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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.
Game Preview: Rockwall-Heath prepped for Lake Ridge
Week three has continued non-district games for many schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This week, Rockwall-Heath travels to Mansfield to take on Lake Ridge in a showdown fans are ready to tune in to. VYPE DFW dives into these two teams and what can be expected from this pairing:
Rockwall-Heath Hawks (1-1)
Rockwall-Heath posted a 7-5 overall record last season, but had a tougher time in district play (going 3-3). Utilizing every moment in offseason preparations, the Hawks were able to add quality depth to their team. Despite a season-opening 42-14 loss to Denton Guyer, Heath bounced back in a hard-fought battle against Euless Trinity (31-24) for their first victory of the season.
Led by Malachi Tuesno, Jack Warren, Drew Smith, Cameron Smith, Johnathan Hart, Charles Jones, Caleb Hoover, De'Arrius Bell, and others, the Heath Hawks have a strong front and an offense that knows how to score early. This team is geared up for the likes of Lake Ridge on Friday.
Mansfield Lake Ridge Eagles (0-2)
Lake Ridge had a tough season last year (4-6, 3-4). With the opportunity to bounce into this year, the team has had to overcome adversity early. The Eagles have lost their first two games of the season against Mansfield Summit (55-7) and Fort Worth Boswell (66-42).
Led by athletes like Caleb Woods, Owen Tipping, Jaden Jones, Reign Broadway, Marcus Barnes, Celani Nkomo, Phillips Ojo, Jay Brown, and others, this team is looking to redeem themselves on Friday as they host Rockwall-Heath.
What To Expect
Last season, Rockwall-Heath defeated Mansfield Lake Ridge by a score of 45-35. This season they will look to continue showing their strength and dominating on the field. With a chip on their shoulder, fans can expect Lake Ridge to come out blazing; ready to put a stop to the Heath Hawks. Heath fans can expect a fast-paced style of play in which the Hawks can be expected to score early.
Kick-off is slated for 7 p.m. on Friday, September 8th in Mansfield.