GAMES
RANKINGS
2022-23 Pearland High School Girls Basketball
MAKING HISTORY: Pearland GBB back in State Tourney after four decades
It was only a matter of time before the Lady Oilers regained their commanding form in the Houston area, cruising to a 30-3 (12-0 in district) regular season record en route to a district championship and beyond.
Pearland GBB following their victory over Summer Creek in the Regional FinalsPhoto acquired via Pearland ISD Twitter: @PearlandISD
Their skill was put on full display in their recent 39-26 win over Summer Creek in the 6A-3 Regional Finals, as they punched their ticket to San Antonio to face off against DeSoto this Friday for the opportunity to contend for the UIL State Title.
“This season has been truly fun and special,” said coach Jere’ Adams. “These ladies are so funny and it’s been a joy to watch them grow over this season. The most important thing has been buy-in and strong leadership. Since losing last year, the kids have been intentional and focused on achieving our goals this year. Our three seniors have done a great job leading the team.”
Pearland's RyLee GraysJuan De Leon (VYPE)
Said seniors, standout North Carolina-signee RyLee Grays (17 PPG, 11 RPG) has been lighting up the scoreboard, as well as guards, Paige Bonner (4 SPG, 3 APG) and Janae Tucker (3 APG, 2 SPG), have both exhibited defensive prowess all season.
Furthermore, junior Nyah Hardy (10 PPG, 3 RPG, 78% FT) along with junior La’Niah Thornton’s three-point proficiency, has provided the extra firepower that has led the Lady Oilers to become seemingly unstoppable.
Pearland's Nyah HardyJuan De Leon (VYPE)
However, the Lady Oilers aren’t finished yet. After returning to the final four on the heels of a State Tourney drought that lasted over four decades, Pearland does not intend to return home empty-handed.
“I am expecting my team to continue to work hard every day for the goals we have set ourselves,” Adams said. “Winning it all would be a blessing. We’ve worked so hard this year and this group is so special, so to end the year with a victory would be absolutely spectacular.”
Janae Tucker
Some of the stars of 2022-23 Fulshear Girls Basketball
SHOWING UP: Fulshear GBB primed for the UIL State Tourney
Following their exhilarating 45-43 victory over Hendrickson this past weekend, the Chargers will be heading to the final four of the UIL State Championship to face Cooper High (Lubbock, TX) in the Semis, which will take place this Thursday.
Fulshear celebrates following their Regional Finals victory (2/25/23)Photo acquired from Fulshear GBB Twitter: @FulshearGBB
Fulshear’s season has been nothing short of utterly dominant, enjoying a 28-5 regular season record, an undefeated (14-0) district title campaign, and the five subsequent wins that have led to this moment.
However, according to coach D’Shanna Brown, nothing has been handed to them.
“We’ve been tested this season,” said Brown. “We’ve battled a lot of adversity but the girls still continued to fight through. They've challenged themselves and believed in each other and set a standard that no one would believe we could accomplish. These girls have gone through it all and still continue to show up each and every day ready to work.”
Talent has been in ample supply for the Fulshear squad, with an explosive offense and stonewall defense allowing the Chargers to triumph over every obstacle they’ve matched up against.
“I feel as if everyone has stood out in some way,” Brown said. “Over the course of games and playoffs, we've received tremendous help from Kimora Lopez, Kennedy Hill, Jada Morgan and Sophia Semmler. But for sure our dynamic guard duo in both, Ese Ogbevire (Sr.-G) and Ruke Ogbevire (Soph.-G) -- have helped in ways that just make us tick. It's just great when you have a team that on any given night anyone could step up and be a top performer.”
Fulshear's Ese Ogbevire
That “dynamic duo” of the Ogbevire sisters has been an exceptional addition to the already adept team. The two have undoubtedly been the catalysts for Fulshear’s energy, with both young athletes averaging 15 PPG, 5 RPG and 3.5 SPG throughout the course of their tremendous season.
Fulshear, who happens to be on a 17-game winning streak, will look to cap off their year with the program’s first State Title. It will take everything they have, but they’ve got plenty of support to back them up.
“I expect the girls to just continue to have fun and love each other,” said Brown. “The more fun they have together, the better we become. I think it [a State Championship] would mean the world to everyone involved. It’s exactly what any athlete would like to accomplish in their career and, unfortunately, not many people have this opportunity. So, this would truly be a blessing and a moment in history to cherish forever.”
Ruke Ogbevire
