Five points we learned from the regional quarterfinal round

All eyes on Fredericksburg: The Lady Billies used a 21-9 start after the first quarter that was key in a 67-58 victory over perennial power Liberty Hill. In the win, Brittley Bowers led all scorers with 23 points, went 7-13 from the field and snagged eight rebounds. Aubrey Spurgin added 18 points, went 10-for-14 from the free throw line and collected seven boards. The Region IV bracket now looks favorable for the Lady Billies will face a tough opponent in Devine, who toppled Region IV favorite Beeville Jones 47-35.

Idalou use defense to advance: The Lady Cats used their defense and shut down an hot-shooting Brownfield team in their regional quarterfinal game in Littlefield on Tuesday night with a 68-37 victory. Idalou may very well have one of the best defenses in the interior and will be tested on again in the regional semifinals at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, where they face Torrye Tyler and a Brock team that can get hot from long-range, 6 p.m., on Friday.

Duncanville prevail in the rubber match: Is there anything Deja Kelly can’t do? The North Carolina signee was clutch from the free throw line and found a way to lead the Pantherettes to the regional tournament, topping De Soto, 47-43 at the Wilkerson-Greines Activity Center in Fort Worth. Duncanville face another tough task in Arlington Martin, who fought off a solid squad in L.D. Bell, 54-53.

Laredo, stand up: The Laredo area has made a skip, hop and a leap in the past three seasons in the postseason that Laredo United has kick-started dating back to last season. 29-6A representatives United South punched their ticket to San Antonio for the regional tournament at Northside Sports Gym after a season’s absence. United return to the regional final four, where they were regional finalists last year to eventual state champions, Converse Judson.

All good things must come to an end: Higgins played their last game of their school history, falling to state power Nazareth, 44-25. Higgins will consolidate with another school district at the end of the school year and this year’s regional quarterfinal appearance was their first ever appearance in school history.