[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”4,5″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]
Canyon use tough defense to advance to regional semifinals
It seemed to be a matchup to watch in the small school ranks in the state.
Both Canyon and Levelland had a combined 52-1 record on paper but behind the record, was a much different story.
Levelland carried a 145-169 total record against their pre-district opponents this season and only faced three 20-win team this year.
The Lady Eagles doubled their meetings with 20-win teams and amassed a 213-112 combined pre-district record.
The battle-tested experience did show on the floor.
Canyon used a hard-nosed defense to pull away from the former Loboette undefeated team and picked up a 49-28 victory to advance to the regional semifinals against the winner of Krum and Glen Rose.
Interesting stat for Canyon/Levelland
Levelland has faced only 3 20+ win teams this year (Sundown, Ropes, New Deal) – total W-L of non-district: 145-169
Canyon has faced 6 20+ win teams and have a 213-112 total W-L loss inn in-district
Strength of schedule!
— Nick Alvarado (blue checkmark) (@Nick_TXHSGBB) February 24, 2021
Undefeated no more
It was not a good night if you were an undefeated team in the reigonal quarterfinal round.
Outside of Levelland falling, Kingwood Park fell at the hands of regional power College Station, 58-37.
Fort Bend Dulles saw the lead in the first quarter but Katy Tompkins settled in and executed offensively with the help of Kenzie Durnford and Crystal Smith each tallying 15 points to lead the Lady Falcons to a 55-40 victory over the Lady Vikings.
This will be Tompkins’ first regional semifinal appearance in five years and the second in program history.
Lexington survive Lorena
Big time players make big-time plays in key situations and Long Beach State commit Shelby Ray did just that.
The 6-2 forward hit a three from the wing and used a spin move to score the first points in the overtime period with Lexington fighting off a tough Lorena squad, 37-36 in overtime.
This is the first regional semifinal appearance since 2014 for the Lady Eagles.
Other statewide notes
Bridgeport continue to flex their muscles in their playoff run, facing a familiar foe in Argyle, who they have previously swept this season. The youth movement in Argyle is improving with each and every play, but remain a tough out under a good coach in Chance Westmoreland.
Argyle led most of the way, carrying a 24-6 lead after the first quarter.
Then, the Sissie defense stepped up in a huge way.
Bridgeport only allowed six points in the entire second half, with experience being a huge part of sparking a comeback to earn a 37-36 victory.
Bridgeport advance to face Seminole with the game schedule for 5 p.m., Saturday at Jim Ned.
Cedar Park were in a tight battle with Comal Canyon throughout the first half of play.
Canyon last saw a lead at the 7:05 mark in the 3rd quarter and Cedar Park tightened their grip on the game.
From the 1:57 mark in the 3rd period to 3:45 left in the game, the Lady Timberwolves rode a 14-2 run to pull away to another appearance in the regional semifinals.
Shelby Hayes led all scorers with 21 points. Gisella Maul added 17 points. Alisa McKnight tallied 13.
South Grand Prairie found themselves down 32-21 to Plano at the halftime break, with the potential for another big upset to be recorded this postseason.
Then, the UNLV signee Kiara Jackson and supporting cast turned on the gears.
The senior guard recorded a game-high 23 points that gave the Lady Warriors the boost they needed to top Plano, 60-51, and advance to the regional semifinals.
Louisiana Tech signee Amaya Brannon netted 18 points. Jahcelyn Hartfield pitched in 13 points. Vasana Kearney added 10.
In case you missed it
Yesterday afternoon, we learned the unfortunate news that Friendswood had to call off their regional quarterfinal game with Richmond Foster due to a positive case within the team.
According to the UIL COVID-19 playoff rulings, a team that has a positive case on the roster, the opposing team advances to the next round with a bye, not a forfeit as some may mistake.
Thursday’s key games
Garland Sachse (R9) vs. De Soto (W11); 7 p.m., Dallas Skyline HS
Sachse have gave the saying “survive-and-advance,” to heart as they escaped from the area round with a Crislyn Rose game winner to beat Mansfield.
Today, they face a tall task against De Soto, who are one of the few regional favorites.
Sachse have had the more challenging path to get to the third round and head coach Donna McCullough will have Sachse ready to play spoiler in this game.
Fredericksburg (W28) vs. Navarro (W27); 7 p.m., Northside Sports Gym
It’s a big regional clash in San Antonio with a big and physical Navarro team taking on a upcoming power in Fredericksburg.
The small variables will be key in this matchup as the guard play will be key with experience in the favor of the Lady Billies.
Tatum Harborth lead the team in scoring, averaging 15 points per game. Laylin Sturn is close behind, averaging 12.5 points per game.
The post will be key for Fredericksburg with Lubbock Christian signed Audrey Spurgin being a key playmaker in both sides of the ball and Brittley Bowers being the “QB1” of the offense.
Douglass (W22) vs. Hawkins (W21); 6 p.m., New Summerfield
If you are a fan who likes the guard showdown, we have a game for you in East Texas.
Lynli Dacus is not afraid to do the hard work as a guard, averaging 14.7 points per game and 6.9 rebounds a game.
Dacus recently tallied 21 points and 14 boards in a bi-district win over San Augustine.
Douglass do have solid guard play and have the athleticism to run the floor well.
Which defense can step up in a big stage?
[/ihc-hide-content]
Thursday’s schedule
Keller (W4) vs. North Crowley (W3); 6 p.m., Arlington ISD Art & Athletic Complex
Keller Timber Creek (T4) vs. Southlake Carroll (R4); 7 p.m., Justin Northwest HS
Garland Sachse (R9) vs. De Soto (W11); 7 p.m., Dallas Skyline HS
Duncanville (R11) vs. Cedar Hill (T11); 6:30 p.m., Lancaster
Klein Oak (R15) vs. Cypress Springs (R16); 7 p.m., Bridgeland HS
Harlingen (W32) vs. Edinburg (W31); 6:30 p.m., Bert Ogden Arena, Edinburg
Krum (F7) vs. Glen Rose (R6); 7 p.m., Weatherford HS
Melissa (R9) vs. Midlothian Heritage (W11); 7 p.m., JJ Pearce HS, Richardson
Brownsboro (W14) vs. Sunnyvale (W13); 7:30 p.m., Corsicana HS
La Grange (W20) vs. Waco La Vega (R18); 6 p.m., Georgetown HS
China Spring (W18) vs. Mexia (F18); 6:30 p.m., Lorena
Fredericksburg (W28) vs. Navarro (W27); 7 p.m., Northside Sports Gym
Somerset (R29) vs. Robinson (W31); 7 p.m., George West
Mount Pleasant Chapel Hill (R13) vs. Mount Vernon (T13); 6 p.m., Prairiland HS, Pattonville
Ponder (W10) vs. Emory Rains (R12); 6:30 p.m., McKinney North HS
Huntington (R21) vs. Anderson-Shiro (W23); 5:30 p.m., Crockett
Blanco (R25) vs. Palacios (F28); 6:30 p.m., Goliad
Sudan (R5) vs. Ropes (R6); 6:30 p.m., Levelland HS
Alvord (R13) vs. Lindsay (T13); 6:30 p.m., Sanger
Gladewater Union Grove (R21) VS. Timpson (W23); 6 p.m., New Summerfield
La Poynor (R19) vs. Frankston (T19); 7:30 p.m., Cross Roads HS, Malakoff
Douglass (W22) vs. Hawkins (W21); 6 p.m., New Summerfield
Goldthwaite vs. Mason; 6:30 p.m., Lampasas
Rankin (R10) vs. Blackwell (T11); 6 p.m., Lake View HS, San Angelo
Hermleigh (R14) vs. Eula (W13); 7 p.m., Abilene Wylie HS
Chireno (W28) vs. Hubbard (W26); 6 p.m., Centerville
Neches (W27) vs. Abbott (W25); 6 p.m., Kerens
Rocksprings (W31) vs. Nueces Canyon (T31); 6:30 p.m., Leakey
Wednesday’s statewide scores
6A
South Grand Prairie 70, Plano 61
Plano East 50, Arlington Martin 40
Langham Creek 76, Tomball Memorial 37
Katy Tompkins 55, Fort Bend Dulles 40
Shadow Creek 59, Atascocita 51
Cypress Creek 59, Houston Heights 31
Summer Creek 37, Clear Creek 32
Converse Judson 47, San Antonio Clark 45
San Antonio Reagan 75, Vista Ridge 54
San Antonio Stevens 77, Laredo United 71 – OT
5A
Lubbock Cooper 80, Canutillo 24
Mansfield Legacy vs. Grapevine, (n)
Plainview 69, Amarillo Tascosa 63
Wichita Falls Rider 53, Lake Dallas 52
Frisco Liberty 33, Frisco Memorial 28
North Forney 50, Royse City 47
Wylie East 50, Frisco Lone Star 42
Red Oak 54, Dallas Highland Park 48
College Station 58, Kingwood Park 37
Pflugerville Hendrickson 70, A&M Consolidated 48
Beaumont United 56, Manvel 34
Cedar Park 61, Comal Canyon 40
4A
Canyon 49, Levelland 24
Bridgeport 37, Argyle 36
Gilmer 37, Lindale 34
Dallas Pinkston 47, Kennedale 38
Lumberton 63, Royal 53
Hardin-Jefferson 101, Silsbee 38
Devine 35, Hondo 33
3A
Gunter 49, Edgewood 37
Winnsboro 90, Sabine 47
Fairfield 82, West 42
Lexington 45, Lorena 44 – OT
Pollok Central 47, Woodville 29
2A
Lipan 52, Stamford 39
Martin’s Mill 77, Centerville 34
Normangee 68, Hearne 56
San Saba 49, Harper 18
Snook 39, Weimar 16
1A
Veribest 41, Irion County 34
Westbrook 45, May 33
Huckabay 48, Strawn 27
Dodd City 96, Sulphur Bluff 21
D’Hanis 45, McMullen County 43
