STATE FINALS: Parish Panthers climb to the top, set to face John Paul II in State Title match
02 Mar, 2024
With strength and resiliency, the Parish Panthers have powered their way through their schedule and found themselves in the TAPPS 6A State Title game. Through resilient moments and impeccable determination, the Panthers have a great opportunity to secure the title on Saturday afternoon at Robinson High School in Waco, Texas as they take on John Paul II.
Utilizing every moment in non-district play to sharpen their skills and get better moment-by-moment, the Panthers showcased that they were able to work hard against opponents who have a history of great programs. Defeating the likes of Liberty Christian, Trinity Christian, BigTyme Prep Academy, and even public school Aledo, Parish set the tone and was ready to focus on their district schedule.
Through district play, the team faced hurdles and challenges that only helped shape the resiliency of their program. Posting a 7-3 district record and finishing in the third place spot in their district standings, the Panthers continued to battle game after game while leaving no stone unturned. Armon and Antoine Almuttar, Harris Dar, Torrey Mitchell, Beckham Smith, and other talented athletes for the Panthers came through in dire moments to ensure the Panthers' ability to grasp a playoff spot.
Led by head coach Ahmad Ajamy, the team knew they had something special heading into the playoffs. With no doubt in their minds, the Panthers have been able to showcase poise on the court as they faced off against their playoff opponents. Taking down several dominant programs in close-call games, Parish demanded their entry into the TAPPS State Tournament while continuing to fight for every moment. Through the state semifinal game, several moments powered the team to a 44-38 victory over Prestonwood Christian-- punching their ticket to the state finals.
As the team gears up to face John Paul II, they look to harness their energy and determination against another DFW-area powerhouse team. The Cardinals have posted a 30-8 overall record this season (8-3 in their district play) and finished at the top of their district standings-- the very standings Parish finished third in. In their previous meetings this season, Parish lost 71-62 in early January before winning an 82-72 matchup in late January. Having already seen each other twice this year, the winner of Saturday's game gets to claim full bragging rights on the season.
The ultimate revenge match in the state title game is not lost on anyone as Parish sets out to bring the title back to Dallas. The team can be expected to showcase their strength on the hardwood and put forth every effort against John Paul II. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. in Waco.
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Two Dallas-Fort Worth area powerhouse teams are set to go head to head in the UIL Class 6A State Finals on Saturday evening in San Antonio at the Alamodome. Making its 27th appearance in the state tournament, Duncanville is on the hunt for the program's 12th title. In their third appearance, South Grand Prairie searches for its first. VYPE DFW breaks down what fans can expect from these incredible teams!
Duncanville Lady Panthers (33-4)
Dropping only four games this season, the Lady Panthers have been on the prowl from the start. With their eyes already on the prize, fans watched as the Lady Panthers posted several dominant victories through non-district play including those over the likes of Frisco Memorial, Houston's Memorial, Steele, Walker, and more. Led by head coach Neiman Ford alongside assistant coaches Robert Amboree, Kiara Perry, and Tyler Thompson, the Lady Panthers continued strong through district play-- losing only one game and finishing near the top of their district standings. Once in the playoffs, Chloe Mann, Mariah Clayton, Jasmine Gipson, Laila Coleman, Londyn Harper, and others, helped take down Hutto, Rockwall, Lake Ridge, Cypress Springs, DeSoto, and finally Summer Creek in a 39-31 overtime victory during their state semifinal meeting. On Saturday, the team can be expected to continue their pace as they look to tackle South Grand Prairie.
South Grand Prairie Lady Warriors (32-3)
Under the leadership of head coach Brion Raven and assistant coaches Theron Jackson, Brittney Dupree, Crystal Hughes, and Kelsey Willson, the Lady Warriors have powered their way through their season. Dropping only three games on the year, the team has outscored their opponents by over a combined 1,000 points. With the desire to get back to the state tournament after 2021 and 2022 appearances, the Lady Warriors focused their efforts on sharpening their skills through non-district play with victories over the likes of Dallas Skyline, Little Elm, Argyle, Fort Worth Dunbar, Waco La Vega, and more. Undefeated through district play, the team secured the first-place spot in their district and waltzed into the playoffs ready to finish the job this season. Autumn Sherman, Spirit Sherriff, Camille Mitchell, Anyla Herbert, Aniya Jackson, Cedraiah Peterson, and others recorded powerful performances over Richardson's J.J. Pearce, Denton Braswell, Allen, Southlake Carroll, Fort Worth Boswell, and finally Brennan in a 53-42 state semifinal victory. Punching their ticket to the state title game showcases the Lady Warriors' resilience and determination as they look to record a Cinderella victory over Duncanville.
What To Expect
Both teams are explosive from the start. Powering through their opponents play after play, these teams have not only earned but demanded their spot in the state finals. Duncanville is no stranger to this stage of high school basketball. With 11 titles already to their name, the team can be expected to put up a powerful performance on Saturday evening. With a dominant presence on the court, the Lady Panthers aren't going to start slowing down on the cusp of another title. However, looking to earn their program's first title, South Grand Prairie has a bit of a chip on their shoulder. With resiliency and strength powering them through their season already, the Lady Warriors can be expected to channel that energy in the state title game as they look to quiet the Panthers' fans on Saturday evening.
Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. at the Alamodome.
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dallas fort worth high school sportsdfw high school sportsduncanvilleduncanville lady panthersduncanville lady panthers basketballduncanville panthersduncanville panthers basketballsouth grand prairiesouth grand prairie basketballsouth grand prairie girls basketballsouth grand prairie lady warriorssouth grand prairie lady warriors basketballuil stateuil state finalsuil state basketball
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