The Big Stage: Top Area Matchups from 6A to 4A
Photographed by: Ayden Anwar
As the Texas UIL High School Boys Basketball playoffs move into the Area Round, the competition has narrowed to the elite. Based on the brackets provided, here is a breakdown of the most intriguing matchups to watch across Conference 4A-D2 through 6A-D2.
Conference 6A Division 1
Duncanville vs. Wylie: Duncanville remains the "final boss" of Texas basketball. After a 36-point win in Bi-District, they meet a Wylie team that is disciplined and patient. The question is whether Wylie’s half-court set can survive Duncanville’s transition speed.
Arlington Martin vs. Coppell: This is a heavyweight fight at Trinity High School. Martin is a defensive powerhouse, while Coppell proved their scoring depth in a double-digit win over Plano East.
Brennan vs. Round Rock: Set at Canyon Lake High School, this is the premier matchup in South/Central Texas. Brennan (San Antonio) is playing with extreme confidence, but Round Rock’s upset over Lake Travis shows they have the grit to win close games late.
Waxahachie vs. Sachse: This game at Forney features two of the most athletic rosters in the state. Waxahachie's 91-point explosion in round one suggests they are ready for a deep run.
Conference 6A Division 2
Little Elm vs. Dallas Jesuit: At Flower Mound High School, this matchup pits Little Elm’s high-octane offense (77 points in Bi-District) against Jesuit’s tactical, structured defense.
Shadow Creek vs. Summer Creek: A massive Houston-area battle. Both teams survived physical Bi-District games. Shadow Creek’s guard play vs. Summer Creek’s interior presence will be the key.
San Angelo Central vs. Crowley: Taking place at Abilene High, this is a clash of Regional titans. San Angelo Central looks to keep their momentum after a hard-fought win over Coronado.
Clemens vs. Hanna: A massive game for the San Antonio and RGV regions. Clemens looked sharp in their opener and now faces a Hanna team that dominated Edinburg.
Conference 5A Division 1
Frisco Heritage vs. Melissa: This is the headliner of 5A. Heritage dropped 80 points on Highland Park and looks like a title contender. Melissa countered with 77 points in their own win. This will likely be the highest-scoring game in the division.
Mansfield Timberview vs. Denton: Timberview is a perennial power and looked the part in an 81-52 blowout. Denton is the defensive counter-punch, having held their previous opponent to just 29 points.
Lufkin vs. Frisco Reedy: Reedy survived a 3-point thriller to get here. They now face a Lufkin team that is physically imposing and plays a very aggressive style of ball.
Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial vs. Edinburg Vela: A classic South Texas rivalry at Alice High School. Both teams are battle-tested and represent the best of their respective districts.
Conference 5A Division 2
Lake Creek vs. Beaumont United: Beaumont United is a household name in Texas hoops, but Lake Creek’s 21-point win over Dayton shows they aren't intimidated. This game at Goose Creek Memorial is a de facto Regional Final.
Anna vs. Frisco Memorial: Anna’s transition to 5A has been seamless, evidenced by an 87-point performance. They face a Frisco Memorial team that specializes in "grinding" games out defensively.
Poteet vs. Ellison: At West High School, this matchup features two teams that pride themselves on mid-range scoring and transition defense.
Fort Bend Marshall vs. Pflugerville: Marshall’s 30-point margin of victory in Bi-District makes them the favorite, but Pflugerville’s defensive scheme is designed to slow down high-speed teams.
Conference 4A Division 2
Silsbee vs. Yates: This is a "State Final" caliber matchup happening in the Area Round. Yates scored 110 points in their opening game. Silsbee is one of the few teams in the state with the speed to actually run with them.
Krum vs. Liberty: Krum put up 87 points and looks nearly impossible to stop when their shooters are hot. Liberty will need to dominate the glass to keep Krum’s possessions limited.
Randall vs. Mountain View: A battle for West Texas. Both teams won by 30+ points in the Bi-District round. Randall’s experience in big games might give them the edge in what should be a physical contest.
Van Alstyne vs. Kennedale: Taking place at Denton Braswell, this features two programs with rich playoff histories. Van Alstyne’s 91-point outburst against Summit Prep makes them the team to watch here.a