Something can occur within the playoffs and probably the most least predicted consequence manifested on Tuesday night time as each FAB 50 No. 3 Brennan (San Antonio, Texas) and No. 4 Allen (Texas) took losses within the UIL Class 6A D1 state semifinals in dramatic video games.
FAB 50 bubble membership Duncanville (Texas) defeated Allen in a thriller that got here right down to the wire and Bellaire (Houston, Texas) surpassed Brennan. Earlier than I begin on my Saturday championship sport preview, I do bear in mind having the dialog with FAB 50 editor Ronnie Flores about how open this season will likely be regarding the minimal discrepancy from No. 1 to No. 3 and it clearly confirmed as we’re nearing the tip of the 2024-25 scholastic season. Something can occur!
Now let’s get to the meat and potatoes.
PREVIEW: Duncanville vs. Allen(Saturday, 8 pm, Alamodome)
The Coaches
I talked in regards to the weapons Duncanville possesses HERE, however one I didn’t point out was head coach David Peavy. Peavy, within the hunt for his fourth UIL state title in seven seasons, has created a rattling close to unbreakable tradition with a basis on toughness and protection. Expertise performs a big half while you enter these playoff video games (particularly title ones) and he is aware of put together and alter in excessive stress environments.
For Bellaire, Bruce Glover has been the top coach for the Cardinals since 2002 and that is the primary time in program historical past they’ve reached a title sport. Glover has coached gamers which have reached the NBA ranks, most notably Emeka Okafor and John Lucas III, and his groups previously have made it a pair rounds deep. Albeit by no means reaching this far, his expertise was proven when Brennan tried to storm again from a 18-point deficit; he saved his boys composed and withstood the comeback.
The Gamers
What is principally getting talked about in Bellaire’s semifinal win is Shelton Henderson’s 26-point, 20-rebound efficiency (rightfully so), however 2025 ahead Anthony Andrews performed a big function in its win as properly. He gathered 16 factors, six rebounds and three blocks. With a Texas Southern scholarship supply, Andrews confirmed off his inside-out scoring prowess, and since he was a menace from the perimeter, he created driving lanes for Bellaire’s guards and wings.
Versus Duncanville, I imagine Shelton will likely be Shelton. He’ll generate a variety of consideration attributable to his mixture of dimension, athleticism, ending talents and knack for attending to the rim. He’s a highschool matchup nightmare. Andrews might want to produce the identical manner he did within the semis and could have a dimension benefit versus the Panthers’ frontline.
Bellaire might want to include the excessive powered Duncanville offense and restrict transition alternatives, but additionally make the most of the dimensions benefit it has and have a shot weight loss plan primarily consisting of makes an attempt on the rim. The Cardinals tried a mere six 3-pointers versus Brennan.
For Duncanville, Kayden Edwards is at all times a menace to attain 30 plus factors in a sport, however Beckham Black’s second half scoring surge was big for the Panthers and offered them with a double-digit lead going into the fourth quarter vs. Allen. This isn’t the primary time we’ve seen Black go on a 3-point scoring tear, as he did the identical factor his freshman 12 months at Thanksgiving Hoopfest vs. FAB 50 energy Montverde Academy. The sophomore (2027) could be very able to arising within the huge moments.
For Duncanville, if it may possibly restrict the quantity of unpolluted seems to be Bellaire will get on the rim and make this sport a observe meet, then the Panthers have a terrific likelihood of profitable. Bellaire did cough up the ball 31 occasions within the semis and that was primarily because of the elevated stress Brennan utilized within the second half.
Finally, for me, the deciding issue would be the tempo of the sport. If this sport is a observe meet, it’ll play into Duncanville’s fingers. If it is a grind it out, half court docket affair, then Bellaire could have likelihood at securing its first ever state title.
See you guys in San Antonio!
