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STATE SEMIFINALS: Duncanville sets out for semifinal matchup against Humble Summer Creek
A prominent name in high school athletics, the Duncanville Panthers are known far and wide. Continuing to add to their history of sports excellence is the Lady Panthers basketball program this season. With an 89% win percentage this season, the team has made it to the UIL State Tournament where their first opponent is Humble Summer Creek in the UIL Class 6A State Semifinals.
During non-district play, the Lady Panthers recorded 20 victories; showcasing their ability to face off against tough opponents without hesitation or fear. Downing Waco La Vega (who is playing in their own state semifinal), Plano West, Steele, Memorial, Walker, Farmington, Grind Prep, Lafayette, McEachern, and others helped the Lady Panthers set the tone as well as prepare for a touch district schedule.
Mariah Clayton, Samari Holmen, Chloe Man, Trystan James, Kaylinn Kemp, Makenzie White, Laila Coleman, and other talented athletes marched into gym after gym through district play making sure no stone was left unturned. Their only district loss came against a typically strong DeSoto team (53-48). Despite the loss, Duncanville continued to hold their head high and power through other opponents like Mansfield Legacy, Lake Ridge, Waxahachie, Dallas Skyline, Cedar Hill, and more to post a 13-1 district record. and secure a dominant playoff position.
In the playoffs so far, the Lady Panthers have ended the seasons of several talented programs including Hutto, Rockwall, Lake Ridge, Cypress Springs, and DeSoto in a revenge match that would send Duncanville to the UIL Girls Basketball State Tournament. Now, the team has its sights set on Humble Summer Creek (35-3). Looking to take down the only opponent to stand between them and the championship game, fans can expect the Lady Panthers to put in hard work on Friday to secure another victory in their season.
Tip-off for the state semifinal matchup is set for 7 p.m. at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Friday, March 1.
TITLE TOWN: Duncanville makes it back-to-back against North Shore for the State Championship
Tensions were high as two familiar opponents stepped onto the field at AT&T Stadium.
Prior to Saturday’s matchup, the juggernauts of Texas high school football – North Shore and Duncanville – had faced off in the UIL State Championship four times, with the Mustangs holding a 3-1 advantage.
Rest assured that their fifth meeting did not disappoint.
After taking the crown from their rivals across the state a year ago (28-21), the Panthers had their sights set on a repeat. The first half was indicative of their steadfast pursuit.
It didn’t take long for the action to begin, as Caden Durham compiled a whopping total of 213 yards on the ground, plus three scores, in the first half alone.
“It all started with my O-Line," said Durham. "We knew what the game-plan was before the first whistle blew, and we were able to execute. I haven't really gotten to play a full four quarters much this season, so it meant a lot to do that for my last game in high school."
Sr. RB Caden Durham accepts the UIL Offensive MVP awardMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
Durham would go on to finish the afternoon with yards 231, which unanimously earned him Offensive MVP honors, just as he did a year ago.
Similarly, on the defensive side of the ball, the eventual Defensive MVP Colin Simmons (his second-straight, as well) gave the Panthers the competitive edge in this matchup with 8 tackles, 3 sacks, and a forced fumble on the day.
He, along with other play-makers such as Mason Williams, Alex January, and Ka'Davion Dotson-Walker were able to limit the explosive potential of North Shore's offense.
Sr. EDGE Colin Simmons accepts the UIL Defensive MVP awardMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
“This means a lot, especially to DFW," Simmons said. "This is probably one of the biggest rivalries in all of Texas, so being able to show up like we did means everything. Us getting our get back -- there's nothing better."
North Shore would make an impressive effort for a comeback in the second half, however the deficit that Duncanville had established was simply too much to handle in the end, as the Panthers ran away with a 49-33 victory, courtesy of two second-half TDs by junior QB Keelon Russell (288 yds passing, 3 TDs, 1 rushing TD).
After winning his first state title in his thirty-plus-year career in 2022, coach Reginald Samples adds another to his storied tenure, making the Dallas program back-to-back champions in the Class 6A-DI sector.
Coach Reginald hoists the UIL State Title for the second time in hisMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
"I'm very proud of the effort," said Samples. "Our coaches did a great job of preparing these young men for the battle that took place. Winning back-to-back, I really don't know how to describe the feeling -- I'm still kind of numb, honestly. We play teams with great players and we come out on the winning side. The record and what you see on the field speaks for itself."
"I'm still motivated to stick around, because I don't want to let North Shore get away with saying they beat me one more time than I beat them. That's my thought process, and I don't know how far it'll go, but it's really in my mind to win one more time and make it 3-to-3. That way I can say nobody was better than us."
With that mindset, it seems more than clear that Coach Samples and co. are far from being done at this stage. However, Duncanville can now revel in yet another taste of championship glory.