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Guyer claims its first-ever state championship with their 48-47 win over Katy Jordan
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS: Denton Guyer takes home the 6A-D2 Championship in State debut
“It’s a surreal moment,” said head coach Grant Long. “A lot of the guys who’ve come through this program have built up the tradition that it consists of. We just had a special group this year who were finally able to see the goal through.”
The Wildcats had a firm grip on the championship late in the 4th quarter, following a clutch 3-point jumper made by junior Silas Rodriguez, with only 29 seconds remaining.
Following a botched attempt of a buzzer-beater – thanks to an exceptional defensive effort – Guyer was then crowned the UIL 5A-D2 champions, with Rodriguez being named the State MVP for his considerable efforts (20 points, 3 rebounds).
Junior Silas Rodriguez accepts the UIL 6A-DII State MVP AwardMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
“There really weren’t too many words going through my head in that instance,” he said. “I’ve wanted to win a state championship all year and that was the only goal I had at that moment. Once I saw the ball go through the net, I was thanking God and was overcome with emotion. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better scenario.”
Coach Long was quick to add on to that sentiment.
“He (Rodriguez) has dreamed about it because he’s in the gym every single day,” Long said. “He’s called me up on more than one occasion to open the gym up so he can get to work. When he hit that shot, it wasn’t by accident. He’s not only a phenomenal athlete; he’s a great student. He perfectly exemplifies the level of dedication we demand here.”
Rodriguez wasn’t the only one who had his mind fixed on taking gold this year.
After playing his first two seasons with Guyer, point guard Jordan Lowery transferred to Winston Salem Christian School (North Carolina), before making his way back to the Denton school for his senior year.
Prior to this season, he posted "Unfinished Business” on his Twitter account, with the intention of carrying out exactly what just transpired.
Guyer Senior Jordan Lowery embraces Silas Rodriguez, following the announcement of the State's MVP AwardMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
“I came back to my family,” said Lowery. “I knew we had the necessary guys to do what it takes to win, and that’s what happened. Was it worth it? Of course it was. I had a journal before the season started saying that we’d win a championship, and it meant everything to see that play out.”
The Wildcats now make the trek home with a monumental prize in tow: one that coach Long knows his athletes will cherish for years to come.
“This is something that will never go away,” Long said. “25 years from now, we’re still going to be celebrating this, and what makes me feel grateful is the fact that this team won’t forget each other. I’m still in close contact with most of my former high school teammates, so I hope they do the same for the rest of their lives.”
The celebrations are only just beginning in the 76210 area code, and a new precedent has been established for the Guyer basketball program. Considering how proficient the Dallas-area has been in the sport, this could be just the beginning of a new dynasty.
Some of the stars of 2024-25 Bellaire Basketball
THE LAST DANCE: UIL Basketball 6A-D1 State Final Preview -- Bellaire vs. Duncanville
In the final game of the season, the 6A-Division I title will be decided between Houston’s Bellaire Cardinals and Dallas powerhouse Duncanville Panthers.
For Bellaire (27-10), history has already been made. Earlier this week, the Cardinals reached the State Tournament for the first time, then extended their milestone with a 65-57 semifinal win over Brennan.
Led by Coach Bruce Glover, Bellaire boasts one of the most dynamic players in Texas—superstar Shelton Henderson. The state’s No. 1-ranked player in the Class of 2025, Henderson is a force on both ends of the court.
Bellaire's Shelton Henderson (Duke-commit)Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
His 6-foot-7 frame, scoring ability, and all-around impact were on full display in the semifinals, where he posted 26 points, 20 rebounds, and 4 assists. A state championship—and possibly a State MVP honor—would be the perfect way to cap his high school career before heading to Duke.
Of course, Henderson isn’t alone. Three-star guard L.J. Andrews, who holds offers from Texas A&M, George Mason, Lamar, and Nicholls State, plays a key role, while seniors Jaren Brown (F), Kohlman Dutton (G), Ejypt Gibbs (F), and sophomore Jadarian Williams (G) have all contributed to Bellaire’s historic run.
However, the Cardinals will face their toughest challenge yet in Duncanville.
Duncanville (26-7) is no stranger to this stage, having reached the State Tournament nine times, including four straight appearances from 2019 to 2022. Under longtime coach David Peavy, the Panthers have become a powerhouse and now seek their first state title since 2021—and their sixth overall.
After splitting the District 11-6A title with Lancaster (13-1), Duncanville dominated Temple (58-33), Wylie (70-56), Grand Oaks (84-68), and Rockwall (79-30) before edging out Allen 77-74 in the semifinals.
Senior guard Kayden Edwards, a TCU-signee, has been the driving force behind Duncanville’s success, averaging 26 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals per game.
Alongside him, standout point guard Christopher Hunt Jr. (offers from Sam Houston State, Texas State, etc.) has been equally effective, averaging 14 points and 4 rebounds while leading the team in field goal percentage (53%).
The Panthers’ depth is another key factor. Beckham Black (9 PPG, 5 APG, 3 RPG), Cam Smith (9 PPG, 6 RPG, 2 APG), and Gary Jones (6 PPG, 3 RPG, 1 APG) round out one of Texas’ most complete squads, eager to add another championship to their storied history.
With two elite teams set to clash, the stage is set for an unforgettable UIL 6A-D1 State Championship in the Alamodome on Saturday night (7 PM).