Unfortunately, it's over. In the area round, all of our local girls basketball squads (5A and 4A) were eliminated from the state playoffs. While it appears that El Paso is still in need of improvement to compete at the state level, I want to just highlight some of the good hoops action we saw this year.
In District 1-5A:
We saw Hanks dominate throughout the year with only one loss in the city. They showed great poise and determination when it got tough and they now have a district championship to show for that. In the playoffs they were only one-point away from advancing and who knows what they could have done in the next round.
Americas, despite losing Tammy Acosta, had another strong showing and even found a brand new star in Teshia King, who will graduate this year. Next year the question will be if Americas can find it's next new star or if it will be a year of rebuilding.
Socorro broke into the playoffs for the first time since 2000. They're sharpshooting guards helped dig them out of holes with a plethora of 3's. It will be interesting to see if next year can the Bulldogs take another step forward.
El Dorado emerged as a bit of a contender in 1-5A. Despite not making the playoffs, the Aztecs saw time in the top 10 poll and were fighting for a playoff spot.
In District 1-4A:
Burges and Chapin battled for first all-season long, until Andress rose up and grabbed the No. 2 spot from Burges as Chapin won it's district championship. All three teams used teamwork and to climb to the top of a competitive district.
Next year it will be interesting to see if Chapin and Burges continue its rivalry and if Andress can move from runner-up to championship contender.
Irvin may have been young but they sure didn't play like it. The Rockets, which had only one senior, rallied around teamwork and the hard-nosed play of Kayla Thornton to make the playoffs and win their bi-district match against Parkland. With just about everyone coming back how much better will Irvin be next year?
District 2-4A:
What can you say about Parkland? They have won the District title for five year straight now and continue to find great players like Priscilla Jordan and Angela Vines. There is no reason to believe that the Matadors won't be competing for their sixth championship next year, but they will have competition.
Ysleta and Riverside are both emerging programs and challenged Parkland in their meeting. Both coaches have their players believing in the system and using a mix of fundamentals and hustle to get better every day. They could be teams to watch next year.
But Horizon may be a team to watch for the next three years. The Scorpions used a late season surge to make the playoffs as the districts No. 4 seed. Once there they pulled off the biggest upset in El Paso defeating Chapin in overtime with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer. The shot was made by one of the teams three freshman starters. Meaning, they're young and dangerous in 2010.
In District 3-4A:
Clint dominated its district, and they looked good doing it. While they suffered the same fate as other in the playoffs, the question remains: will they do it again next year?
Meanwhile, the Tornillo girls looked like they were ready to make a run at the playoffs this year. They did come up short but its a good step to take into next year?
For those who like to comment, what was your favorite moment, team or game of this year? Was it a superstar performance, a team that you couldn't stop rooting for or was it classic game you will always remember? There were several bright spots in this year and I would like to hear what your favorite was.
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