6A State Championship: Standouts from Duncanville vs Cypress Creek
The UIL postseason has finally drawn to a conclusion in Texas. The Duncanville Pantherettes faced off against the Cypress Creek Cougars Saturday night in San Antonio to see who would be crowned 6A state champions. Cy Creek hung around early…
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Continue ReadingThe UIL postseason has finally drawn to a conclusion in Texas. The Duncanville Pantherettes faced off against the Cypress Creek Cougars Saturday night in San Antonio to see who would be crowned 6A state champions. Cy Creek hung around early on in this contest and even cut the deficit to four points early in the third quarter, but Duncanville managed to regain momentum and maintain a comfortable lead for the remainder of the game. The Pantherettes ultimately ended up winning 63-47 to capture their 11th state title in program history.
Here are seven standout prospects from this championship matchup:
Deja Kelly Deja Kelly 5'8" | PG Duncanville | 2020 State TX – 2020 5’8 Combo Guard (Drive Nation EYBL) Duncanville HS – The future Tar Heel didn’t have her best game from the field, but she more than made up for it with her success at the free throw line. She converted on 12 of her 15 foul shots and finished the final game of her high school career with a team-high 23 points. Kelly has an affinity for pull up jumpers and knows how to get to her spots by utilizing her crafty handle. She can score from all three levels as well as distribute the ball at an elite level. The senior guard was deservedly named the 6A MVP of the state tournament.
Tristen Taylor Tristen Taylor 5'4" | PG Duncanville | 2023 State TX – 2023 5’5 Point Guard Duncanville HS – The freshman floor general had a tremendous game for the Pantherettes. She has a quick first step that keeps defenders on their heels when she is handling the ball. Taylor scored the first five points of the night for Duncanville and continuously did damage as a scorer in the paint with a variety of different floaters and runners. She made some beautiful passes too. It will be fascinating to see how her role increases next season now that Kelly is off to college.
Zaria Rufus Zaria Rufus 5'11" | PF Duncanville | 2021 State TX – 2021 6’0 Power Forward (Drive Nation 16U EYBL) Duncanville HS – Rufus held her own playing across from some talented bigs from Cy Creek. She made timely cuts and finished plays close to the basket, accounting for 12 points vs. the Cougars. She also came up with four steals and several big-time rebounds. The junior forward can do a little bit of everything at both ends and does it all well.
Laila McLeod – 2022 5’10 Forward (Drive Nation 16U EYBL) Duncanville HS – The sophomore forward is an excellent interior passer. She made some great touch passes while doubled in the post that led to easy buckets for her teammates. McLeod is a good rebounder as well with a knack for tracking the ball in the air. Additionally, she is a versatile defender and has solid touch in the paint.
Kyndall Hunter Kyndall Hunter 5'8" | SG Cypress Creek | 2021 State #23 Nation TX – 2021 5’8 Combo Guard (CyFair EYBL) Cypress Creek HS – Hunter shouldered the majority of the scoring load for Cy Creek during this matchup, finishing with a game-high 24 points. She hit several deep threes and has the ability to shoot the triple off the bounce or from the catch. The No. 2 ranked player in our 2021 rankings also has exceptional body control when she drives to the basket and can finish through traffic with ease. She is going to be a stud during her senior campaign next season.
Taylor Jackson Taylor Jackson 6'1" | C Cy Creek | 2021 State TX – 2021 6’3 Center (Cy Fair Premier) Cypress Creek HS – Jackson had a big game on the offensive glass. She was responsible for a pair of three-point plays, both of which came as a result of offensive rebounds. The junior center is great at carving out space for herself on the block. She finished the night with eight points and eight rebounds.
Morgan Hill Morgan Hill 6'1" | PF Cypress Creek | 2020 State TX – 2020 6’3 Power Forward (Skyrise Elite) Cypress Creek HS – Hill went down with an injury early in the first quarter but returned shortly after. Her long and wiry frame combined with her terrific rebounding instincts allow her to dominate on the boards. The Louisiana Monroe commit dives hard to the basket and can finish over the top with a soft touch. She also accounted for an impressive block during this contest.