VIP NEWS DA WEEK OF MARCH 1st - 7th!
Here is what you missed in the VIP NEWS last week! Check it out today!
Grand Oaks was able to trim the deficit to seven in the second half but could never get any closer as Cy Springs maintained control down the stretch.
Ashian Ray led Cy Springs with 12 points, while Ife Bolaji and CJ Ideozu each added 10. Grand Oaks was led by Dariyun Cox with 13 points, followed by Ebube Joseph with 12 and Trey Pinkard who chipped in 10.
Cy Springs will now face Little Elm in the State Semifinals with a trip to San Antonio on the line.
North Shore came out on fire and led by eight after the first quarter. The Mustangs stretched the lead to double digits at times but could never fully put Atascocita away. That left the door open for Savoy and the Eagles in the final period.
Savoy took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 points including a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range to flip the game and break North Shore’s momentum. Atascocita also delivered at the free throw line late, converting 7 of 9 attempts in the fourth to seal the win.
Savoy led Atascocita with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Louisiana signee Zayson Salanoa added 12 points and 7 rebounds, while New Mexico State signee Jachai Cantave finished with 11 points and 5 rebounds. Louisiana Tech signee Adam Boyd chipped in 10 points and 5 rebounds.
UCF signee Christian Gibson led North Shore with 16 points and 10 rebounds, followed by Da’Marcus Sloan with 14 points. Rashad Williams added 11 points, while Sean Mayberry contributed 10 points and 6 rebounds.
Atascocita advances to face SA Brennan in the 6A Division I State Semifinals on Tuesday at Manor High School. The teams previously met in November in the championship game of the McDonald’s Texas Invitational, where Brennan won 64-54. Atascocita was without Salanoa in that matchup, and Boyd played while battling the flu.
This Regional Final matchup features a powerhouse program that is accustomed to being on this stage against a Cy Ranch team that stumbled late in the regular season but has found its rhythm when it matters most.
Duncanville is a perennial power and a program that expects to be playing this deep into March every year. The Panthers are led by first-year head coach Neiman Ford, but he is far from new to success at Duncanville. Ford previously served as an assistant during multiple boys state championship runs and also captured a state title as the school’s girls head coach.
Duncanville has been dominant on their way to the Regional Final, defeating Temple (74-38), Wylie (45-25), and Klein Oak (48-30). Defense has been the key, as the Panthers have allowed just 31 points per game during the playoffs. Offensively, Chris “Deuce” Hunt is the engine that makes everything go for Duncanville.
Cy Ranch enters the game playing some of its best basketball of the season. After dropping their final regular season game, the Mustangs have caught fire in the postseason with wins over Klein (74-58), Conroe (59-42), and Sachse (67-41).
Cy Ranch is led by the dynamic Goodwin brothers — senior Josh and sophomore KJ. Both will need to play major roles if the Mustangs hope to knock off the defending powerhouse and punch their ticket to the state tournament.
This Regional Final matchup features two teams playing their best basketball at the perfect time of the year.
Grand Oaks enters the game riding a 17-game winning streak, with their last loss coming all the way back on December 16th. The Grizzlies have been dominant throughout the postseason, knocking off Dekaney (77-52), Cy Park (58-43), and Lancaster (72-46). In those three playoff wins, Grand Oaks has posted an impressive +21.3 point differential, showing just how well they are playing on both ends of the floor.
The Grizzlies are led by High Point commit Trey Pinkard along with junior interior presence Ebube Joseph, forming a strong inside-outside combination. They also feature Morgan Luzey, widely regarded as one of the best unsigned seniors in the state of Texas.
Cy Springs comes into the Regional Final just as hot, riding a 15-game winning streak of their own. The Panthers’ road to this point included wins over Magnolia (56-36), College Park (60-48), and a defensive battle against Horn (34-31).
Cy Springs is a team that can win games in a variety of ways and is led by a strong senior core of Ife Bolaji, CJ Ideozu, and Tytin Hadnot.
With two red-hot teams playing their best basketball of the season, this Regional Final matchup has all the makings of a great one.
Round three of this heated rivalry will determine which team punches its ticket to the state tournament and which team sees its season end in heartbreak.
Atascocita enters the matchup holding a 2-0 advantage in the season series, winning the first meeting 69-58 and the second 63-48. It’s worth noting that the first matchup came before UCF signee Christian Gibson made his season debut for North Shore a few weeks later.
North Shore has been one of the hottest teams in the region, winning 22 of their last 24 games, with their only two losses during that stretch coming against Atascocita. The Mustangs reached the Regional Final with hard-fought wins over Clear Springs (62-60), Pearland (55-52), and Strake Jesuit (64-53), proving they are battle-tested heading into this matchup.
North Shore is led by Christian Gibson along with junior Da’Marcus Sloan, who poured in 29 points in the first meeting between the two teams this season.
Meanwhile, Atascocita is rolling. The Eagles come into the game riding a 17-game winning streak and have suffered just two losses to teams from the state of Texas all season — Seven Lakes and San Antonio Brennan. The interesting twist is that Atascocita already avenged the loss to Seven Lakes in the previous round, and if both teams win this week, they could have a chance to avenge the Brennan loss as well.
Atascocita reached this stage with wins over Dickinson (58-48), Fort Bend Elkins (70-39), and previously unbeaten Seven Lakes (78-66). The Eagles are powered by a senior trio of Division I signees: Jachai Cantave, Adam Boyd, and Zayson Salanoa.
They say it’s hard to beat a good team three times in the same season — we’ll find out tonight if that holds true.
Katy Jordan finds itself back in the Regional Final for the second straight season. After an up-and-down regular season, the Warriors are now just two wins away from returning to San Antonio. Their playoff run hasn’t come easy, though. Jordan has survived a series of tight battles, defeating Foster (64-63), Heights in overtime (62-59), and Shadow Creek (68-60) to reach this stage.
Junior Marwane Fadika has been outstanding throughout the playoffs and has helped lead the charge for Jordan. When the Warriors are shooting the ball well, they can be extremely difficult to beat.
Cy Falls enters the matchup on an impressive 19-game winning streak, with their last loss coming to Cy Springs in the Cy Hoops Invitational on December 13th. The Eagles have also had to grind through the postseason, earning wins over Westside (62-59), George Ranch (45-40), and Dawson (52-49).
Cy Falls is led by Daniel Patton, one of the hottest unsigned senior prospects in the state of Texas, who has been a key force during their winning streak.
This game also features a compelling coaching matchup between Charlie Jones of Katy Jordan and Richard Flores of Cy Falls.
With two talented teams and a trip to the state tournament on the line, this one should be a great battle.
The defending state champions are just two wins away from returning to San Antonio, and Beaumont West Brook has looked every bit the part during this playoff run.
West Brook enters the game riding a remarkable 23-game winning streak, with every victory during that stretch coming by double digits. Their dominance has continued in the postseason with convincing wins over Angleton (77-51), Kingwood Park (52-22), and Hendrickson (67-41).
The Bruins are led by Elijah Garrett, widely regarded as the best unsigned senior in the state and the reigning 5A State Final MVP. West Brook also boasts one of the biggest lineups in the state and is known for being extremely well coached, making them a difficult matchup for anyone.
Richmond Randle, however, comes in playing excellent basketball as well. The Lions have won 8 straight games and 14 of their last 16, with their only two losses during that stretch coming against 5A Region III Division II finalist Fort Bend Marshall.
Randle’s playoff run has included wins over Spring Woods (82-50), East View (87-55), and Crosby (54-46). The Lions are led by Yanni Ibikunle, a versatile force at the forward position, while Sheldon Corbin is capable of heating up quickly and becoming a major shot-maker.
With a trip to the state tournament on the line, the question becomes: Can Randle pull off the upset against the defending champs?
Man, oh man — this one is loaded with storylines.
Let’s start with Beaumont United. Led by legendary head coach David Green, the Timberwolves are looking to return to the state tournament after missing out last season. Prior to that, United made four consecutive trips to San Antonio from 2021–2024, establishing themselves as one of the premier programs in Texas.
United comes into this matchup having won 17 of their last 19 games, with the only two losses during that stretch coming to rival Beaumont West Brook. Their playoff run has included wins over Friendswood (57-46), Lake Creek (49-30), and Weiss (53-41).
The Timberwolves are led by Payton Jones, one of the top juniors in the state. Josh Coleman and Ephraim Moore Jr.are also key pieces who will need to make an impact in this matchup.
On the other side is Fort Bend Marshall, the defending regional champions, who are looking to punch their ticket back to San Antonio. The Buffalos enter the game on a 17-game winning streak and have looked strong throughout the playoffs with wins over Waltrip (67-37), Pflugerville (44-36), and Iowa Colony (71-56).
Marshall is led by Armani Theus, one of the best floor generals in the state, along with standout Jayden Jones. The Buffalos are also guided by legendary head coach Ronnie Courtney, adding even more experience and pedigree to this matchup.
With two elite programs, two legendary coaches, and a trip to the state tournament on the line, you really couldn’t ask for much more than this.
Fort Bend Crawford may be the new kid on the block, but they are putting together a historic season of their own. Following the incredible run by their football program, the basketball team is now making plenty of noise as well.
Crawford enters the Regional Final riding a 20-game winning streak, with their last loss coming all the way back on December 15th against Iowa Colony. They have been dominant throughout the playoffs, rolling past Bellville (110-60), La Vega (67-45), and Livingston (74-53).
The Chargers are led by two-sport standout Alvin Moseley, who is expected to enroll early in college next year for football, making this likely his final basketball season. Crawford also features a talented supporting cast including Jaylen Singleton, Kevin Green, Lakeevis Hunt, and Dylon Younger, all capable of making big plays.
Navasota enters the game even hotter, riding an impressive 27-game winning streak. Their road to the Regional Final has included wins over Willowridge (55-39), Lampasas (76-47), and Bridge City (61-54).
The Rattlers are led by sophomore standout Jayden Spriggs, a supremely talented two-sport athlete who has already established himself as one of the top young players in the region.
With two extremely talented teams battling for a trip to the state semifinals, this matchup has all the ingredients for a great game.
One of the fiercest rivalries in the state of Texas will once again take center stage, with a trip to the state semifinals on the line. For the second straight year, Yates and Wheatley will meet with a chance to advance to the state tournament.
Last season it was Wheatley that punched its ticket to San Antonio, and despite facing adversity this year — including having to forfeit five games and essentially playing must-win basketball since mid-January — the Wildcats have fought their way right back to this stage. Wheatley enters the Regional Final on a 10-game winning streak, including playoff wins over Hardin-Jefferson (81-65), Hudson (81-68), and Stafford (53-43).
The Wildcats are led by Herbert Goldsmith III and Peter Dorsey, who have been key pieces during their late-season surge.
Yates, however, has been just as impressive. The Lions come in riding a 14-game winning streak and have suffered only two losses all season. Their playoff run has featured wins over Hamshire-Fannett (110-73), Silsbee (82-65), and Katy Freeman (84-80).
Dakari Bolton has been a major catalyst for Yates during the postseason and is coming off a 36-point performance, while freshman La’Marr Henley is another player to watch after exploding for 43 points in the first round of the playoffs.
With two historic programs, a heated rivalry, and a trip to the state tournament on the line, expect a fast-paced, intense battle in front of a packed Delmar Fieldhouse. It doesn’t get much better than this.
Several players will have the opportunities to increase their stock with great performances during these Regional Finals.
If you're interested in one of the venues hosting a double header for the State Semis, simply call or text your coaching staff and express your wishes. If indeed the nominated facility is a fair neutral site, then it's a possibility. Closed mouths can't get fed.
WED. MAR 4th
Grand Oaks blasted Dallas Lancaster 72-46 to advance to their first ever, Regional Final. Beating Lancaster was a shock to many, but the margin (+26p) was the actual eye opener. Grand Oaks was clicking offensively (23/41fg) while Lancaster was not (11/40fg). At some point in that game Grand Oaks made multiple treys (11/16) in a row while Lancaster missed multiple shots in a row. It was a total balanced attack by Grand Oaks. Jonathan Wade led the charge with 12p, Morgan Luzey '26 had 11p 6a, Trey Pinkard '27 (committed to High Point) supplied 10p 4a 3s & Edube Joseph '27 posted 10p 9r. Plus, Dariyun Cox '26 and Danny Roland '26 scored 9p each. Whenever your leading scorer is 12p and you win by more than 25p, that's the prime ingredient in "total team effort". I had projected that this game could be the upset of the evening, and it was! Go ahead and scroll down to yesterday's post and read for yourself.
UTSA signee Nas Price wore a padded arm sleeve while giving it all he could muster despite obviously not 100% after suffering an elbow injury in the previous game. Atascocita jumped out to a double digit lead and appeared to be on their way to blowing this thing away. Then in a matter of minutes, Seven Lakes was right back in after Sean Mwesigwa heated up from downtown (all while Price was out taking a breather). Isaiah Santos '27 made a few impressive plays. Next thing you know, the Spartans took the lead, and this was a ball game. When the dust settled, Atascocita prevailed 78-66 and handed Seven Lakes (#8 nationally by Max Preps) their first and last lost of the season. New Mexico State signee, Jachai Cantave (26p) was flat out masterful from beginning to end of this contest. This was one of those performances (against at Top 10 nationally ranked undefeated team) that made the entire transfer back home to Atascocita well worth it. Adam Boyd (inked with Louisiana Tech) added 23p and was very effective with his length.
BAKER'S DOZEN
All season long I've beaten the table about the potency of the area's Class of 2027 (current 11th graders). I wanted to describe this as a "Doug's Dozen" but after counting them up, there are 13 instead of 12 Juniors within the very recruitable Class of 2027. In case you didn't know, thirteen is known as a "Baker's Dozen" because the cook would often keep the extra one for his own consumption.
Each player listed below will serve as a magnet to draw various college coaches to Greater Houston with hopes of gaining traction on the recruiting trail. The goal of the community should be to maximize the trips for those college coaches to the point where it would need at least 2 days to make a good lap and put eyes on each of the prospects. The key is for guys to do whatever they can to NOT bad mouth or negatively describe other players, especially when a college coach specifically asks about him. The simple talking point should be something like.... "He's a really talented player" and NOT "he's sorry as hell" or "My kid gave him 30 last summer". It's time for that type of shyt to stop in this city. This is the "cheat code" to turning the city hot (like it used to be). I'm at a space in my life where it truly becomes fun at passing along the game.
That Class is paced by Reese Alston (Second Baptist HS '27) and he is currently celebrating back to back TAPPS 5A State Titles while rising up the charts to #14 nationally (by ESPN). He is without question, the Magna Cum Laude of this class. If you considered this a concert, then Alston would have a "Back Stage Pass".
This means, the following guys are seated on the "Front Row", and include nationally ranked: Isaiah Santos (Shadow Creek HS '27), Payton Jones (Beaumont United HS '27), Jae'Quarian Lincoln (Humble HS '27), Landon Veal (Houston Christian HS '27) & Chase Richardson (Friendswood HS '27) who missed the second half of the season with an injury.
Then, there are a few more who are poised to become house hold names this summer on the grassroots scene. These guys have not attained any natonaly ranking (yet), and have "Floor Seats on the Aisle" to the concert:
Alim Olajuwon (Episcopal HS '27), Damon Miles (Clear Lake HS '27), Dylan Jones-Bynum (Cinco Ranch HS '27), Royce Shelton (Atascocita HS '27), TroyNelle Belle (Dickinson HS '27), Tyson Forrest (College Park HS '27),
Marwanne Fadika (Katy Jordan HS '27) is without question a current "Floor Seat" holder, and has officially turned a corner while guiding the Warriors into the Regional Finals. I really like the consistency of this young man, as well as his ability to make big plays during big game moments. Here are three of the post season stat lines for Fadika. Also, each of these games were "lose and season over" type situations.
Mar 2nd W 68-60 over Shadow Creek: 25 6a 6r
Feb 28th W 62-59 (OT) over Heights: 25p 6a 4r *huge treys to rally team to victory
Feb 25th W 64-63 over Foster: 22p 5a 6r *game winning 2ft with :06 to go
TUE. MAR 3rd
It seems like every other team has received some sort of "wake up" call this post season. On Monday, Yates HS found themselves in a dog fight before surviving to live another day. Katy Freeman led 38-32 at the break. Then, Yates used a 28-13 run through the 3rd period which put the Lions ahead by 9. Freeman used a late surge which basically ran out of time before falling short, 84-80 at the Merrell Center. Unsigned SR guard, Dakari Bolton produced arguably his best offensive output of the season - 36p (7/10ft) while Roman Flanagan scored 19p (7 in 4Q) & Joshua Wallace hit all 11 of his points during the decisive second half. Yates won despite leading scorer Aiden Mohammed netting only 6p and Ninth grader, Lamar Hensley (recently scored 43p in a game last week) was limited to 8p in the win.
Freeman went 7/11 from the free throw line in the final frame. Those missed freebies match the final margin. The Golden Eagles, have no 12th graders on the roster, got 22p from Louis Kathios '27, 17p by Chase Wilridge '27, Ninth grader Aiden Lusane '29 went for 15p & Kenneth Akinruntan '28 posted 7 of his 13p in the 4th period. The two teams combined for over 35 turnovers and merely 11 three pointers.
OTHER NEWS!
Balls will surely be bouncing around the area this evening as the Regional Semis for boys resume. Surely most of the eyes are laser beamed at Atascocita vs. Seven Lakes. However, there are several other very good games on deck.
REGION II
Can Klein Oak beat Duncanville?
Rylan Kelly (signed w/ Sam Houston State) would need to bring his "A" game. Plus, 10th graders Tyrie Wooten and Malcolm Epps would need to play like seasoned seniors. Lastly, Klein Oak must treat the name on the front of Duncanville jerseys just as it they were "The Woodlands" or "Cy Woods". Do NOT get caught up or mesmorized on by whom you are playing. There ain't no Ryan Holland or Anthony Black enrolled at that school anymore. If attained, Klein Oak cold find themselves in the Regional Final.
Can Grand Oaks beat Dallas Lancaster?
The DFW powerhouse has been here and done that, many times over. However, Grand Oaks plays a smarter brand of hoops which could produce the upset of the evening. Trey Pinkard '27 will likely see candy defenses tossed his way from the opening tip. This means other players such as Morgan Luzey '26 and Edube Joseph '27 must step up and exceed their averages.
Cy Springs vs Horn
Cy Springs should win this game, but it may not be as easy as it appears. Horn finished 4th place behind Duncanville, Lancaster & Waxahachie in a very tough district. They are battle tested, and so is Cy Springs. Ife Bolaji '26 and CJ Ideozu '26 must control the boards while avoiding foul trouble. Possessions matter, in this game!
Cy Ranch vs Sachse
Both teams have lost 14 games this season. However, Sachse lost 5 games and finished 3rd place in District 9 which has no teams remaining in the playoffs. Josh Goodwin is one of the area's top unsigned seniors. As he goes, so does Cy Ranch.
MON. MAR. 2nd
There is only one play-off game taking place today: Yates vs Katy Freeman @ Merrell Center, 6p. This marks the first time Katy Freeman has not only made the playoffs, but they are in the 3rd round. Credit Wes Kohl for walking right into this supreme situation. As for Yates, they are on a collision course for the Tri-Match against arch rival Wheatley HS. The Wildcats will face Stafford on Tuesday evening on the campus of Texas Southern University. That's not a cake walk at all. It's a game that Wheatley can win, but it's also a game that Stafford can win.
If indeed Wheatley gets Yates in the 4th round, the location for that game will be at Delmar, Friday evening. TSU is not an option because Prairie View is playing there on Thursday. At any rate, the winner of that game would likely draw LaMarque. That would be one heckuva clash right there. Stay tuned.
We assign 2 college coaches to each bench (Home / Visitor) on each court. Seniors get to play for and against 2 college coaches (actually 4 total) each game, while moving to another bench for the following game. Additionally, other coaches who will be on the baselines evaluating their talents. Scholarships and campus invites are offered right on the spot for multiple players. This event changes lives!
The concept is by far..... the very best bang for your buck when it comes to the logic of an unsigned senior showcase. We are only accepting 72 seniors (8 teams w/ 9 players on each)! To nominate a varsity starter, send email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
OTHER NEWS!
The grapevine tells me that Nas Price (signed with UTSA) is indeed likely to play during Tuesday's showdown against Atascocita. He suffered an elbow injury during their recent win over Cy Creek. Expect Price to don a brace on the right arm, which is also his dominant arm.
.TAPPS STATE TOURNEY
Congrats to Second Baptist HS, after cruising past Grace Prep Academy, 79-56 in the 5A State Championship game. SB trailed 15-13 after the first quarter, but took charge in the second quarter (outscoring GPA 25-10) for a 38-25 lead. Considering the height advantage, it was all over from there, as SB extended their lead to 59-40 after three quarters.
Reese Alston led the way with 23p, Cason Hall had 16, Shia Francis netted 14, and Kaiden Smith posted 10p. This marks the second title in a row for the Eagles. What an awesome accomplishment for this program. Back to Back MVP, Reese Alston is an 11th grader who is expected to return next season in a quest for the HS three-peat!
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