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HOOP SCOOP: What will Lake Ridge do for an encore?
Mansfield Lake Ridge Eagles
Head Coach: Cornelius Mitchell
District 3-6A
Cornelius Mitchell enters his second season of leading Mansfield Lake Ridge and the Eagles are coming off an incredible year. This was a Mansfield Lake Ridge team that went 32-7 and reached the Class 6A State Semifinals.
The Eagles return just two starters off that squad. Players to watch this year include Shaqir Pack (6 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg, 2 spg), Eze Nwakamma (11 ppg, 6 rpg, 1.5 spg, 35 blocks, 56% FG) and Abisayo Gbakinro (3 ppg, 2 rpg, 1 apg). Nwakamma is 6-foot-8 and a second-team, all-district pick from a year ago.
Keys to success for Mitchell’s team includes offensive rebounds, 32 minutes of pressure and playing at their pace. The Eagles motto for 24-25 is “Non-stop action from whistle to horn”.
STATE SEMIFINALS: Plano East and Mansfield Lake Ridge gear up for best-of-DFW 6A Semifinal
It's a clash of titans as two DFW powerhouses gear up for the state semifinals on Friday. Each with a remarkable journey that has led them to this pivotal moment, these formidable teams are set to face off in a showdown of high school basketball prowess. On one side, the undefeated Plano East Panthers stand as a dominant force, navigating the season with an unblemished record. On the other, Mansfield Lake Ridge, boasting an impressive 32-6 record, enters the fray with a proven track record of resilience and skill. As the state semifinals approach, high school basketball enthusiasts eagerly anticipate this matchup that promises to showcase the best of these two programs!
Plano East Panthers (38-0, 14-0)
As the only undefeated boys basketball team left in the state with a national ranking, Plano East has posted a dominant record this season. Led by head coach Matt Wester, the team has been able to prove its ability to hang among the best teams in the state and continue to show no signs of slowing down--- especially at the state tournament. Rachard Angton, Narit Chotikavanic, Isaiah Brewington, Carter Buchanan, Jon Tran, and others have helped lead the charge for this explosive team as they leveraged their talents in remarkable fashion leading to a 38 win-streak as they enter the tournament. Looking to continue reigning supreme this season, the team is ready to take down Lake Ridge on Friday.
Mansfield Lake Ridge Eagles (32-6, 11-3)
The Eagles are headed into the program's first-ever state tournament appearance under the reigns of head coach Cornelius Mitchell. On a six-game win streak, talents like Ahmare Rose, Amir McMillian, Eza Nwakamma, Matthew Alexander, and others have helped lead the program to a historic season. Through non-district play, the team honed in their skills against several difficult opponents before taking on a tough district schedule that saw them take down several prominent opponents like DeSotor, Skyline, Mansfield, and more. Working their way through their playoff schedule, the team has found themselves in their first-ever state tournament appearance ready to hush any naysayers as they take on Plano East.
What to Expect
Both teams are explosive right off the bat. With a win and go to the state finals opportunity, neither of these programs are going to put in the work necessary to seal the deal. Plano East is poised to fiercely defend their undefeated status as they enter the semifinals, relying on the cohesive teamwork and exceptional individual talents that have propelled them through the season. Mansfield Lake Ridge is set to bring their resilient spirit and strategic prowess to the court, determined to overcome any obstacles in their path and secure a coveted spot in the state finals. The class between these two powerhouse teams promises an intense battle as they vi for a chance at glory in the state championship.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. on Friday, March 8 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.