LUBBOCK-COOPER, MONTEREY AHEAD OF PACK IN 4-5A’S CHASE FOR A DISTRICT CROWN

Well, one round is complete in district 4-5A and after analyzing all the teams that I have seen play in their first five games on the hardwood, there is one thing that is for certain: Lubbock-Cooper and Monterey are significantly ahead of the other four teams. Here is my outlook for the four teams in the 806 in this district and their playoff chances, coming into the second round of district play.

The Lady Pirates, led by Coach Lovorn are a very dangerous team and when they are hitting their outside shots, they are unbeatable. Majik Esquivel has been a great addition to their team and Adlee Blacklock is getting back healthy and will be counted on for the end of the season run. Catalina Cortez, who committed to Hardin-Simmons last week to continue her academic and athletic career, is the glue that holds the team together. Big things come in small packages and for as small as she is, her heart’s size can’t be measured. This is their district to lose, and are the favorites to come out of Region One for now.

Let’s get to Monterey real quick. This team has two players that will end up on the All-State team in 5A with the super freshman, Aaliyah Chavez, and Kelly Mora; who has dominated down low and has range out to the three-point line! Their only loss came to Lubbock-Cooper last Tuesday by 10 points on the road at the red box. One thing is for sure: The Lady Plainsmen have to be more disciplined on their defensive assignments and close out on the shooters or they won’t go very far in the playoffs. The Lady Pirates hit 16 three-pointers against Monterey in their win and some players had three, and four seconds to gather and shoot; that’s not a great recipe for winning. There is potential for the Lady Plainsmen to do some damage if they lock in on defense. I vehemently remember the game Monterey won against 5th-ranked Pflugerville-Hendrickson in the tournament in Austin and that was maybe Monterey’s best defensive effort I’ve seen! Tatiana Trotter, Jazz, Charli, Campos and others will have to step up and score at critical times if Monterey wants to go on a run. I wouldn’t be surprised if they have to play Lubbock-Cooper two more times before the playoffs officially begin.

Coronado has had the injury bug this year and can’t seem to find their footing on offense. In their loss to Lubbock-Cooper, the Mustangs only conjured up 41 points; that won’t get it done in 5A basketball. Kya Smith, who is a coveted Division One prospect, has to get more help on the offensive side or the Mustangs will go home in the first round of the playoffs if they face off against the Amarillo Sandies; a team that is also a strong title favorite in 5A. Lubbock High: That team is very young and still trying to figure things out but have promising freshman including Mecailin Marshall; who has separated herself from those freshman and will be a big time prospect in 2025. Their 50-38 loss to Abilene Wylie was a very tough hit on their playoff chances and seeding because they don’t want to be in the fourth slot because they will be going home early from the postseason.

4-5A DISTRICT STANDINGS: Lubbock-Cooper 5-0

Monterey 4-1

Lubbock 2-3

Coronado 2-3

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Ab. Wylie 2-3

Ab. Cooper 0-5

Stay tuned for the second round of district play and let’s see how this shakes out! Jasone Pearson

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