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Seven Lakes' Justice Carlton
THE TIP-OFF: Can't-Miss Matchups in opening round of UIL GBB Playoffs
Check out some of this week's must-see matchups as the Bi-District tips off!
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Seven Lakes Spartans vs. Ridge Point Panthers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
After a relatively slow start to their district campaign, Seven Lakes quickly switched gears to finish as the co-district champions (14-2 district record) in the loaded Katy ISD. The dynamic duo of sisters Madison and Justice Carlton (Texas-signee) has been difficult to contain for any opponent thus far.
Both easily eclipse 15 points per game, with Madison also racking up over 11 rebounds on average. Senior Shreya Jategaonkar (11 ppg, 4 apg) has also been a key contributor to the Spartans' success.
On the Ridge Point side, Coach Michael Vitek will look to his veterans -- McKenna Minatra, Kennedi Turner, and Sydney Person -- to continue anchoring the squad after an impressive 11-5 performance in district.
The two teams will meet at the Merrell Center at 6:30 pm Tuesday night.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Shadow Creek Sharks vs. Clear Brook Wolverines
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Despite finishing second in their district, Shadow Creek should be brimming with confidence as they enter the postseason. Senior Krislyn Biscette leads the team in both points and steals per game, with Da'Niyah Lewis and Zoe Senganya providing the back up.
However, their ability to defend their side of the court has been the Sharks' key strength throughout to Winter, which will undoubtedly come into play when they face Clear Brook.
The Wolverines certainly have shooters to spare. Between Kamryn McLaurin, Rezia Castillo, and Kasey Oliver, it is a tall task for any opponent to shut down this group's offense.
We'll see, once the two face off at South Houston High at 5:30 on Tuesday.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Barbers Hill Eagles vs. Friendswood Mustangs
The Eagles utterly dominated in district this Winter, extending their undefeated win-streak against their 17-5A counterparts to 28.
After reaching the fourth round of last year's postseason, Coach Bryan Harris will look to his returners -- Cynthia Lecompte, Meghan Thompson, Korbyn Harmon to name a few -- in order to build upon that effort.
They will first have to overcome familiar foe, Friendswood.
The Mustangs have had their fair share of ups and downs throughout the year. however their offensive potential should not be underestimated. Helen Byrd is playing as exceptionally as ever, averaging nearly 20 points per game, which puts her in prime position to repeat as the district MVP.
Also watch for Claire Radtke and Mabry Venables when Barbers Hill and Friendswood meet at Lee College in Baytown on Monday night at 7:30 pm..
Hightower Hurricanes vs. Cinco Ranch Cougars
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Hightower enters the playoffs fresh off yet another district championship (15-1) which should have their confidence sky-high.
Paris JC-signee Jaya Johnson leads a stacked Hurricanes roster, which also features the likes of Daija Thomas, Chandler Caver, and freshman standout Ogechi Okeke.
This squad has the potential to go on another run similar to when they reached the State Tournament in 2019.
However, Cinco Ranch will have other plans.
Despite going 11-5 in the district, the Cougars only finished in fourth place, which speaks volumes of the talent they face during the regular season.
That should have them well-prepared, especially with Aniya Foy in the fold. The junior guard leads the team in points (24 ppg), rebounds (9 rpg), and steals (3 spg) per outing, which will pay dividends for the Cougars as they look to extend postseason.
The two will meet on Hightower's home court on Monday night at 6:00 pm.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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Kam Newsome of FB Travis Hoops
THE PLAYMAKERS: Picking up speed powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Month, as the Winter season heats up.
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Divine Ugochukwu, Clements Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Rangers (21-0; 7-0) are sweeping the city of Houston past the mid-way point of the Winter season. So much so, that they earned the top spot in our updated rankings.
Their undefeated streak can be heavily attributed the overall performance made by pillars such as Aziz Olajuwon and Joshua Clark. However, none have been as valuable to Clements as Divine Ugochukwu.
The 6-foot-3 combo-guard has been lighting it up, scoring 17 points a game, with an average of 7 assists and 2 steals to boot.
If Ugochukwu and company can keep up this hot-streak, watch out for them in the later rounds of the postseason.
Addisyn Parker, La Porte Girls Basketball
Despite competing in a crowded district, La Porte (14-10; 3-2) is making their case for a potential title in the back-half of the Winter.
With all the close games they have been a part of, the reigning district MVP Addisyn Parker (Sr. G) continues to be the difference-maker that sets the Bulldogs apart.
Parker leads the team in scoring on a consistent basis and will undoubtedly be a key factor in La Porte's success down the line.
Kam Newsome, Travis Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Travis (20-4; 5-2) is picking up speed at the perfect time, having won nine consecutive games with the remainder of their district schedule in front of them.
Junior guard Kam Newsome has been played a significant role in that hot-streak.
Given how he's scored upwards of 20 points on more than one occasion, Newsome is making his case for the district MVP selection -- which speaks volumes, considering the level of talent that Fort Bend ISD consists of.
After narrowly missing out on the playoffs a year ago, it appears that Newsome and the Tigers are prepared to change that tune.
Jazmine Hansley, Dickinson Girls Basketball
The Gators (23-4) are currently on a 12-game winning-streak, which includes a perfect 5-0 start against their district counterparts.
Their momentum is a result of opponents' inability to keep up with Dickinson's proficient scorers -- Jazmine Hansley (Jr. G) being one of the best on the floor.
Alongside fellow play-maker Ciara Williams, Hansley and the Gators are certainly a team worth reckoning as they vie for a district title and more.
Fourest Mills, Manvel Basketball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
While their season has had some ups and downs, Manvel is back on track as they have started district-play with three straight victories.
Sophomore Byron Green has been a worthy young addition to the team's competitive presence, however it will be the leadership of some of the senior stars -- Fourest Mills in particular -- that will guide the Mavericks to the postseason.
As one of the leading scorers for Manvel, Mills has shown his ability to change the trajectory of game, and then some.
Watch out for him and the Mavs as the rest of the district competition plays out.