SETX girls basketball preview

For some high school girls basketball programs, Tuesday night marks the end of the regular season and the beginning of a chance at a state title.

Hardin-Jefferson, Woodville and Legacy Christian Academy each represented Southeast Texas in their respective state title games last season, and have once again put themselves in a position to make another deep through the playoffs.

The H-J Lady Hawks fell in the 4A state final to Argyle, 49-41, in the 2019 playoffs and were led by then-freshman point guard Ashlon Jackson. This season, the Lady Hawks went undefeated in district for a second consecutive season.

Jackson continued to be an impact player for the Lady Hawks this year and reached the 1,000 career points milestone. She has been out with a sprained ankle since Jan. 17, but head coach Mike Fogo said Jackson is fully healthy and was back on the court for Tuesday’s game against Silsbee.

H-J will face Liberty Lady Panthers Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m. at Hardin-Jefferson High School.

In addition to the Lady Hawks, the Woodville Eagles were also a state final runner-up last season. The Eagles were defeated by Mount Pleasant Chapel Hill in the 3A final 55-46. The Eagles retained most of its roster from last season including 2019 UIL All-Tournament team seniors Jaydon Argumon and Jordyn Beaty.

The Eagles have been ranked by TABC all season and captured its fourth consecutive 21-3A title. The Eagles have displayed their offensive prowess in 13 district games. Against district opponenets, Woodville averaged 66.3 points per game, surpassed 80 points on five occasions and have eclipsed 100 points once.

Woodville faces Hardin Feb. 17 at Kountze High School.

In the TAPPS 3A girls basketball tournament, LCA will look to capture the state title that has evaded the Lady Warriors the last two seasons. Midland beat the Lady Warriors in the 2018 title game and then LCA lost to Midland 72-47 in the 2019 state final.

This year’s Lady Warriors team is led by junior guard, and 2019’s District 6-3A MVP, Kassi Chavez. Chavez leads a team, compiled of nearly all freshman in scoring with 16.8 points per game. She also leads the team in 3-point field goals made and is making them at a team-high 37%.

The Lady Warriors dropped its last district home game to The Woodlands Legacy Prep Christian Academy for an opportunity to be district champions. Despite entering playoffs as the second seed, the Lady Warriors had a first-round bye because of a forfeit. The Lady Warriors will take on the winner of Tomball Rosehill Christian and Halletsville Sacred Heart Catholic at a neutral site.

Other SETX girls basketball playoff teams

Beaumont United Lady Timberwolves: United went undefeated last season in District 21-6A and lost in the area round to Pearland 40-39. United defeated North Shore Feb. 14 and enters the playoffs as the No. 1 seed. The lady Timberwolves will play Humble Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Barbers Hill Field House.

West Brook Bruins : Under first-year head coach Ramona Locke, the Bruins have clinched a playoff spot after failing to make the playoffs in 2019. The Lady Bruins will take on Atascocita at at 6 p.m., Feb. 18 at Barbers Hill Field House.

Port Neches-Groves: PN-G will take on Dayton Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. to determine the No. 2 seed at Barbers Hill Field House in 21-5A. This is the second consecutive year PN-G girls basketball clinch a playoff birth after last season’s first-ever appearance. After winning the No. 2 seed in 21-5A, PN-G will play Galveston ball Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. at East Chambers High School.

Silsbee Lady Tigers: The Lady Tigers have locked up a spot once again for the playoffs. Silsbee advanced to the regional semifinal and lost to Fairfield 81-56 in 2019. The Lady Tigers finished district play as the third seed in 4A-22 and will play Tarkington Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. at East Chambers High School.

Lumberton Lady Raiders: The Lady Raiders will make the playoffs this season after failing to make it last season. Lumberton is led by junior Kayden Morris. Lumberton finished district play as the second seed in 22-4A and will play Tarkington Feb. 17 at 8 p.m. at Hardin-Jefferson High School.

West Orange-Stark Lady Mustangs: WO-S finished fourth in 22-4A with a 7-5 record and will take on Livingston — the 21-4A No. 1 seed — at 6 p.m. at Silsbee High School on Feb. 17. The Lady Mustangs did not make the playoffs last season.

Jasper Lady Bulldogs: The Lady Bulldogs were runner-ups in 20-4A last season and advanced to the area round where they lost to Midlothian Heritage, 75-46. The Lady Bulldogs (29-7) captured the 20-4A district title this season. The Lady Bulldogs will play on Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. against Palestine at Nacodoches High School.

Orangefield Lady Bobcats: The Lady Bobcats captured last season’s 22-3A district title and were eliminated in the area round of the 2019 playoffs by Coldspring-Oakhurst. Orangefield finished second in its district (10-4) this season and will take on Hemphill in the 3A bi-district playoff round Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. at Newton High School.

Buna Lady Cougars: Lady Cougars were runners-up in 22-3A and advanced to the area round of the 2019 playoffs before falling to Anderson-Shiro. Buna finished 11-3 this year in district play and won 22-3A title. The Lady Cougars will play its bi-district game on Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. against Central Heights High School at Zavala High School.

East Chambers Lady Buccaneers: East Chambers finished third last season in 22-3A and fell to Diboll in the bi-district round of the playoffs. Lady Bucs finished with third seed and will face Pollok Central Feb. 18 at 7:30p.m. at Woodville High School.

jorge.ramos@beaumontenterprise.com