November 6 Preview: Welcome back basketball!

November 6, 2020

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TXHSGBB returns for the public schools today! Despite being football being played hand-in-hand tonight, we will extensively cover the start of basketball season with all 6A-1A programs tipping off. Here are some key games to look at to wet your whistle.

Reader’s note: Rankings being used are the TXHSGBB.com rankings. To view the complete rankings, click the link below. Frequently check back with livestream links.

TXHSGBB rankings

6A #2 Duncanville @ 6A #6 Denton Guyer

Livestream: NFHS Network

All eyes will be in Duncanville where the defending 6A state champions will be in the spotlight on opening night against a tough Denton Guyer team who have talent of their own with the senior duo of Evie Goetz and Bella Earle. Duncanville’s roster featured Nyah Wilson, who is a highly-touted recruit and 6-foot senior Zaria Rufus. We know both teams have the offensive capability to score but the main question will be on the defensive side. Rebounding and press breaks will be key to this matchup that will show us our first data points on the top teams in the Metroplex.

6A #11 South Grand Prairie @ 5A #1 Frisco Liberty

Livestream: NFHS Network

Liberty will be taking two this weekend and the season opener is no pushover with South Grand Prairie coming to the northern Metroplex. Jazzy Owens-Barnett will be in the spotlight with her playmaking ability on the Lady Redhawk team. South Grand Prairie have a quality roster returning that includes the district MVP from a year ago, Kiara Jackson. Kendall McGruder also returns for a key plus-one scorer that will keep this game tight. Expect a solid chess match early on in the season, with Ross Reedy, who earned NFHS Texas State coaches of the year award for girls basketball, and Brion Raven, who enters his third season at the helm.

Merkel @ 2A #23 Lipan

Storied basketball program Lipan will be playing their first game in 2A as they come off a state title game appearance in 1A. Merkel return four starters despite losing Kaydi Pursley as all eyes will be on Alyssa O’Malley to lead the team. It is a nice balance of youth and experience for the Lady Indians, with the post duo of senior Maggie Peacock and sophomore Chelsea Lott being featured in one of the more dangerous frontcourt talent in 2A Region II. The guards of Lynsey Little and Marti Seymour add to an offensive attack that will be hard to defend as the 2A newcomers look to pick up their first win at home.

5A #5 Midlothian @ Mansfield Legacy

Livestream: NFHS Network

Legacy picked up 20 wins last year without Harvard signee Harmoni Turner last year and answered lots of questions about the team. Expect to hear the name Midlothian plenty of times as they return Kierra Middleton, a Tulane commit, from injury last year as she averaged 26 points per game prior to injury. Makayla Jackson adds to the scoring threat for a hard to stop offensive attack.

Katy Seven Lakes @ 5A #3 Richmond Foster

Richmond Foster picked up attention with their key out-of-state transfer coming in with five-star recruit Kaiya Winn entering the program for her senior year as she led Ensworth (TN) to an undefeated state title last year. The Tennessee commit adds to a lethal backcourt that could be the most talented in 5A this year and there is lots of excitement about the team’s ceiling. Seven Lakes will be looking to pull an upset on the road behind senior Lily Baumgardner.

Jersey Village @ 5A #13 Barber’s Hill

Barber’s Hill is receiving lots of attention with their talent in sophomore Dalanna Carter and is also receiving attention from national recruiting boards. Jersey Village welcome Patricia Lewandowski to the helm and look to start on the right foot with two of its leading scorers returning.

5A #17 Fort Bend Hightower @ Galena Park North Shore

If you are a fan of fast tempo basketball, this game is for you. Hightower are known for having athletes that can run the floor. Jasmine Brewer was promoted in the offseason, but is on an interim tag as longtime head coach Deborah Mize was promoted to assistant athletic director within Fort Bend ISD. North Shore have young talent coming in and is creating buzz in the Houston area and can remain a threat to Region III in the coming season under veteran coach Allison Campbell, who has had the same staff throughout all of her years at the helm. With both teams fairly young, the defense will be just as important to lead to additional chances with reps at the offensive end for either team will be valuable.

Spring Branch Memorial @ Humble Atascocita

Memorial is an upcoming program that Houston-area fans will be keeping an eye on with solid guards in the sophomore duo of Riley McCloskey and Abigail Tomaski. For Atascocita, Elyssa Coleman graduates as expectations will remain high for a team that won 32 games last year. The Lady Eagles will look to junior Blake Matthews to lead the offensive end. Kori Fenner will be a key player on the defensive end that will be key for Atascocita to pick up a win.

Laredo United @ 6A #5 Cibolo Steele

Cibolo Steele have a talented roster that featured Division I-quality talent throughout the starting lineup that will be led by Bria McClure. Jaylin Foster and Asjha Leake add size in the interior, which will be a key area for the offensive production for the Lady Knights. There has been offseason buzz for United as they return Evelyn Quiroz, who’s recruiting stock has been rising throughout the offseason, and Isabella Lopez, who has improved over the course of the summer as well. All eyes will be on the margin. If United can keep this a close game, United will be a team to watch in 30-6A.

Temple @ 5A #2 Cedar Park

Cedar Park have impressed in each fall shootout that they have taken part of and there is debate that this year’s team could be better than last year’s regional finalist team a year ago. Gisella Maul averaged 14 points per game last year as a freshman and looks to do big things in her sophomore season. Shelby Hayes will be a key post presence in the interior that will be key in picking up offensive second chance point for the Lady Timberwolves. Temple bring in senior Taliyah Johnson who will be the main signal-caller for the Lady Tem-Cats.

Krum @ 3A #20 Gunter

Krum are a matchup problem with top teams, as defensive co-MVP in the district Jacey Oster returns with veteran coach Lana Degelia leading the way. Gunter bring in Allen transfer Alyssa Tarpley into the team and adds depth to a team that looks to make noise in a tough 3A Region II. This will also be the first test for Gunter to see how they fair against an opponent of formidable quality with the Lady Tigers punching up.