steven Ramirez. A top 10 scorer in the DFW area, Ramirez averaged 20 points and eight rebounds per game. He was named TABC All-Region at season’s end.
Another key returner will be All-District, Honorable Mention Luke Fabian.
As Weir enters his 5th season at the helm, with a record of 98-35 overall, the motto for this squad will be “one percent better everyday”.
This plays right into his major key to success for 2025 – the team gaining experience in non-district play.
AT THE RIM: Allen returns four starters; big expectations
Allen Eagles
Head Coach: Clark Cipoletta
District 6-6A
The Allen Eagles have been a mainstay in the playoffs for the past 20 years. A program of consistency.
Last year ended in the Regional Quarterfinals and with a record of 32-6.
Now, in 2024-25, under the guidance of fourth-year coach Clark Cipoletta (234-108 in 10 years as head coach), these Eagles that return four starters to the floor look to make a deep run.
Defensive MVP Nehemiah Lawrence and first-team, all-district picks DeAndre Thomas (11 ppg) and Trent Pane (15 ppg) will lead the charge for Allen. Thomas is verbally committed to the University of North Texas.
Another player to watch is second-team, all-district pick Antione Shannon, who averaged eight points per game. Other players to watch include Antonio Shannon, Isaiah Dozer and Nnamdi Ubawike, who are all garnering college interest.
Keys to success for Cipoletta’s team include playing fast, being disruptive on defense and playing together.