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Greatness Loading: Dallas Kimball Knights Ready for Competition
Winning the whole thing last season, Dallas Kimball is as determined as ever to secure another state title. Before they can do that, though, they must take on the rest of their regular season schedule. VYPE DFW dives into the team:
Last season, Dallas Kimball lost only two games while outscoring their opponents by nearly 1,000 points combined on the season. Prepared for excellence, the team went 32-2 overall while also going undefeated in district play (16-0) to finish at the top of their district standings. With victories over the likes of Fort Bend Marshall, Brennan, South Oak Cliff, Dallas Hillcrest, Dallas Adamson, Dallas Wilson, and more, the Knights made their road to the playoffs look like a cakewalk. Once in the playoffs, the team took out Mesquite Poteet, Frisco Heritage, W.T. White, Red Oak, Lancaster, Veterans Memorial, and eventually Ellison to secure the program's first state title in 14 tournament appearances.
Led by Jaylon Dean-Vines, Marri Wickware, Lance Carr, Kayden Gray, Jonah Brandon, Tra'vion Rhinehart, and others, this Knights squad is back in action and ready to secure more victories this season. Having been to the state tournament in back-to-back seasons (2021, '22) and winning last season, it's safe to say that one of the team's goals is getting right back to where they were. On track to do just that, the team has already posted a 3-1 record in district play. With an intense showdown against DeSoto on 12/27 in tournament play, the team doesn't return to district action until after the new year. Be sure to catch them on the court this season as they look down the road to playoffs.
SEMIFINALS PREVIEW: Kimball heads to the state tournament for the 13th time
The Season in Review
Kimball posted an incredible regular-season run as they took down the likes of Rock Hill, Seagoville, Dallas Molina, and more. In district play, the Knights posted a 16-1 record to finish in the first-place spot in their district. While outscoring their opponents 2,514-1,745 in the regular season, the Knight have shown the ability to play smart defense while also retaining the ability to score early and often.
During playoffs, Kimball has knocked out Hillcrest, Frisco Heritage, Rock Hill, Lufkin, and Frisco Memorial as they have fought to make it to the state tournament. The team's closest game in playoffs came last week against Frisco Heritage as they pulled away with an 80-67 victory in overtime.
Looking Ahead
Tension will be high as Dallas Kimball faces off against Beaumont United in the Class 5A State Semifinal game. Last year, Beaumont United defeated Kimball by one point in overtime for the state title. Beaumont United's now senior Terrance Arceneaux nailed the game-winning shot to seal the 71-70 victory. This year, the Knights are out for revenge as they want to put a stop to Beaumont United and head into the state title game!
Dallas Kimball last won the state title in 2014 when they defeated Amarillo 52-37. The victory marked their third state title in four seasons. The Knights look to continue their historical greatness in the state tournament this year.
What To Expect:
Physical ball play on both ends of the court. Beaumont United is no stranger to the level of fast-paced playing and high game IQ that Dallas Kimball plays. With Arceneaux on the court alongside junior Wesley Yates, this is going to be one of the toughest matchups that Kimball has had to face all year. However, with Texas signee Arterio Morris, Clemson signee Chauncy Gibson, and three-star Trae Clayton, the Knights are more than prepared to show up and show out in San Antonio. With a chip on their shoulder from last season and a fire in their heart, fans should expect this game to be extremely close. If Kimball can get ahead early and maintain a strong presence on the court, they just might be playing in the championship game!
The game tips-off on Thursday, March 10th at 7 p.m.