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THE CLUTCH 32: UIL GBB 2025-26 State Championship Preview -- Summer Creek vs. Flower Mound (6A D1)
WHERE: Alamodome -- San Antonio, TX
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SUMMER CREEK BULLDOGS
One of the most distinct brands in Texas high school girls hoops, Summer Creek (33–4) followed up its thrilling 45–40 victory against Dawson in last week’s Region III Final with a commanding 60–48 triumph over Brennan on Tuesday night. Fast forward to Saturday’s matchup with Flower Mound, and the Lady Bulldogs are just four quarters away from securing an elusive repeat, while also marking the program’s fifth overall appearance in the UIL State Tournament since 2019.
Summer Creek hasn’t flaunted its prowess or shown any signs of cockiness during the team’s 6A Division I title defense. Simply put, the unit is self-assured that it belongs at the Alamodome, focused on the work and grit that got them there — exactly as head coach Kiara Marshall envisioned.
Reigning State MVP and recent McDonald’s All-American nominee Kennedy Simpson continues to be the engine for SCHS, as the Tulane-bound senior aims to cap her illustrious career with another ring.
If Simpson is the engine, then Addison Martin is the nitrous. Still a junior, Martin has proven to be more than just a scoring threat, consistently creating one-on-one pressure that leads to turnovers and fastbreak points. Fellow juniors Kay’Len Alexander and Erin Newsom provide size and composure, while sophomore Ty'Asia Young serves as a strong complement to the starting rotation.
Summer Creek hits the team pose moments after their 45-40 win over Dawson in the Region III Final Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
FLOWER MOUND JAGUARS
Just when doubters are quick to count them out, the Sherika Nelson–led Jaguars continue to defy the odds. That resilience was on full display in the Region I Final last Friday, when Flower Mound toppled North Crowley 47–39 to secure the team’s first trip to the State Final Four since 2015 (second overall). The Jags then went a step further by defeating last year’s 6A Division I runner-up Cedar Hill 57–45, improving to 29–8 and cementing the program’s debut in the UIL title game.
It goes without saying that none of this could have been possible without the mastery of junior Maci Pringle. Consecutive District 5-6A MVP honors seem all but certain for the versatile guard, who is closing in on a monstrous 800-point campaign. She isn’t alone on the floor, of course. Junior guard Brooklyn Gray provides exceptional long-range shooting, while junior forward Lorelei Ebert adds a commanding presence in the post.
The FM Marcus Girls Soccer program rushes Birkelbach Field seconds after their 1-0 win against Stratford
BACK ON TOP: Marcus reclaims UIL Crown in a closely contested 6A-D2 Final
Ranked No. 2 in Texas by MaxPreps, Marcus entered the match with an 18-4-3 record, leaning on a battle-tested roster that featured standouts like Maddie Hayes, Emma Fioretti (Central Oklahoma-signee), and Piper Garcia (American University).
But it was Hayes, the senior forward and now two-time state champion, who delivered the critical moment.
Just two minutes into the second half, Hayes curled a free-kick past a narrow gap in the Stratford wall, scoring a goal that would ultimately be the decider.
Said moment also led to her being named the 6A-D2 State MVP.
Marcus' Maddie Hayes (Sr. F) being presented with the 2025 UIL 6A-D2 State MVP AwardMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
“I definitely had the confidence when I stepped up to that shot,” said Hayes. “I’ve been in similar situations throughout the year, and once I saw a gap through the wall towards the post, I knew that it should be in.”
For Hayes, it was a full-circle finish to her high school playing career.
“After winning it during my sophomore year, we kind of thought that it wouldn’t happen again because it’s such a rare occasion,” she said. “But bringing it back means so much more. We have such a great community that always stands behind us, so they’re going to be really happy when we come home with the gold.”
While the goal proved to be the game-winner, the Marauders' defensive unit — anchored by senior goalkeeper Aubrey Tipton — held firm against a dangerous Stratford side, which came into its first-ever Final Four appearance with a 22-2-3 record and a No. 12 state ranking.
Coach Erin Smith, who took over as interim head coach in 2023 and was later named the full-time lead after guiding Marcus to a championship that same year, praised the resilience of her team.
Head Coach Erin SmithMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
“It took a lot of grit,” Smith said. “The experience that this group brings to the table shows in the most critical moments. We’ve been down before, especially in district-play, and the knowledge of what it takes to overcome has been a strength. At the end of the day, I’m so proud of them because they accomplished exactly what they set out to do from the beginning.”
This championship was especially meaningful for Smith, who led a senior class she began her tenure with — all while adjusting to life as both a head coach and new mother.
“Honestly, I’ve been able to take a deep breath this year which has been really nice,” Smith said. “After that first year in the interim position and then having a child, I had a more secure footing this season and made all the adjustments needed. What makes this one sweeter is the fact that I was able to see off the first class of seniors I began with in the best way possible. Plus, having my baby here to watch along the way has been especially sweet.”
As the final whistle blew, the Marauders celebrated not only another title but the legacy of a program that continues to raise the bar in Texas high school soccer.
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
