KENNEDALE, Texas – A vibrant atmosphere enveloped several high schools across North Texas as teams prepared for the upcoming UIL boys’ basketball state championships. On Thursday, each school held special sendoff events to rally support for their athletes heading to San Antonio this weekend.
UIL Boys’ Basketball State Championships Overview
This year’s UIL boys’ basketball championships will showcase North Texas teams competing for state titles in various divisions.
Participating Schools
- Dallas Kimball High School – 4A Division I
- Kennedale High School – 4A Division II
- North Richland Hills Birdville High School – 5A Division I
- Mansfield Summit High School – 5A Division II
- Duncanville High School – 6A Division I
- Denton Guyer High School – 6A Division II
Match Previews for the State Championships
Dallas Kimball vs. Houston Washington
The Dallas Kimball Knights, with a storied legacy in basketball, are poised to chase their eighth UIL state title as they face Houston’s Washington High School. The matchup is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. Coach Nicke Smith expressed confidence, stating, “We feel real good about it. Some of us have been here before. Right now, we just have to keep these guys focused and come back with a victory.”
Kennedale vs. Houston Wheatley
After a challenging battle against Krum High School, the Kennedale Wildcats are just one victory away from claiming a spot in the Class 4A Division II state title game. They will compete against Houston’s Wheatley High School on Friday at 5 p.m. The excitement is palpable, prompting the cancellation of classes at Kennedale High School to encourage community support. Point guard Jacoby Lovings noted, “Everybody’s gonna be at the game. I know it’s a little far, but calling off school, it’s gonna be a lot of people there from Kennedale.” Coach Doug Groff emphasized the strong bond among the players, some of whom have been teammates since elementary school.
North Richland Hills Birdville vs. Beaumont West Brooks
The Birdville Hawks are set to make history as they play for their first-ever state title in program history. They will face Beaumont West Brooks on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Mansfield Summit vs. Fort Bend Marshall
Looking for their first championship win, Mansfield Summit’s Jaguars will clash with Fort Bend Marshall on Saturday at 11 a.m. Coach Emund Prichett shared his pride in his players, stating, “We’ve got exceptional talent. We’ve got exceptional kids with high character. But our hard work is definitely pushing us through.”
Duncanville vs. Houston Bellaire
In a highly anticipated matchup, Duncanville, a powerhouse in 6A Division I, will take on Bellaire High School in their quest for a sixth title, following a disqualification in 2022. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m.
Denton Guyer vs. Katy Jordan
Denton Guyer will compete against Katy Jordan High School during their inaugural attendance at a boys’ basketball state championship game. This contest takes place on Saturday at 5 p.m.
The Source: This information was gathered by FOX 4 reporters and photojournalists at several sendoff events and from the UIL website.
