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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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Pearland's Shiloh Grays
THE PLAYMAKERS: Bringing in the new year powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Month, as the Winter season heats up.
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Jordan Buckner, South Houston Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Trojans were expected to be a contender prior to the season starting, and they have certainly lived up to the hype.
Most recently, South Houston competed in the platinum division of the Lee College Classic, in which they advanced through the brackets to end up as the third-place finishers, despite facing some stout competition.
It's only natural that one of the team's captains, Jordan Buckner, would play a key role in their success.
The junior guard led the Trojans in scoring throughout the tournament (23.3 ppg), which is indicative of how he's performed in the Winter thus far.
South Houston currently boasts an impressive record of 18-6 and are 2-0 to begin district-play. If Buckner and company keep clicking this rate, they should once again battle for another district title before they enter the playoffs.
Da'Niyah Lewis, Shadow Creek Girls Basketball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Shadow Creek is already well-within the mix of district competition, and while they may have experienced their fair share of trials and tribulations, that can be expected of a comparatively young team.
Despite their youth, however, the Sharks still remain in the third seed of their division (14-10; 2-1) and have shown that they are capable of getting the big wins with the talent on board.
Speaking of, sophomore Da'Niyah Lewis has stepped up considerably alongside fellow play-maker Krislyn Biscette to accomplish this feat.
Lewis has scored the second-most points on the team, while leading Shadow Creek in assists from the point guard position. This kind of performance will be essential moving forward, as this scrappy group contends among some tough district counterparts.
Jason Scott, Westbury Christian Basketball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Westbury Christian is packed with talent, which was put on full display when they competed in the VYPE Invitational this past week.
The bread-winner for the Wildcats is unquestionably Jason Scott (Jr. PG) who leads the group in nearly all major categories (22 ppg, 8 rpg, 3 apg) which continues to propel WCS forward.
With district-play coming up, Scott's proficiency and connection with the other key contributors on the team -- Sebastian Mackey (Sr. G), Jayvien Cummings (So. G), and Cooper Harsworth (Sr. F) -- will be imperative to Westbury Christian's campaign to return to the TAPPS-3A title game.
Shiloh Grays, Pearland Girls Basketball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
As the new year begins, the Lady Oilers are picking up steam.
Their recent victory over district opponent Alief Elsik brings Pearland's win-streak to eleven, and their overall record to 22-4 (3-0 in district) with the remaining schedule seeming all-the-more favorable.
The emerging presence of Pearland's leading-scorer A'zyua Blair (Fr. G) cannot be overstated. However, fellow freshman Shiloh Grays been a game-changer in her own right.
Grays has been a contributor in all facets of the game, particularly in the rebounding department as she leads the team with nearly 200 on the year.
The district title is within the Oilers' grasp, and all signs point to a bright future for this growing program.
Aiden Mohammed, Yates Basketball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Yates continues to prove that they are a genuine contender in the Class 4A race.
Despite competing in perhaps the most stacked district in the conference, that hasn't stopped the Lions (11-5; 4-2) from making splashes into 2024.
Most recently, Yates claimed first place in the gold division bracket of the Houston ISD tournament, which can be attributed to the stellar roster under coach Greg Wise's direction.
Aiden Mohammed, in particular, has been as proficient as they come.
The 6-foot-2 sophomore forward will certainly be one to watch for as the Lions seek to surpass last year's mark of reaching the Regional Quarterfinals.