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STATE SEMIFINALS: Plano East and Mansfield Lake Ridge gear up for best-of-DFW 6A Semifinal
It's a clash of titans as two DFW powerhouses gear up for the state semifinals on Friday. Each with a remarkable journey that has led them to this pivotal moment, these formidable teams are set to face off in a showdown of high school basketball prowess. On one side, the undefeated Plano East Panthers stand as a dominant force, navigating the season with an unblemished record. On the other, Mansfield Lake Ridge, boasting an impressive 32-6 record, enters the fray with a proven track record of resilience and skill. As the state semifinals approach, high school basketball enthusiasts eagerly anticipate this matchup that promises to showcase the best of these two programs!
Plano East Panthers (38-0, 14-0)
As the only undefeated boys basketball team left in the state with a national ranking, Plano East has posted a dominant record this season. Led by head coach Matt Wester, the team has been able to prove its ability to hang among the best teams in the state and continue to show no signs of slowing down--- especially at the state tournament. Rachard Angton, Narit Chotikavanic, Isaiah Brewington, Carter Buchanan, Jon Tran, and others have helped lead the charge for this explosive team as they leveraged their talents in remarkable fashion leading to a 38 win-streak as they enter the tournament. Looking to continue reigning supreme this season, the team is ready to take down Lake Ridge on Friday.
Mansfield Lake Ridge Eagles (32-6, 11-3)
The Eagles are headed into the program's first-ever state tournament appearance under the reigns of head coach Cornelius Mitchell. On a six-game win streak, talents like Ahmare Rose, Amir McMillian, Eza Nwakamma, Matthew Alexander, and others have helped lead the program to a historic season. Through non-district play, the team honed in their skills against several difficult opponents before taking on a tough district schedule that saw them take down several prominent opponents like DeSotor, Skyline, Mansfield, and more. Working their way through their playoff schedule, the team has found themselves in their first-ever state tournament appearance ready to hush any naysayers as they take on Plano East.
What to Expect
Both teams are explosive right off the bat. With a win and go to the state finals opportunity, neither of these programs are going to put in the work necessary to seal the deal. Plano East is poised to fiercely defend their undefeated status as they enter the semifinals, relying on the cohesive teamwork and exceptional individual talents that have propelled them through the season. Mansfield Lake Ridge is set to bring their resilient spirit and strategic prowess to the court, determined to overcome any obstacles in their path and secure a coveted spot in the state finals. The class between these two powerhouse teams promises an intense battle as they vi for a chance at glory in the state championship.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. on Friday, March 8 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
STATE SEMIFINALS: Oak Cliff Faith Family hunts for a 3-Peat
In their program's sixth-consecutive UIL State Basketball Tournament appearance, the Oak Cliff Faith Family Academy Eagles are looking to clinch their third state title in three years. With a 23-11 overall record, the Eagles are prepared to take on a tough Stafford (35-6) team. VYPE DFW takes a look at the team and how they made it this far for the sixth time:
Despite beginning their season with a hard-fought loss, the Eagles utilized their non-district schedule to strategically leverage, refine, and sharpen their talents as they prepared for the upcoming challenges of a competitive district schedule. With victories over the likes of Lancaster (who is also in their own respective state semifinal), Nixon, Steele, Combine Academy National, and more, the team was able to continue striving toward always being better.
In district play, the team posted an undefeated 8-0 schedule with dominant victories over North Hills Prep (104-51), Wiliams Prep (48-12), Summit International Prep (79-15), and more. Led by talented athletes like Lamont Hartfield, Doryan Onwuchekwa, Jaxx Henderson, Isaac Williams, D'Mari Devers, and others, the team waltzed their way into the playoffs-- ready to take down any opponent that stood in their way of making it to the state tournament.
Through the playoffs, the team took down Aubrey (107-53), Dunbar (105-64), Panther Creek (88-46), Pinkston (84-61), and most recently Carter (76-48) to make their entry into the state tournament. As they prepare to face off against Stafford, they will see what might be one of their toughest opponents in a handful of games. Ready to set the tone and pull away with the score on the hardwoods, the Eagles are prepared to utilize their fire and secure another entry into the state title game.
Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. on Friday, March 8 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.