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Beaumont United Boys Hoops Rolling (+PODCAST)
In only their second year of existence, Beaumont United is steamrolling District 21-6A as the ninth ranked team in Texas 6A. A big part of their success comes from veteran leadership in the names of seniors Kasen Harrison, Justin Pleasant, Jaylen Subject, and Kendris Henry. The Timberwolves are currently 5-0 in district play with recent wins over Westbrook, King, Channelview and La Porte.
Their next district showdown, Tuesday night, is against district rival and 10th ranked North Shore.
Are the Timberwolves ready for primetime heading into the game?
"Anytime you get a win over West Brook it's a good thing," said BU head basketball coach David Green.
"They are always well coached by Coach Boutte, he does a good job preparing his team for district play. Anytime we play each other its always a tough game and if you can come out on top it's always a big win for the program."
Green knows how to build a championship team as he led North Shore to the 5A title back in 2014. He took over Beaumont United in 2018 for the challenge of starting up a new program and to be closer to family. Green is a Silsbee native.
"At the end of the day, when it comes to winning a championship, all your players must do whatever it takes to win," said Green.
"If your players are all on the same page and willing to make sacrifices, to be that 'all in' player, good things will happen. Most of the teams that win are all in, no descension, no hidden agenda's, it all about the team."
Strong senior leadership is the foundation of a strong core and BU has with it the balanced play of Harrison, Pleasant, Subject, and Henry.
"These kids believe in what the coaches are trying to implement and they believe in their teammates and they lead by example," said Green.
"They come to work everyday and are performing at a high level, we just need to keep it going."
Prior to leading North Shore to the state title in 2014 Green head coached at Fort Bend Hightower and began the Port Arthur Memorial boys basketball program in 2005.
To listen to a podcast interview with Coach Green as part of this article click on the "Play" button below.
Hardin-Jefferson, Woodville headline SETX's Top 5
Southeast Texas girls hoops has always been competitive, but this year could see a pair of teams win their respective state titles. Hardin Jefferson is led by super soph Ashlon Jackson, while Woodville brings back everyone off their state finalist team.
Here are VYPE's Preseason Top 5 Girls Programs
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?