The Texas high school girls basketball playoffs are here.
UIL and TAPPS teams across the state can start postseason play as early as Monday, and all have the goal to reach their respective state tournaments.
Who in Central Texas has a chance to excel?
The American-Statesman takes a look at six teams from multiple levels and 14 players covering all positions who could thrive this postseason.
From undefeated Westlake to a seasoned TAPPS team to the area’s leading scorer at LASA, here’s who to keep an eye on as Texas’ version of March Madness gets underway.
(Teams and players listed in alphabetical order.)
Central Texas teams to watch
Glenn
The Grizzlies (30-3) won a loaded District 25-5A and feature one of the area’s top players in Elizabeth Lee. A first-round exit a year ago will provide further motivation, and there are several talented scoring options with Ariel Goppy, Cynthia Flournoy-Walker and Jennah Lee.
Hill Country Christian
The Knights (25-9) went undefeated in district play, have won 16 straight and are a legit contender for the TAPPS 4A state title. Hill Country Christian played several UIL Class 6A and 5A schools in nondistrict play — including Vandegrift, Hutto, Rouse and Anderson, locally — to prepare them for the postseason. Guards Jenna Hoffman, Haley Milton and Katie Hoffman give the Knights a formidable and experienced trio.
Liberty Hill
Will the Panthers repeat their run of a year ago when they finished runner-up in Class 5A Division II? It’s possible. Liberty Hill (28-7) finished second in District 25-5A and split its two games with Glenn. Reagan Robbins, Lindsey Bullock, Renee Stemmons and Kallahan Erps give the Panthers as good a foursome as anyone in the area outside of Westlake.
Vandegrift
Guards Saania Khawaja and Maddie Broxterman make the Vipers a threat for a deep playoff run. Either can score more than 20 points any given night, and they’re bolstered by talented teammates in Lexi Augustine, Ella Welton, Camden Stille and Lainey Cassens. Vandegrift (27-6) went a perfect 16-0 in winning District 25-6A.
Weiss
The Wolves (21-10) are peaking at the right time. They won seven straight to end the regular season and claim the District 23-5A title. With Ryland Reeves, Braelynn Gray and Krystyna Dennis leading the way, they have a shot to go three or four rounds deep in Class 5A Division II.
Westlake
The Chaps completed a perfect 35-0 regular season and haven’t won by less than 10 points since mid-December. Post Tamia King is arguably the best player in the area, while guard Geralynn Byers-Veal seems to be a sure-fire future Power 4 college player. But with guards Wynn Thorne and Molly Frazer, just to name a couple, Westlake is much more than a two-woman team.
Players to watch
Nadia and Nadine Adeleke, Vista Ridge: The twin sisters form a dangerous duo for a Rangers team that is making its annual postseason appearance under longtime coach Keith Allen.
Taryn Bussinger, Lake Travis: Dynamic guard averages more than 14 ppg for a Cavs team that enters the postseason with 23 wins.
Brooklyn Eubanks, Round Rock: An impressive combo guard, she can do it all for the Dragons offensively.
Jayla Green, Cedar Park: It’s tough to single out a single Timberwolf with Grace Slaughter, Hope Richardson and Ahnna Breiner also being so good. Green, a combo guard who will play at Baylor next year, could start for any team in Central Texas.
Grace Guzman, Bowie: A brilliant 3-point shooter, she can threaten the 20-point mark at any time if she gets hot.
Trinity Jackson, Hendrickson: The talented post and double-double machine makes the Hawks a threat to win any game. She surpassed 1,300 points and 1,000 rebounds for her career earlier this season.
Kyndall Johnson, LASA: Were the Raptors the surprise of the regular season finishing second in District 24-5A? Possibly. But Johnson keys their success by averaging an eye-popping 21 ppg.
Kiyah Lee, Pflugerville: She leads the Panthers in scoring averaging 14 ppg and will be a challenge for any opponent from her spot at forward.
Jo Malik, Georgetown: The Eagles won five of their last six to make the playoffs, with the senior guard playing a big factor in that. With the ability to score off the drive or from distance, Malik is built for the postseason.
Addy Ross, Pflugerville: An electric guard who can push the pace, she’s averaging 12 ppg for a Panthers team that will be a tough out.
Jillian Shirk, Austin High: The Maroons have played everyone close, with Shirk being a big reason why. She’s averaging 10.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4 spg and 3.3 apg.
Lucy Swanson, Anderson: Just a sophomore, the talented point guard is dangerous from the outside and will be a player to watch the next two years.
Lauren Smith, Crockett: The leading scorer for the District 24-5A champs averages 17.7 ppg.