Published Mar 7, 2018
TexasHoops 6A State Tournament Preview
Lyndon Cook  •  TexasHoops
Recruiting Analyst
Twitter
@lyndontc31

The eyes of Texas will be focused on San Antonio this weekend as some of the best prospects in the state gather to battle it out for a state championship in the Alamodome. TexasHoops analyst Lyndon Cook previews the class 6A state tournament, and offers predictions from the rest of the TexasHoops staff.

GAME INFO

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Semi #1: South Garland vs. Katy Tompkins, 7:00 p.m. Friday

Semi #2: Austin Westlake vs. Allen, 8:30 p.m. Friday

Tournament Preview

At times this season the class 6A title seemed like it was Denton Guyer's to lose. But after the Wildcats fell in the regional finals to district foe Allen, the 6A state tournament has the potential to be the most competitive of the bunch.

The first 6A game will be a matchup of newcomers, with both South Garland and Katy Tompkins making their state tournament appearances in school history. South Garland boasts one of the most talented backcourts to play at state in recent years in the form of 2019 guards Tyrese Maxey and Chris Harris Jr. The pair of Maxey and Harris tore through the region 2 bracket and will be counted on to light up the scoreboard in San Antonio. The likes of Dearon Tucker, Jayden McGrew and Keyon Craddock will provide plenty of support for the Colonel's star duo as they seek to claim their first ever state championship.

It took a controversial call at the end of regulation for Katy Tompkins to clinch Katy ISD's first ever boys basketball state tournament appearance, but the Falcons are a dangerous team in San Antonio. Senior Oklahoma signee Jamal Bieniemy is one of Greater Houston's best all-around players and can fill the stat sheet against any competition. Kristian Sjolund, a Georgia Tech signee, will give the Falcons a threat from all over the court as one of the state's premier stretch 4's. The pair of Eden Holt and CJ Washington will add scoring depth and solid defense for the Falcons. Though they are the lowest ranked team remaining, the offensive firepower on this roster means that you simply can't count out Tompkins.

Another team making their bow at the state tournament is Austin Westlake, finally breaking through after they were denied in the regional finals the past 2 years. Westlake has an absolutely loaded roster, with all 5 starters bound for the next level. Foremost among these prospects is 6-foot-11 Will Baker, who can score on the block with exceptional footwork or hit threes from well beyond the line. Senior forwards Brock Cunningham (Texas signee) and Matthew Mayer (Baylor signee) are both capable of putting up 20+ on any given night, and Xavier bound Keonte Kennedy is a microwave from outside. If Westlake plays up to their capabilities in the Alamodome, a first ever state championship will not be far out of reach.

Allen was the surprise team in the 6A field, but also the only one with any previous state tournament experience. Making their first appearance since 2014, the Eagles took the air out of the ball against overwhelming favorites Denton Guyer in the regional final to seal an upset win over a team that had beaten them twice in district. Allen is an athletic team who can attack you in multiple ways with players like Jaylen Walker, Jaylon Scott, Isaiah Stevens and Jerritt Dixon. Allen has already taken down one favorite for a state championship, and will be asked to repeat that feat Friday night against Westlake.

Expert Predictions

TexasHoops Analyst Lyndon Cook: Westlake over South Garland

TexasHoops Head Analyst Blue Zertuche: Westlake over South Garland

TexasHoops Media director Michael Timmins: Westlake over South Garland

TexasHoops contributor Derek Taylor: South Garland over Westlake

Texas Hoops Scouting Director Sam Lowe: Westlake over South Garland