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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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Elijah Sherwood of Hitchcock Basketball
THE PLAYMAKERS: Lighting it up powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Month, as the Winter season commences.
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Chardel Terrell, Clear Brook Girls Basketball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
As they enter the district portion of their schedule, the Wolverines (currently 10-8) look poised to earn their third straight undefeated district championship.
While Rezia Castillo has remained consistent, as both a scorer and offensive facilitator from the point guard spot, junior guard Chardel Terrell has really come into her own as a shooter.
In the first three district matchups, in which Clear Brook won all three, Terrell lead the team in scoring with 54 points.
Given how dominant she and the Wolverines have been against their divisional counterparts, it shouldn't be too difficult to assume that trend continues.
Charles Anderson, Pearland Dawson Basketball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Dawson has started the season in solid fashion, currently maintaining an 11-6 record.
Coach Mark Barre and Eagles have leaned on their younger talent -- namely sophomores Maleek Simeus and Bryce Davis -- for the majority of the points, however, Charles Anderson (Texas Tech football commit) is undoubtedly the team's rock.
Not long after stepping off the football field and onto the court, the senior center has been a key factor in Dawson's early success thus far.
Given Anderson's 6-foot-7 frame, it's easy to see why he's so proficient at crashing the boards while offering a major presence on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.
Helen Byrd, Friendswood Girls Basketball
While they may have had a somewhat shaky start to the year, the Mustangs are capable of making a steep recovery past the mid-season point, considering the talent they feature on the court.
Speaking of which, Helen Byrd (Jr. G) is back at it again.
The reigning District 18-5A Offensive Player of the Year is on pace to repeat that achievement, averaging just over 19 points a game to power Friendswood's offense.
If last year was any indication, the Mustangs could easily turn things around and make another run for the postseason.
Elijah Sherwood, Hitchcock Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Prior to the season, coach Christopher Jordan-Foster anticipated an elevated role for Elijah Sherwood (Jr. G), and it would seem that has paid dividends for the 2023 Class 3A State Champs.
The Bulldogs are off to a 12-2 start, with Sherwood in particular showing rapid development, despite already being a key piece in last year's championship squad.
Given his 6-foot-6 frame and tremendous athleticism to complement that of several of his teammates, coach Jordan-Foster and company could very well be hoisting another state title in the coming months.
Makynna Robbins, LSA Girls Basketball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Although Lutheran South Academy may have fallen to Second Baptist (2022-23 TAPPS-5A State Finalist) to begin the district portion of their schedule, don't let that fool you.
With first-team all-state selection Makynna Robbins at the helm, the Pioneers are certainly capable of punching another ticket to the playoffs.
The senior guard currently averages over 16 points and 13 rebounds per game and is just warming up. With the remaining district matches coming up, LSA should experience a surge after finishing second (9-3) a year ago.