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HISTORY ON THE LINE: Hitchcock hoops looking to defend title Saturday
The Hitchcock Bulldogs are back in the State Title game Saturday morning against Ponder High School, after knocking off San Antonio Cole 57-40 in the semis.
The ‘Dogs (34-3) are trying to defend their Class 3A State Title from a year ago with virtually their entire 2023 roster back in the fold.
Easy, right?
Wrong.
“It’s not easier,” coach Chris Jordan-Foster said. “We are the defending State Champs and we get maximum effort from everyone we play. It’s been like that all season. We’ve played a little short-handed in stretches this year with injuries, but no one is going to feel sorry for you.”
Up next is Ponder, who beat Holliday, 62-46, in their semis. The Lions are led by coach JD Sullivan, who runs a very structured offense.
“They are so disciplined and technically sound,” Jordan-Foster said. “We are going to have to defend multiple sets because Coach Sullivan is a great X and Os coach. We have to defend without fouling and hope they don’t get hot from the outside. Our defense just needs to bother them just enough.
“On offense, we have to get a good inside touch and not fall in love with jacking up the three-pointer.”
The Bulldogs will lean on their stars – senior Damien McDaniel and juniors Elijah Sherwood, Lloyd Jones and Kelshaun Johnson.
“Elijah has been our constant all season,” Jordan Foster said. “He is a true basketball player. Damien is our leader, but he’s been banged up a little bit, and Lloyd is our quiet leader who is going to get you 20 (points) and 10 (rebounds).”
This weekend marks the third consecutive year that Hitchcock has reached the State Tournament.
“It really started with that group three years ago, who made it to the semis,” he said. “I still talk to them today and they could see what was coming. The community has really rallied around us and they know we can make history tomorrow.
“Now, we just have to take advantage of it.”
STATE SEMIFINALS: South Grand Prairie has sights set on SA Brennan
Setting out to make a name for themselves this season, the South Grand Prairie Lady Warriors set high goals for themselves at the start of the season. Showcasing their ability to work hard and keep their opponents at bay, the Lady Warriors recorded a strong regular season before continuing their journey through the playoffs.
Opening their season with six consecutive victories over Monterey, Fort Worth Dunbar, Frisco, Dallas Skyline, Little Elm, and Argyle, the Lady Warriors came into the year ready to take down anyone who got in their way of a successful season. Despite dropping three games through non-district play, the team continued to put forth a strong effort to take down their opponents as they headed into their district play.
Through district play, the Lady Warriors recorded an undefeated 15-0 record to finish at the top of their district standings. Defeating the likes of Haltom, Arlington Lamar, Arlington Martin, Sam Houston, Grand Prairie, Bowie, and others, there was zero doubt as the team prepared to enter the playoffs on a high note.
Led by incredible athletes like Anyla Herbert, Erica Carr, Aniya Jackson, Adhel Tac, Taliyah Parker, and other talented athletes, the Lady Warriors showcased remarkable leadership on the hardwood through the playoffs as they took down Richardson J.J. Pearce, Denton Bradwell, Southlake Carroll, and Boswell with fidelity to earn their spot in the UIL Class 6A Basketball State Tournament.
Ready for a challenge with a resume to already be proud of this season, the Lady Warriors will face off against a tough San Antonio Brennan (32-2) at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The game tips off at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 1st.