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THE LAST DANCE: UIL Basketball 6A-D1 State Final Preview -- Bellaire vs. Duncanville
In the final game of the season, the 6A-Division I title will be decided between Houston’s Bellaire Cardinals and Dallas powerhouse Duncanville Panthers.
For Bellaire (27-10), history has already been made. Earlier this week, the Cardinals reached the State Tournament for the first time, then extended their milestone with a 65-57 semifinal win over Brennan.
Led by Coach Bruce Glover, Bellaire boasts one of the most dynamic players in Texas—superstar Shelton Henderson. The state’s No. 1-ranked player in the Class of 2025, Henderson is a force on both ends of the court.
Bellaire's Shelton Henderson (Duke-commit)Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
His 6-foot-7 frame, scoring ability, and all-around impact were on full display in the semifinals, where he posted 26 points, 20 rebounds, and 4 assists. A state championship—and possibly a State MVP honor—would be the perfect way to cap his high school career before heading to Duke.
Of course, Henderson isn’t alone. Three-star guard L.J. Andrews, who holds offers from Texas A&M, George Mason, Lamar, and Nicholls State, plays a key role, while seniors Jaren Brown (F), Kohlman Dutton (G), Ejypt Gibbs (F), and sophomore Jadarian Williams (G) have all contributed to Bellaire’s historic run.
However, the Cardinals will face their toughest challenge yet in Duncanville.
Duncanville (26-7) is no stranger to this stage, having reached the State Tournament nine times, including four straight appearances from 2019 to 2022. Under longtime coach David Peavy, the Panthers have become a powerhouse and now seek their first state title since 2021—and their sixth overall.
After splitting the District 11-6A title with Lancaster (13-1), Duncanville dominated Temple (58-33), Wylie (70-56), Grand Oaks (84-68), and Rockwall (79-30) before edging out Allen 77-74 in the semifinals.
Senior guard Kayden Edwards, a TCU-signee, has been the driving force behind Duncanville’s success, averaging 26 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals per game.
Alongside him, standout point guard Christopher Hunt Jr. (offers from Sam Houston State, Texas State, etc.) has been equally effective, averaging 14 points and 4 rebounds while leading the team in field goal percentage (53%).
The Panthers’ depth is another key factor. Beckham Black (9 PPG, 5 APG, 3 RPG), Cam Smith (9 PPG, 6 RPG, 2 APG), and Gary Jones (6 PPG, 3 RPG, 1 APG) round out one of Texas’ most complete squads, eager to add another championship to their storied history.
With two elite teams set to clash, the stage is set for an unforgettable UIL 6A-D1 State Championship in the Alamodome on Saturday night (7 PM).
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THE FAB 5: Greater Houston well represented in State Tourney
“We played are really tough tournament schedule and that experience prepared us though for tough times this season and culminated in tonight,” coach Bruce Glover said. “Now, when I go on and this team moves one, we will always be able to look back and remember this team. It’s really huge.”
Duke signee Shelton Henderson lead the way with 26 points and 20 rebounds.
“There is that famous story about the horse, ‘Sectretariat’,” Glover said. “When they cut him open, he had a heart twice as big as other horses. That is Sheldon Henderson.”
Next up for Bellaire is Duncanville in the State Finals.
"This is everything," Henderson said. "I came in here my freshman year and told the coaches I was going to win one for them. We knew we came in here as the underdogs and just had to play our game. We couldn't get caught up in the fans and the media. We just locked in and got it done."
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Katy Jordan also made school history beating San Antonio Harlan, 57-36, in the Class 6A DII Semifinal. Jaden Holt and Elijah Black make up on one of the best backcourts in the state and will now face Denton Guyer in the Finals on Saturday at 5 pm.
The FB Marshall Buffs were in Goliad, Texas and took down Alamo Heights, 47-29 in the Class 5A DII to return to the State Finals for the first time since 2017. The Buffs are on a 22-game winning steak. Marshall will face Mansfield Summit on Saturday.
Booker T. Washington is back in the Finals. The Eagles handled LBJ Austin, 76-56, in the Semis and will face power Dallas Kimball in the Finals on Friday. Robert Jones, Sam Johnson and Jalen Webb lead the way for Washington.
The Wheatley Wildcats have run the gauntlet in the playoffs. The Wildcats beat La Marque, 49-44, in the Semis to advance to the Finals. Wheatley has beaten Silsbee and Yates as well in the postseason. The ‘Cats will face Kennedale in the Class 4A DII Finals. Coach David Burrell leans on Quinton Sanders and Marquan Elder on the court.
Columbus advanced in Class 3A DI to face Tatum, while Kountze will play Paradise in the Class 3A DII Finals.
Beaumont West Brook of southeast Texas is 37-2 and will face Birdville High in the Class 5A DI Finals.