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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.
Summer Creek Sr. G Kennedy Simpson (Tulane-signee)
RISING TO THE CHALLENGE: Summer Creek's Simpson personifies the relentless drive of defending State Champs
Simpson’s 21-point performance in the title game earned her State MVP honors, complementing her District 23-6A MVP recognition. Now a senior, the guard officially announced her commitment to Tulane University in early September, and recently signed as she prepares to take her game to the next level.
Simpson shows off the 2025 championship ring at the team's presentation ceremony in OctoberMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
The championship marked the culmination of a 29-11 season and the program’s first-ever state title. But what exactly makes Summer Creek such a consistent force in Texas?
“It starts with our work ethic and mindset,” Simpson said. “We don’t give up and that showed at last year’s championship. With all the work we put in and dedication to each other and this game – we weren’t gonna be denied. The same applies to this year. We put in too much to expect anything less.”
It was also a milestone debut for head coach Kiara Marshall, who guided Summer Creek to history in her first year at the helm.
2025-26 Summer Creek Girls BasketballMatt Powell (VYPE)
“She (Coach Marshall) wanted it just as much as we did, if not more,” Simpson said. “Since there’s usually a lot of attention that comes with this team, she had something to prove too. So, there was definitely a level of trust and respect that we exchanged. But, at the end of the day, she lets us do what we do best.”
Simpson has also embraced her role with open arms.
“I’ve learned to find new ways to be a leader over the years,” she said. “Before, I was usually on the younger side. Now, I’m one of the oldest on the team – people look to me to stand up and be vocal in situations. It’s been an adjustment, but I know what I’m capable of and it’s still my turn to be a mentor for the younger girls.”
Her adaptability and composure have become staples of Summer Creek’s identity, especially during high-stakes moments like last year’s title run.
A closer look at the Summer Creek championship ringMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
Looking ahead, the Lady Bulldogs aim to return to the State Tournament for the fifth time overall, and as many times dating back to 2019.
Before making the transition to New Orleans upon graduation, Simpson still has one more response to make with Summer Creek—a chance to build on last year’s historic triumph and solidify her standing among the school’s all-time elite.
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