Boys basketball: What teams can win state championships? Keep an eye on these 5 squads
The Texas high school boys basketball playoffs start on Feb. 17, and playoff races are starting to take shape.
With split-division playoffs starting, small and large schools in their respective districts will be separated into Division I and Division II brackets. This creates opportunities; more state championships are up for grabs.
What teams from the greater Fort Worth area have realistic shots to compete for a title? Here are five boys and girls teams with the potential to make deep playoff runs.
Mansfield Lake Ridge
Mansfield Lake Ridge, the No. 3 ranked 6A squad by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches, is the team to beat in Texas’ toughest district. On Tuesday, Jan. 28, the Eagles defeated North Crowley to stay undefeated in district play.
With a larger enrollment, Lake Ridge will compete against large 6A schools, which could include No. 1 San Antonio Brennan, No. 2 Allen, No. 4 Duncanville and No. 7 North Crowley. The road will not be easy, but the Eagles have the talent to make some noise.
Their only losses are to No. 2 Allen and No. 7 Lancaster. Lake Ridge has an aggressive defense, a well-rounded offense and the talent to compete with the best teams in the state.
Mansfield Summit
Mansfield Summit has been dominant in Class 5A. The Jaguars are 10-0 in District 8-5A, have a 24-6 record and boast a No. 3 TABC ranking.
With a 1789 enrollment, Summit is likely heading to the division II bracket and will compete against smaller schools, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have an argument to be the best overall Class 5A team in Texas.
The Jaguars have competed closely against some elite 6A squads, such as No. 13 Denton Guyer and No. 3 Lake Ridge. Against ranked 5A competition, they’ve thrived. Summit thrashed No. 13 Burleson Centennial 67-23 in a shocking statement performance.
North Crowley
North Crowley (24-5, 6-2) has two district losses, both to Mansfield Lake Ridge, but don’t count out the Panthers. They have been struggling with injuries and still have time to refocus, solidify their identity, and make improvements.
North Crowley has made it past the area round every season since its 2008 state championship, with the 2019-20 season as the sole exception, and there is a reason for that. It’s a program that can compete with any team in Texas.
The Panthers have won their district 10 years in a row, but after the losses to Lake Ridge, they don’t control their destiny in the district race. Even without a district title, the Panthers’ 2024-25 squad can still cement their legacy in the postseason.
Basketball, especially in the playoffs, can come down to individual play of star players. North Crowley’s ace, sophomore guard Isaak Hayes, is coming off an injury. In his first game back vs. No. 3 Lake Ridge, he scored 22 points With more time on the court, Hayes and the rest of the team will rebuild familiarity and chemistry.
Fort Worth Eastern Hills
When it comes to Class 4A basketball, Fort Worth Eastern Hills is a consistent threat. Coach Melvin Miller has the Highlanders competing at a high level; they are undefeated in District 8-4A play and have a 16-7 overall record.
The star senior duo of guard Messiah Miller and forward Dorian Johnson are leading the way. Miller averages 22.1 points, three assists, 4.3 rebounds and 2.6 steals. Johnson averages 15 points, 2.9 assists, 8.5 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.2 blocks.
Eastern Hills, the TABC’s No. 4 ranked 4A squad, will enter the division I bracket with the larger 4A schools. The Highlanders were a title contender last season but were upset by Anna in the regional quarterfinals.
Lipan
The Lipan Indians are attempting to secure a rare Texas basketball achievement: A threepeat. Lipan has six state championships in program history, and another victory is a strong possibility this season.
Lipan is the TABC’s No. 2 Class 2A squad. The Indians were in the same position when they won a title in the 2023-24 season, and there are twice as many titles up for grabs. Lipan has a 10-0 record in District 11-2A.
This story was originally published January 31, 2025 at 1:33 PM.
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