20 boys basketball teams to watch this weekend

January 14, 2011

By Tim Polzer of VYPE MAGAZINE - DFW


Most Dallas/Fort Worth area boys basketball teams are nearing the halfway mark of their district schedule. Other are just starting district play. Here's a look at 20 area boys basketball teams to watch this weekend:

20 Boys Basketball Teams To Watch

 

Argyle

The Eagles are 20-2 and ranked second in the TABC statewide poll heading into District 9-3A play.

 

Arlington Grace Prep

Isaiah Austin and Jamal Branch are one of the state’s top combos on one of the state’s best private school teams.

 

Carter

The Cowboys are 9-8 in a tough 11-4A but they feature Phillip Miller, the area’s most exciting scorer, who is averaging 32.3 points per game.

 

Cedar Hill

Senior forward Thomas Gipson and new coach Tim Thomas have led the Longhorns to a 20-2 mark and a 4-0 record in a very tough 5-5A.

 

Coppell

The Cowboys find themselves at 17-6 atop the 7-5A standings, battling it out with Southlake Carroll and Keller Fossil Ridge.

 

DeSoto

The Eagles and Antwan Space are just one season removed from 2009 5A state title.

 

Duncanville

The Panthers suffered a loss to South Grand Prairie but will be in the hunt for a playoff berth in 5-5A.

 

FM Marcus

Guards Marcus Smart and Phil Forte are back after leading the Marauders to the state tournament last season. Smart is living up to his billing while Forte is averaging 18.8 points and leads the area in 3-point shooting.

 

FW Arlington Heights

The Yellow Jackets throw out the area’s top-scoring offense, averaging 101 points per game and are in a dogfight with Trimble Tech for the 7-4A title.

 

FW Trimble Tech

The Bulldogs 20-3 heading into Saturday’s showdown with FW Arlington Heights.

 

Garland Lakeview Centennial

Toddrick Gotcher and Chris Jones lead a Lakeview Centennial team that came within seven points of a state title last season. Gotcher is averaging 16.1 points for the Patriots who are 21-1 and ranked atop several state polls.

 

Kennedale

The Wildcats are 19-2 and off to their usual great start atop 8-3A.

 

Kimball

The Knights are 20-1 and coming off a good showing in the Sugar Bowl Classic. Look out for the first of two showdowns with South Oak Cliff on Jan. 22.

 

Lincoln

Coach Leonard Bishop’s lineup is loaded with talent including seniors LeBryan Nash, Keaton Miles, Steve Jordan and Xavier Dade and junior Courtney Hooper.

 

North Crowley

The Panthers are 18-5 and led by Kyan Anderson (16 ppg) and Terence Syon (8.6 rebs).

 

Plano West

Jackson Jeffcoat is gone but Geoff Groselle (11.9 rebs) and DeShon Portley (16.8 ppg) are picking up the slack for the 17-6 Wolves.

 

Prestonwood Christian

Kansas commit Zach Peters and freshman of the year Julius Randle have the Lions aiming for a second-straight TAPPS 5A state title.

 

Richardson Berkner

The Rams’ roster is stocked with D-1 prospects including Kendal Harris and Jordan Mickey.

 

South Grand Prairie

The Warrior notched a big win against Duncanville. Trey Norris (4.3 apg) has led the SGP attack.

 

Southlake Carroll

The Dragons were expected to make a run at the 7-5A title after returning seven players from last season’s 22-10 team.