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STATE FINALS: Duncanville and South Grand Prairie go head to head for 6A State Title
Two Dallas-Fort Worth area powerhouse teams are set to go head to head in the UIL Class 6A State Finals on Saturday evening in San Antonio at the Alamodome. Making its 27th appearance in the state tournament, Duncanville is on the hunt for the program's 12th title. In their third appearance, South Grand Prairie searches for its first. VYPE DFW breaks down what fans can expect from these incredible teams!
Duncanville Lady Panthers (33-4)
Dropping only four games this season, the Lady Panthers have been on the prowl from the start. With their eyes already on the prize, fans watched as the Lady Panthers posted several dominant victories through non-district play including those over the likes of Frisco Memorial, Houston's Memorial, Steele, Walker, and more. Led by head coach Neiman Ford alongside assistant coaches Robert Amboree, Kiara Perry, and Tyler Thompson, the Lady Panthers continued strong through district play-- losing only one game and finishing near the top of their district standings. Once in the playoffs, Chloe Mann, Mariah Clayton, Jasmine Gipson, Laila Coleman, Londyn Harper, and others, helped take down Hutto, Rockwall, Lake Ridge, Cypress Springs, DeSoto, and finally Summer Creek in a 39-31 overtime victory during their state semifinal meeting. On Saturday, the team can be expected to continue their pace as they look to tackle South Grand Prairie.
South Grand Prairie Lady Warriors (32-3)
Under the leadership of head coach Brion Raven and assistant coaches Theron Jackson, Brittney Dupree, Crystal Hughes, and Kelsey Willson, the Lady Warriors have powered their way through their season. Dropping only three games on the year, the team has outscored their opponents by over a combined 1,000 points. With the desire to get back to the state tournament after 2021 and 2022 appearances, the Lady Warriors focused their efforts on sharpening their skills through non-district play with victories over the likes of Dallas Skyline, Little Elm, Argyle, Fort Worth Dunbar, Waco La Vega, and more. Undefeated through district play, the team secured the first-place spot in their district and waltzed into the playoffs ready to finish the job this season. Autumn Sherman, Spirit Sherriff, Camille Mitchell, Anyla Herbert, Aniya Jackson, Cedraiah Peterson, and others recorded powerful performances over Richardson's J.J. Pearce, Denton Braswell, Allen, Southlake Carroll, Fort Worth Boswell, and finally Brennan in a 53-42 state semifinal victory. Punching their ticket to the state title game showcases the Lady Warriors' resilience and determination as they look to record a Cinderella victory over Duncanville.
What To Expect
Both teams are explosive from the start. Powering through their opponents play after play, these teams have not only earned but demanded their spot in the state finals. Duncanville is no stranger to this stage of high school basketball. With 11 titles already to their name, the team can be expected to put up a powerful performance on Saturday evening. With a dominant presence on the court, the Lady Panthers aren't going to start slowing down on the cusp of another title. However, looking to earn their program's first title, South Grand Prairie has a bit of a chip on their shoulder. With resiliency and strength powering them through their season already, the Lady Warriors can be expected to channel that energy in the state title game as they look to quiet the Panthers' fans on Saturday evening.
Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. at the Alamodome.
STATE SEMIFINALS: South Grand Prairie has sights set on SA Brennan
Setting out to make a name for themselves this season, the South Grand Prairie Lady Warriors set high goals for themselves at the start of the season. Showcasing their ability to work hard and keep their opponents at bay, the Lady Warriors recorded a strong regular season before continuing their journey through the playoffs.
Opening their season with six consecutive victories over Monterey, Fort Worth Dunbar, Frisco, Dallas Skyline, Little Elm, and Argyle, the Lady Warriors came into the year ready to take down anyone who got in their way of a successful season. Despite dropping three games through non-district play, the team continued to put forth a strong effort to take down their opponents as they headed into their district play.
Through district play, the Lady Warriors recorded an undefeated 15-0 record to finish at the top of their district standings. Defeating the likes of Haltom, Arlington Lamar, Arlington Martin, Sam Houston, Grand Prairie, Bowie, and others, there was zero doubt as the team prepared to enter the playoffs on a high note.
Led by incredible athletes like Anyla Herbert, Erica Carr, Aniya Jackson, Adhel Tac, Taliyah Parker, and other talented athletes, the Lady Warriors showcased remarkable leadership on the hardwood through the playoffs as they took down Richardson J.J. Pearce, Denton Bradwell, Southlake Carroll, and Boswell with fidelity to earn their spot in the UIL Class 6A Basketball State Tournament.
Ready for a challenge with a resume to already be proud of this season, the Lady Warriors will face off against a tough San Antonio Brennan (32-2) at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The game tips off at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 1st.