With 2024 officially here, area high school basketball teams were able to prepare for district play by participating in Christmas tournaments and other games across the Coastal Bend last week.
The Ninth Annual Roy Williams Holiday Tournament, the Odem Lady Owl Christmas Class and the West Oso Arnold Flores Tournament were some of the few major tournaments taking place in and around Corpus Christi.
As teams turn the page on the new year, here are some takeaways and moments after this season’s holiday tournaments.
30-4A teams warm up at the right time
Several teams are clicking at the right time with district play underway but most notably, the Oso West And Beeville The girls are two teams that have been on impressive winning streaks as of late.
The Bears have won seven of their last eight games after going 4-1 in their home tournament and the Trojans, the defending district champions, have won nine of their last 10 games. West Oso is currently tied for first place with Beeville with a 4-0 record in District 30-4A play.
The district title could go to these two teams, but don’t sleep English sidewhich has what it takes to make a serious run in the coming weeks.
On the boys’ side, ranked by state Sinton, Ingleside and Beeville are both 1-0 in district play with West Oso close behind at 1-1. Get your popcorn ready because this could be a wild ending to the district crown.
Gregory-Portland continues to impress
THE Gregory-Portland Boys are off to a historic start to the season and could be on their way to the program’s first playoff appearance since 2010.
The Wildcats, who have won 18 of their last 20 games, recently competed in the Boerne tournament where they went 2-2 against Class 5A and 6A teams. Led by Shawn Williams (21 points per game), GP could be a force alongside district champion Miller.
THE Daughters of Gregory-Portland are also making noise after winning the Odem Lady Owl Classic and opening District 29-5A play in the North Zone with a 59-42 win over Victoria West. The emergence of Wildcat Bella Davis, Rheanna Escamilla and veteran freshman Madison Kilgore has been key to GP’s success.
Don’t sleep on Miller, London and Aransas Pass
The defending District 29-5A champion Bucks usually on a roll when district play begins. Even without star Damare Lister, Miller’s Corey Holmes stepped up his game to help Miller win seven of his last nine games.
THE London Boys are another team that turns on the jets when district play begins. The rise of junior AC Carpentier and the leadership of veteran coach Ron Lawver put the Pirates in position to make another attempt at the district crown.
Aransas Pass is loaded with young talent and with head coach Glen Hayes at the helm, don’t be surprised if the Panthers go on a serious winning streak in the coming weeks.
Other regional teams take care of it
Flour Bluff Girls and Boys: The Hornets have contended for the district crown year after year and are poised to do so again in 2024.
Girls and Boys of the Veterans Memorial: The two state-ranked teams are no strangers to facing tougher competition to prepare for district play.
The Ray boys: The Texans are another team to watch with strong play from junior Truman Thompson guiding Ray to a strong start.
The Carroll boys: The Tigers are 13-6 and have won two in a row heading into 29-5A South Zone play.
Tuloso-Midway boys and girls: The Warriors typically save their best play for the stretch of District 31-4A action.
Bishop girls and boys: Both playoff-tested Badgers teams look to win another district title in their final season in Class 4A.
Calallen girls and boys: Both teams are playing well with District 31-4A play underway. Look for the Wildcats to make some noise throughout 31-4A play.
Taft girls and boys: Both Greyhound teams are preparing for turnaround seasons and just in time with District 29-3A play underway.
San Diego Boys and Girls: Both Vaqueros teams play well behind a variety of scoring options from both teams.
Girls of Kingsville: The Brahmas opened District 31-4A play on a high note after a win over Robstown.
Ben Bolt’s boys: The Badgers have won five straight games to improve to 13-3.
Alice the boys: The Coyotes finished third at the Falfurrias Holiday tournament and are currently 15-7.
Port Aransas Girls and Boys: The state-ranked Marlins hope to make another run at the 31-2A crown. Meanwhile, the girls are off to a 2-0 start in district play.
Skidmore-Tynan girls and boys: The boys won 16 of their first 19 games while the girls got off to a 3-0 start in district play.
Girls of Pass Aransas: The playoff-tested Panthers hope to take another leap forward in 29-3A play.
The Agua Dulce boys: The Longhorns are 14-7 and have won four straight games.
Girls of London: The Pirates hope to make another deep run in the Class 3A playoffs.
More: Best players from this week’s high school basketball games in and around Corpus Christi
More: Coastal Bend High School Basketball Schedule, Scores Jan. 2-Jan. 5
