GAMES
RANKINGS
Lancaster coach Stephen Jackson
ACTION JACKSON: Lancaster under new direction; new vibe
There may not be a program in Texas with more raw talent year in and year out than Lancaster.
Situated along the talent-rich I-20 corridor in the Dallas area, the Tigers once again boast a roster loaded with Division I prospects. Now, the challenge is turning that talent into the program's first UIL state championship.
That responsibility falls to new head coach Stephen Jackson, who arrives after a highly successful tenure at West Mesquite.
Jackson inherits one of the state's most tradition-rich programs and understands both the opportunity and the expectations that come with leading the Tigers. His vision is simple. Jackson wants Lancaster to be disciplined, play fast and have fun while doing it.
More importantly, he wants to teach the game the right way, building fundamentally sound players who can thrive not only on Friday nights but at the next level. He believes assembling the right coaching staff was the first step in creating that championship culture.
"I feel like we've put together a staff that can teach the game the right way," Jackson said. "We want to play disciplined football, play fast and let our kids enjoy the process."
The Tigers certainly have the personnel to make noise in the playoffs again this season.
Quarterback Joseph Hairston headlines an explosive offense and has one of the area's top playmakers to target in wide receiver Keylon Bradley. Up front, offensive lineman Justin Jennings anchors the trenches. The talented junior has already accumulated dozens of Division I scholarship offers and is emerging as one of the premier offensive line prospects in Texas. Defensively, Lancaster has difference-makers at every level. UCF commit Tavarren Wade is a lockdown corner capable of eliminating an opponent's top receiver, while linebackers Amir Adkinson and James Foster III bring physicality and leadership to the heart of the defense.
Despite the demands of leading one of Texas' marquee programs, Jackson still finds time to unwind—and he's doing it much like many of his players.
"I love to play the game," he laughed. "I play a lot of College Football '27." That competitive spirit hasn't left him, and Lancaster is hoping it translates into a new era of championship football.
THE CLUTCH 32: UIL GBB 2025-26 State Championship Preview -- Westlake vs. Lancaster (6A D2)
UIL Girls Basketball State Championship // 6A Division 2
Westlake Chaparrals vs. Lancaster Tigers
WHEN: Saturday, March 7th (3/7) -- 7:00 PM
WHERE: Alamodome -- San Antonio, TX
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WESTLAKE CHAPARRALS
Perfection is the only way to describe Westlake’s 2026 run, a fitting description for a team that enters San Antonio with a spotless 40–0 record. It’s been more than two decades since the Chaps last advanced to the State Tournament, a milestone secured on the heels of a 61–38 rout of Judson in the Region IV Final last week. Add Tuesday’s 51–50 nail-biter against Shadow Creek, and head coach Vickie Benson’s squad now makes its first appearance in the UIL title game since winning its third championship in 1996.
When it comes to firepower, center Tamia King has been virtually unguardable all season. The Houston-bound senior stands 6-foot-1 and combines an exceptional finishing ability with rebounding tenacity and distribution skills, making King the ultimate weapon for the Chaparrals. Last year’s District 26-6A Offensive MVP, junior guard Molly Frazer, and junior forward Wynn Thorne — both team captains alongside King — force opposing defenses to pick their poison rather than focusing solely on No. 15.

LANCASTER TIGERS
Riding the momentum of a 12-game winning streak, Lancaster (32–5) secured back-to-back trips to the State Final Four — the second in program history — following last Friday’s 71–62 victory over Cypress Springs. Head coach LaJeanna Howard then watched her squad build on that historic run by punching the team’s first-ever ticket to the Alamodome with a 51–39 win over Braswell.
Anchoring the Tigers’ effort are senior guard Journee Hampton and juniors Arianna Davis, MaKenzie White, and Ava Womack. With history within reach, Lancaster now turns its attention to the final four quarters.







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