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LIFTOFF: Lake Ridge Hoops eyeing first district title and potential State glory
Out of Mansfield, Texas, the Lake Ridge Eagles have been on a remarkable hot streak throughout the entire winter season.
Winners of five straight, their most recent triumph came in a one-sided 60-41 win over Mansfield Legacy. However, it was their victories over Crowley (67-58) and North Crowley (59-52) in the previous weeks that have proven most crucial in securing their firm hold on a potential District 3-6A title.
Under the leadership of Coach Cornelius Mitchell, Lake Ridge (25-2, 5-0 in district) is soaring as the second-ranked team in the DFW area and sits at No. 4 in the state according to MaxPreps.
This recognition is well-deserved, but the Eagles are determined to achieve more than just accolades—they want championships.
A year ago, the UIL-6A state title was within their reach as Lake Ridge made a monumental run to the State Semifinals, the first in program history. Unfortunately, their journey ended with a hard-fought loss to fellow Dallas powerhouse Plano East.
This season, they’re poised to rewrite that chapter, with ample talent to do so.
Leading the charge is senior forward Eze Nwakamma, who averages 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals per game. His 6-foot-8 frame makes him a dominant presence on both ends of the floor.
Nwakamma’s scoring and leadership are complemented by a talented group of seniors, including Shaqir Pack (9 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg, 3 spg), Abisayo Gbakinro (9 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 spg), and Dasean Johnson (8 ppg, 3 rpg). This depth of experience gives the Eagles a strong foundation.
But don’t overlook the impact of sophomores Roman Dulin (9 ppg, 2 apg, 1 rpg) and Kyle Amadi (8 ppg, 2 rpg, 1 spg), who have already shown their potential and contributed significantly to the team’s success despite their youth.
Currently leading District 3-6A with a perfect 5-0 record, the Eagles can’t afford to relax just yet. With Crowley and North Crowley each sitting at 4-1, Lake Ridge must remain focused as they push toward their first-ever district championship.
If the Eagles continue their stellar play, they’ll not only secure that coveted district title but also set the stage for what could be a lengthy and successful playoff run come February.
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UIL Realignment around the Metroplex
Widely discussed and highly anticipated, the UIL realignment rang through Texas on February 1, 2024. With changes and shifts, plenty of teams were left dodging tough placements while others faced a fate not as generous. VYPE DFW takes a look at the shake-up around Dallas-Fort Worth area teams:
Dodging one of the toughest districts in the state (District 11-6A), often referred to as the "District of Doom" is Mansfield ISD. Instead, the Mansfield ISD teams join District 3-6A alongside Crowley, Fort Worth Boswell, North Crowley, and Weatherford.
Additionally, Dallas ISD made out well with their goal of entering a two-district DISD-only schedule. In District 8-4AI is Dallas Carter, Dallas Conrad, Dallas Hutchins, Dallas Kimball, Dallas Lincoln, Dallas Pinkston, Dallas Roosevelt, and North Dallas while District 5-5AII hosts Adamson, Hillcrest, Thomas Jefferson, Samuell, Seagoville, South Oak Cliff, Spruce, and Woodrow Wilson. With Conrad and Kimball moving to 4A, fans should expect South Oak Cliff to overpower their schedule for the next two seasons.
Kennedale and Lake Worth are headed for new competition as they head to a significantly smaller district for the next couple of years. Leaving a Fort Worth-heavy district, the two teams join District 6-4AI alongside Carrollton Ranchview, Lake Worth, River Oaks Castleberry, and Waxahachie Life.
The newest team in the state joins District 4-5AII against a reigning state champion, a reigning state semifinalist, and a reigning regional finalist. With a booming start to the season last year, the Wildcats join some of the toughest teams in the state with other 5A newcomers like Anna and Melissa. These teams look at playing against the likes of Denison, Frisco Emerson, Frisco Independence, Frisco Liberty, Frisco Memorial, and Lucas Lovejoy.
In what could be considered the most competitive 5A division, Grapevine and Colleyville Heritage join Division 3-5AII where they will face off against Mansfield Timberview, Mansfield Summit, Everman, and two-time state champion Argyle.
Forney and Longview move up from 5A to 6A as they join District 10-6A. The 2023 state semifinalist (Forney) will join a district in which they face off against other powerhouses in their area like Rockwall (who went 6-0 in district play last season) and Rockwall-Heath (who went 5-1 in district play) as well as North Forney, Royse City, and Tyler Legacy.
With plenty more shifts in districts left to discuss, there will be a lot of discussion as schedules fill. Fans can expect high competition throughout the next two seasons. Keep your eyes peeled for huge plays and high-stakes moments!