The state tournament action kicked up for the 2019 edition of the TBC state tournament and off the bat, there were key games in pool play along with some surprise results.
Division I
The statement of Rider
The Lady Raiders kicked off their TBC campaign going 2-0 in the opening day with wins against Salado and a tough 52-49 win against a Glen Rose team that featured solid guard play. Despite being young, ROHO showcased their athleticism and a solid defense and will be key in their next two games against Weatherford and Decatur.
Honeybee defense proves tough
Stephenville’s defense proved to be a key part in their victories, allowing at most 25 points in their pair of victories over China Spring and a young Wichita Falls Hirschi squad. The tougher part of the group play schedule hits tomorrow with games against Burleson Centennial and Argyle, who picked up a win against China Spring.
Division II
Lipan goes 2-0
The Lady Indians had a tough defense of their own along with depth as Lipan picked up wins against Ballinger and Holliday. A tough test comes next in Bowie, who also are 2-0 in the group.
Muenster surprise Brock
Falling to the Lady Eagles twice, Muenster made it the third time the charm with a 39-26 victory over Brock to put the Lady Hornets in the driver’s seat in Pool B of the Division 2 side.
Nocona go 0-2 early
Nocona had the chance to tie their opening group play game against Brock with a foul on a three-point shot. However, all three free-throws were missed late in the fourth quarter and Brock picked up the win in the group opener. With standout Averee Kleinhans missing the second game, Nocona fell to an aggressive and young Ponder side, 40-22. The task does not get easier with Nocona facing group leaders, Muenster, at 10 a.m. on Friday.
Day 2 key games
Division I
Decatur (2-0) vs. Wichita Falls Rider (2-0) – 11 a.m., Court 2, Colleyville Heritage HS
Both teams have the athletism while Rider have shown that their defense can be solid. Decatur will bring a fast tempo offensively along with a fierce defense of their own.
Stephenville (2-0) vs. Argyle (1-0) – 4 p.m., Heritage Middle School
This is a rematch of the regional quarterfinal matchup in the playoffs, with a bit of a similarity of the rosters in that meeting. Argyle may have looked rusty with their first game as a group since the state tournament, but showcased their talent with playmakers including now SMU commit Rhyle McKinney, Brooklyn Carl and Sydney Standifer, who returned after being sidelined with an injury, while Stephenville, as mentioned, have been solid with their defense. This could be another meeting in the regional quarterfinal matchup that will be previewed.
Division II
Lipan (2-0) vs. Bowie (2-0) – 11 a.m., Trinity HS
A scrappy Lipan team faces a Bowie team that have been solid on the offensive side. Which strength proves to be key in a matchup that has strength-on-strength?
Maypearl
Maypearl will have the task of playing all four group games in one day and could be a total of five games in total, pending where they finish in the group, when bracket play kicks off.
Standings
Division I
Pool A
Decatur – 2-0
Wichita Falls Rider – 2-0
Weatherford – 1-1
Salado – 0-2
Glen Rose – 0-2
Pool B
Stephenville – 2-0
Argyle – 1-0
Wichita Falls Hirschi – 1-1
Burleson Centennial – 0-1
China Spring – 0-2
Division II
Pool A
Lipan – 2-0
Bowie – 2-0
Maypearl – 0-0
Ballinger – 0-2
Holliday – 0-2
Pool B
Muenster – 2-0
Brock – 1-1
Ponder – 1-1
Nocona – 0-2
Scores
Division I
Weatherford 27, Glen Rose 22
Wichita Falls Rider 46, Salado 20
Stephenville 39, China Spring 20
Wichita Falls Hirschi 33, Burleson Centennial 30
Argyle 46, China Spring 26
Decatur 45, Weatherford 12
Wichita Falls Rider 52, Glen Rose 49
Stephenville 43, Wichita Falls Hirschi 25
Decatur 54, Salado 15
Division II
Bowie 32, Ballinger 20
Muenster 37, Ponder 29
Brock 49, Nocona 46
Bowie 39, Holliday 30
Lipan 49, Ballinger 30
Muenster 39, Brock 26
Lipan 34, Holliday 22
Ponder 40, Nocona 22
