GAMES
RANKINGS
Super soph Ashlon Jackson of Hardin-Jefferson
Hardin-Jefferson, Woodville headline SETX's Top 5
No. 1 Hardin-Jefferson
After a 30-year hiatus, the Hawks were back in the State Finals last season falling just short. Sophomore Ashlon Jackson returns after an incredible freshman season when she was named Class 4A first-team, all-state. She's a bona fide DI star. Asia Wheeler and Delberta Guillory-Smith give the Hawks some great leadership having played when the lights were brightest last season.
No. 2 Woodville Eagles
The Woodville Eagles reached the Class 3A state finals last season for the second time in school history. Can they close the deal in 2020? Coach Troy Carrell returns a LOADED squad that went 39-2 in 2019. Jordyn Beaty, Telia Jackson and Jayda Argumon were all first-teamer, all-staters last year. Shannon Whitehead and Amelia Coatney will also play huge roles this season. Prediction? The Eagles get it done and fit for the rings.
No. 3 United Timberwolves
The T-Wolves went 35-1 overall and 14-0 in district play a year ago under the direction of Tammy Walker-Brown. However, they ran into Pearland in the second round of the postseason and fell in OT. Let's talk about youth. Sophomore Princess Anderson and juniors Cameron Dill and Gayla Joseph make up an explosive backcourt.
No. 4 Orangefield Bobcats
The Bobcats ran the table in District 22-3A last season as coach Jennifer Willis' group was one of the best in SETX. Orangefield fell in the second round to Coldspring. A trio of seniors return to carry the Bobcats' hopes in 2020 as Kaiden DuBose, Jacey Bourque and Fairth Fregia return to the huddle.
No. 5 Silsbee Tigers
Right behind HJ in District Class District 22-4A are the Silsbee Tigers. The Tigers reached the fourth round of the postseason last year and have the ball rolling again early this season. Back in the huddle are Miy'Joi Hill, Ahlayia Henry and Akira Ray. Speed and physical play are their calling cards, but do they have enough on the bench?
United is VYPE's Preseason No. 1
United, PAM, Silsbee headline VYPE's Preseason Top 10
Southeast Texas is loaded with state contenders, so let's get to the rankings.
No. 1 Beaumont United
Coach David Green returns Justin Pleasant, Kasen Harrison and Jaylen Subject. These guys can ball and Green is one of the best in the state. The Timberwolves reached the third round last season before falling to George Ranch.
No. 2 Port Arthur Memorial
The Titans reached the Regional Semis. Don't forget PAM won the STATE title just two years ago. These guys are big and athletic, headlined by Kenneth Lofton (La Tech) and Nathan Clover (Oral Roberts). Amaree Abram will need to come up big as the lead guard.
No. 3 Silsbee
Coach Joe won back to back state titles in 2017 and 18. The Tigers reached the Regional Finals a year ago. Bray Bush can SCORE in bunches. He just broke the Silsbee single-game scoring record with 65 points early this season. K'Drain Cartwright and Christopher Martin Jr. will also play big roles. Can they get back to state? They have to get past Yates.
No. 4 East Chambers
The Bucs reached state last year before falling in the Semis. Coach Todd Sutherland has built a power program in southeast Texas. Kam Smith and Ernest Ceasar will be the headliners along I-10 this season.
No. 5 Nederland
The 'Dogs fell in the second round last season after a third place finish in district play. Can Texas A&M-signee Hayden Hefner lead this team to new heights? He can shoot, jump and run the point with the best of them. Coach Brian English will need Tyler Jackson and Joseph Gipson to step up big.
No. 6 Hardin Jefferson
Coach Clay Davis and his crew finished second in district a year ago before falling ot Yates in the second-round of the postseason. Nothing to be ashamed of there. Post Michael McIntosh and Jayston Davis will play post and forward, respectively. What about their guard play though?
No. 7 Huffman-Hargrave
Hargrave reached the third round of the postseason last year after running through district play. However, they were senior heavy. Guard Gage Hulse, a first-team, all-state selection has graduated. Now who is going to take the big shots? Returners include Jacob Harvey, last year's Offensive MVP, Luke Thomas, Cody Oliphant and Grey Soileau.
No. 8 Lumberton
The Raiders made the postseason for the first time in 19 seasons. Senior Jaden Wahl and Brock McClure return to give Lumberton a shot in getting to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time in school history. They finished third in district play a year ago.
No. 9 West Brook
The Bruins finished third in the district but fell in the first-round to Humble. The senior of the bunch is post Joseph Lucien. He will get help from Ike Nwaobi and Jaquan Yates, who will run the point.
No. 10 Orangefield
The Bobcats were third in district play last season and beat Diboll and Van Vleck in the postseason. Remington Bryant will run the point while Tyler Greenwood can play. Orangefield should reach the postseason again with hopes of making the leap to the Regional Tournament.
Others receiving votes: Buna, Big Sandy, Evadale