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Sarah Perez of Plano East
COACHES' CORNER: Plano East's Perez looking for fourth straight playoff appearance
Plano East has become one of the more consistent volleyball programs in North Texas, and head coach Sarah Perez has the Panthers positioned to chase a fourth consecutive playoff appearance in 2026.
Although Plano East enters a new district this season, the expectations inside the program remain unchanged. The Panthers have established a winning culture built on discipline, effort and team chemistry, and Perez expects her squad to compete for a postseason berth once again despite graduating several key contributors from last year's team.
The biggest constant is the return of Dakota Huynh, a two-time District Defensive MVP and one of the area's premier liberos. Huynh has built a reputation as the backbone of the Panthers' defense with her elite court awareness, relentless motor and ability to keep rallies alive. Her leadership and experience will be invaluable as Plano East works several new faces into the lineup.
Outside hitter Kyla Slaughter is another player poised for a breakout campaign. With increased opportunities this fall, Slaughter has the athleticism and offensive versatility to become one of the Panthers' go-to attackers. If she takes the next step, it will provide Plano East with another reliable scoring option to complement its outstanding defensive play.
Perez knows replacing experienced seniors won't happen overnight, but she believes the pieces are in place for another successful season.
"We have some great pieces, we just need to put them together," Perez said. "We need to play as a team, communicate and make great decisions. It's that simple."
That message has become the foundation of the Panthers' offseason. Plano East will rely on chemistry, communication and execution rather than individual star power as it navigates a challenging new district.
VYPE DFW GBB Game of the Week: Plano East vs. Cedar Hill (UIL-6A-D1 State Semifinals)
In what feels like the blink of an eye, we’ve reached the State Final Four in the UIL girls’ basketball playoffs.
As the 6A-D1 race heats up, fans are in for a battle of historic proportions, as Plano East and Cedar Hill are set to square off following impressive victories in their respective Regional Finals.
Plano East is currently riding an unprecedented wave of success, making their first-ever State Tournament appearance since the school’s opening in 1981.
The Panthers (24-13), under the leadership of head coach Derrick Richardson, have advanced to this point after outlasting North Crowley 49-45 in a nail-biting Regional Final last Thursday.
Freshman sensation Arianna Robinson has been the driving force for Plano East, scoring 28 points in the Regional Final and averaging approximately 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals per game.
Sophomore Kennedy Borders, who contributed 13 points in the Region I Final, and senior Sema Udo (12 ppg, 4 rpg) have also played key roles in the Panthers’ remarkable postseason run, as Plano East looks to extend its Cinderella story into the State Semifinals.

On the other side, Cedar Hill stunned the defending state champions and district rival Duncanville with a 57-47 victory, improving their season record to 28-8.
The Longhorns, led by coach Nicole Collins, make their first State Tournament appearance since 2010 and are now focused on claiming their first-ever state title.
Cedar Hill boasts a talented roster, starting with senior captain Makiyah Risby. Fellow seniors Rylan Jones, Trinity Thomas, and Brooklyn King provide additional veteran leadership, while junior Lyntoria Daniel has also emerged as a standout performer this season.
Both teams are fighting to make history, but only one will advance to the championship game. Plano East and Cedar Hill will clash in the State Semifinals this Tuesday (6:30 PM) at Wilkerson-Greines Activity Center, in what promises to be an electrifying matchup.






























