No luck in third go-around for Arlington Seguin girls

By Travis L. Brown

Special to the Star-Telegram

CEDAR HILL — The third time was not the charm for the Arlington Seguin girls basketball team Tuesday as it fell to District 15-4A rival Red Oak 61-41 in the Class 4A regional quarterfinals.

Tuesday’s matchup was the third time the programs had met this season, with Seguin (28-8) taking all but the one that counted most. It was also the third time in school history Seguin had faced a district rival in the playoffs for a third game, with Tuesday being the program’s first loss in that scenario.

“Really, I felt like the odds were in our favor as far as tradition at Seguin,” coach Courtney Phillips said. “I’ve got to give it to Red Oak. They did a great job and have gotten better and better through the season.”

Red Oak (28-9) continued to improve against Seguin throughout the season, losing 45-36 in the first game and 46-41 in the second. The Hawks held the lead in the fourth quarter in all three games.

“We have a lot of confidence,” Red Oak coach Jeff Sutton said. “We’ve had a lead in the fourth quarter both games against them. Their press is just so tough. Seeing them three times, them being a district opponent, was a benefit to us.”

The game began as a track meet, with Red Oak bursting out of the gate to a 15-5 lead after one period thanks to close-range baskets in transition.

The high-speed game continued in the second quarter, but Seguin settled into the pace, narrowing the deficit to 24-20 at the half.

The difference Tuesday for Red Oak was its post play and a hot outside scoring touch from several shooters.

Red Oak hit four 3-pointers in the second half as the left corner opened up from the inside-out game with the posts. However, when the ball found its way to the low post, there was not much Seguin could do to shut out 5-foot-11 forward Chelsea Warren, who finished with 10 points.

Red Oak had an added advantage in the post due to a hamstring injury Seguin forward Dwanisha Tate suffered the day before the game that left her less than her normal self.

“I wish we could have been fully healthy to play this game, but at this point in time there are no excuses and all the credit goes to Red Oak,” Phillips said.

Red Oak advances to the regional semifinal against Frisco Liberty at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Garland ISD Curtis Culwell Center.

For Seguin, it’s back to the off-season with a lingering bitter taste.

“For the seniors, it’s a sad day that their season had to end tonight and for the young ones, we just have to regroup for next year and come back in the off-season and remember this night and not want to feel it again,” Phillips said.

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