GAMES
RANKINGS
VYPE DFW/SATX Game of the Week: Denton Ryan vs. SA Wagner (UIL 5A-D1 GBB State Final) Preview
This year’s championship matchup is historic, with both Denton Ryan and San Antonio Wagner making their first-ever appearances in the title game.
For Denton Ryan, the breakthrough came earlier this week when the Raiders dominated Red Oak 50-31 in their State Tournament debut.
Led by head coach Monesha Allen, Ryan boasts an impressive 31-7 record, built on an explosive offense that averages over 60 points per game and a suffocating defense holding opponents under 37 points per contest.
While Ryan’s depth has been key all season, the trio of juniors—Kaylin Jackson (F), Zaviyana Madison (PG), and Kinley Lewis (F)—has been exceptional. The three combined for 41 of the team’s 50 points in the semifinal win, proving their ability to step up under pressure.
The Raiders have been underestimated all season, and a championship victory would be the ultimate statement to silence the doubters.
On the other side, Wagner is no stranger to deep playoff runs. The Thunderbirds have now reached the State Tournament six times since the school opened in 2005. However, in their previous five appearances, they fell short in the semifinals—until this year.
Wagner finally broke through with a hard-fought 67-63 overtime victory against Georgetown on Tuesday, earning a long-awaited shot at the title.
Ranked No. 5 in Texas by MaxPreps, coach Annissa Jackson’s squad enters the final riding a 25-game win streak, boasting a near-flawless 34-3 record.
Leading the charge for Wagner is Utah commit Leonna “LA” Sneed (Sr. PG), a dominant two-way player averaging 23 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals per game.
She’s supported by a deep and talented cast, including sophomores Nia McBride (13 ppg, 3 apg, 2 spg) and A’Rielle Williams (8 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 spg), along with senior Jenae Moore (9 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg) and freshman Khiarra Fernandez (5 ppg, 1 rpg, 1 spg).
With Denton Ryan (31-7) and SA Wagner (34-3) set to clash, two programs look to cement their legacies on the season’s biggest stage. The UIL 5A-D1 State Championship tips off at 1:00 PM on Saturday at the Alamodome—with history on the line.
CLICK HERE TO STAY UPDATED WITH ALL THE UIL GBB STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
VYPE DFW GBB Game of the Week: Plano East vs. Cedar Hill (UIL-6A-D1 State Semifinals)
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.