Preview: 5 Girls Basketball Storylines to Watch

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Note: This story appears in the November issue of VYPE High School Sports Magazine, available on free racks at these locations next week

5 GIRLS BASKETBALL STORYLINES TO FOLLOW IN 2012-13

Can Duncanville Repeat?

Even programs as successful as Duncanville have a hard time repeating a dream season like 2011-12. The Pantherettes  finished 40-1 while running roughshod through the 5A playoff bracket beating opponents by an average of 24 points and beating Spring Dekaney in the state final, 69-31, in record fashion. Even though coach Cathy Self-Morgan sent key starters like Empress Davenport (Texas) off to college, Duncanville won’t have to rebuild. (see Teams to Watch). Duncanville’s district schedule should be tougher after realignment brought rival DeSoto and traditional power Mansfield Timberview into their district. Getting out of Region I will be the next task.

Can Mansfield Summit Repeat?

The Lady Jaguars won their second state title in four seasons, but a third may be a longshot after Coach Tammy Lusinger lost her entire starting lineup to graduation. Her lone junior starter, Maya Hawkins, opted to transfer to Mansfield Lake Ridge to be closer to her freshman sister. Keep an eye on Summit when district play rolls around, after a young lineup gains experience in non-district play.

Gulley ineligible for Skyline

Alexandria Gulley, a 5-10 sophomore point guard who committed to Baylor as an eighth-grader, was ruled ineligible to play varsity basketball at Skyline after transferring from Triple A Academy. Gulley averaged 24.2 points per game as a freshman and reportedly will play on Skyline’s junior varsity team this season. She should be eligible to return to varsity play at Skyline next season.

Can Lewisville overcome injuries?

The Farmerettes’ lineup will miss three key starters early due to injuries. Point guard Jada Butts, A TCU commit must rehab from knee surgery. Junior forward Monish Neal must sit until her stress fractures have healed, and forward Anita Udabor is recovering from back surgery. All reportedly are expected back by December, making Lewisville a team to reckon with in District 5-5A play.

Will Southlake Carroll take the next step?

The Lady Dragons appeared on the verge of earning a trip to Austin last season before losing to eventual state champion Duncanville in the regional quarterfinals. After going undefeated while winning a district title, Carroll’s postseason included a dramatic, come-from-behind overtime win over Mansfield Timberview in the area playoffs. The Lady Dragons lost some talented seniors to graduation (see Teams to Watch), but coach Teri Morrison brings back several key players who gained critical postseason experience that could make a possible Region I rematch with Duncanville a stepping stone to state.