Well, the season flew by! We saw big wins by teams like Shallowater over Monterey, Lubbock-Cooper and Frenship. We also saw Idalou knock off Shallowater and then saw Brownfield knock them both off in a 4-day span and Vega go undefeated throughout the Regular Season! Guys, get ready for the dance! There will be some great games, and a lot of 806 teams making their way to San Antonio! Here are some storylines to look for on the #806GoldBallChase.
1. Is Amarillo going to breeze by in 5A to a title, again?
Well, they have a great shot to. Zayla Tinner and the rest of the Golden Sandstorm are very dangerous, ranked #1 in the state and ranked Nationally as well. There may be someone in the Region that gives them a push, and that’s the Monterey Lady Plainsmen. Amarillo really took it to Monterey on their first visit, but the Lady Plainsmen hung in there and lost by nine the second time around. I think both teams will meet in the Regional Final in Snyder with the winner going to the State tournament!
2. Will Vega make it out in 2A‘s Region of doom?
How about Vega! 32-0 and ranked 2nd in the state! I looked at their bracket and they may have the toughest road of all 1 seeds. The Lady Longhorns should win their first round game easily against Hale Center, but that second round game will be the Area Round game of the week as they will most-likely play Panhandle! Vega is the real deal, and will have a road to San Antonio that will let everyone know in the process.
3. Canyon will play Argyle again in the Regional Tourney: Will It be a different result?
4A looks to be Canyon’s to come out of the Region, but we also thought that last year and Argyle defeated Canyon and Levelland on their way to the State Tournament! Coach Lombard’s Eagles will have revenge on their minds when they meet again and I expect Canyon to finish this time.
4. Will 2-3A have to knock each other out for a shot in the Regional Tournament?
This district was the most competitive in the 806 by a long shot! A very seasoned Shallowater squad led by Tynli Harris and Jordan Aragon will be the favorite to come out of this Region but Idalou has the tools to also win it all. Shaylee Stovall is primed for a great postseason run under Coach Helms; who is one of the best doing it! Littlefield is also going to pose a threat with Edgemon going bonkers every game and then there’s Brownfield.. Who beat two top-5 teams in 4 days! Bushland will give Littlefield a tough game and may beat them, but the other three games should see Idalou, Shallowater and Brownfield win their games.
5. Nazareth vs Ropes in the Regional Final again in 1A?
Yes. Nazareth is ranked number one in the state in 1A and are very well-tested. Now, for what it’s worth, I just saw Maggie Anderson and Ropes defeat a very good Trinity Christian team on the road on Friday. I can’t wait to see this game again as both teams should steamroll to the Regional Tourney in 1A
6. Are the Hilliard‘s about to make another run?
Here comes the Tigers! They went undefeated in District 2-6A play and look to really get going in the playoffs just like they did last year! Led by Maci Maddox and a host of other great players like Ashlyn Caddel, expect the Tigers to make a serious run for State!