GAMES
RANKINGS
STATE CHAMPS: Plano East Hoops On Top
For the first time in three decades, the Panthers made their appearance in the UIL Basketball State Tournament— this time, they brought the whole thing home. With.a 40-0 undefeated record, Plano East played their season with determination as well as tenacity; taking each opponent down with swiftness and poise. Throughout the year, athletes like DJ Hall, Richard Anton, Narit Chotikavanic, Isaiah Brewington, Jordan Mizell, Moustafa Aboulneel, Seth Romero, China Chineke, and others showcased talent on the hardwoods— truly giving their fans something to cheer about.
Defeating Stony Brook by a 53-41 score, Plano East put forth a lot of effort on the biggest stage in Texas high school basketball. Through every teachable moment, the Panthers were able to learn quickly and adjust even quicker— earning their spot at the top!
With a no-doubt attitude and the fire to succeed, there was never a doubt that the Panthers could pull it off this season. With a special squad and a competitive spirit, the Panthers put hard work to the test as they entered each game. Taking down every opponent that stood in their path this season, Plano East recorded 40 consecutive victories— 14 through district play.
As the newly titled State Champions, the team can be expected to utilize the offseason to the best of their ability; honing in their skills as they look to defend their title next season. With talented athletes headed into leadership roles, this squad has something that could stick for the next several seasons if they harness the same energy as they move forward.
PREVIEW: DeSoto Football Searching for a Repeat
A state title to their name, DeSoto Eagles football is on the hunt for a repeat this season. After hard work, dedication, determination, and grit helped them finish strong in the 2022-23 season, the Eagles are looking toward what should be another dominant year on the field. Sitting near the top of the VYPE DFW 6A Preseason Football Rankings, we dive into what fans can expect from the Eagles this season:
REWIND
After a deep playoff run ended in a 38-20 loss to Duncanville during the 2021-22 football season, the DeSoto Eagles put the pedal to the metal and brought home a state title in 2022. Opening their season with strong victories over the likes of Louisiana's St. Augustine (35-10), and eventual back-to-back state champions South Oak Cliff (42-23) during preseason, DeSoto was ready to face-off against their district opponents with almost flawless effort.
Going 6-1 in district play, the Eagles downed Waxahachie (42-24), Mansfield Lake Ridge (86-26), Mansfield (28-16), and more en route to the playoffs. Once in playoffs, DeSoto took it all the way to the 'ship by sending home Pflugerville Weiss (37-20), Rockwall-Heath (52-7), Tomball (38-14), Harker Heights (60-24), and Denton Guyer (47-28) to keep the Wildcats from a second-straight state appearance. In the UIL Class 6A Championship game, DeSoto posted a 42-17 finish over Austin Vandegrift to seal their season with a title.
LOOKING AHEAD
As the team gears up for the 2023-24 season, fans will see the return of Kelon "KJ" Davis, Jaden Trawick, Daylon Singleton, Mario Buford, Deondrae Riden Jr., Brandon Booker, Jason Douglas, and more. These strong athletes have worked hard through the off-season and can be expected to bring a dominant defense as well as a prolific offense to the field each and every game. Looking toward what could be a repeat season, the Eagles are already focused on finishing strong.
DeSoto will begin their season on the road against Allen on August 25th. From there, the team will square off against other non-district opponents like South Oak Cliff before opening district play against Dallas Skyline in September. Looking at a line of district opponents who want to put a stop to DeSoto's aggressive style of play, fans can expect the Eagles to bring the heat this fall.