GAMES
RANKINGS
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.
HOOP SCOOP: Goellner, Shephard to lead Rockwall back to postseason
Rockwall Yellowjackets
Head Coach: Quincy Williams
District 10-6A
Quincy Williams enters his ninth season of leading Rockwall and is 12 wins away from coaching win No. 200 of his career.
The Yellowjackets went 21-15 a year ago and reached the Regional Finals. WIth two starters returning, Rockwall will try and extend their postseason appearance streak 11-straight years.
Hudson Goellner leads the way after averaging 14 points and eight boards, while Mason Shephard chipped in nine points and three assists per game.
Keys to success for William’s squad are four words – Health, Together, Consistency, Physicality. In 2024-25, he wants his team to play by the motto “All for One, One for All”.