The Cooldown- Week 25
Cover Photo via @RHS_BoysBB on Twitter
DFW - Week 25
Just one district game stands between metroplex teams and the playoffs. The men wrap up their district schedule on Tuesday night and the playoffs tip-off a week later. The women’s playoffs tip-off tomorrow night. Let’s take a look at some close district races with one game left to play and recap a wild rematch between Duncanville and Richardson!
Richardson Outlasts Duncanville in Overtime
Richardson avenged its only district loss on Friday with an 81-77 win over No.1 Duncanville. The Panthers have had the top ranking in the state for the majority of the season but now they’re tied for first place in their own district. Richardson has been impressive this season as well and should move in to the top ten of the TABC rankings this week.
Richardson has two sophomores who can go. Rylan Griffen dropped 26 points on 7-of-9 shooting and a perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line, according to dallasnews.com. Cason Wallace added 24 points of his own in the win. Jaylon Barnett chipped in 14 points and Derek Burns finished with 11 points. Micah Peavy led Duncanville with 37 points in the losing effort. Duncanville has long been considered a threat to defend the 6A DI Championship, but Richardson has shown they can compete with any team in the state.
Both teams will likely win on Tuesday night, tying for first place in District 8-6A. But how will the tie be broken? We could get a rubber match between the two teams this Friday night. If the two teams decide to play for first place, the game will likely be played at a neutral sight. I highly suggest getting out to see these two teams play if the game happens. If not, DFW area fans will likely have several chances to catch these squads in the playoffs.
District 6-6A Update
Congratulations to Coppell! The Cowboys have clinched the District 6-6A championship with an 11-2 record! Past that, we don’t know much about how the final standings could shake out. Here’s where we stand with just one game left to play.
- Coppell (11-2)
- Flower Mound (9-4)
- Lewisville (9-4)
- Irving MacArthur (9-4)
- Flower Mound Marcus (8-5)
Marcus will need help getting into the playoffs. The Marauders will likely win their final district game against Irving Nimitz to finish at 9-5. Marcus won both matchups against MacArthur and split matchups with Lewisville. Flower Mound took both of its matchups against Marcus. Here is the remaining schedule in District 6-6A
Irving MacArthur @ Lewisville
Hebron @ Coppell
Flower Mound Marcus @ Irving Nimitz
Flower Mound @ Irving
Coppell should win its final game and finish 12-2 in District 6-6A. Even if the Cowboys were to lose, it wouldn’t affect their playoff standing. Marcus and Flower Mound should both win as well. A win would secure a playoff spot for Flower Mound, Lewisville and MacArthur. The good news for Marcus is, Lewisville and MacArthur play each other. The winner will secure a playoff spot while the loser will likely tie for fourth place with Marcus. MacArthur defeated Lewisville 58-53 in their first matchup. Lewisville split its two games against Marcus. Those two could potentially be in a play-in game on Friday night.
District 9-5A
There are six teams still alive for a playoff spot in District 9-5A. Only two teams have clinched a playoff spot while four teams battle for the last two playoff spots with just one district game remaining. Here are the current standings.
- Frisco Wakeland (13-4)
- Independence (12-5)
- Centennial (11-6)
- Frisco (11-6)
- Liberty (10-7)
- Memorial (10-7)
Wakeland and Independence have clinched a playoff spot. Liberty and Memorial eliminate themselves tomorrow night with a loss. Centennial and Frisco can lose on Tuesday but may need to win a play-in game on Friday to make the playoffs. Here is the remaining District 9-5A schedule.
Wakeland @ Independence
Frisco @ Frisco Lone Star
Centennial @ Lebanon Trail
Liberty @ Heritage
Memorial @ Reedy
Independence could force a first-place tie with a win against Wakeland on Tuesday night. The other playoff hopefuls face teams who have already been eliminated from the playoffs. Common logic suggests this is good for Frisco and Centennial. Frisco defeated Lone Star 70-41 in their first matchup. Centennial defeated Lebanon Trail 73-57 in their lone matchup this season. In all likelihood, Wakeland, Independence, Centennial and Frisco will be the four playoff teams in District 9-5A with Liberty and Memorial just missing the cut.
The post-season looks as wide open as its ever been. Duncanville is still the champion but have proven to be beatable. South Grand Prairie, Grand Prairie, Waxhachie and DeSoto comprise a district that is as good as any in the state from 1-4. Any number of teams have the ability to get hot and make a run to San Antonio. The only thing we know for sure is we'll be covering the area like no one else, so buckle up it should be a wild ride!