
These Deep East Texas Teams Made The Preseason Basketball Top 25
We may be in the thick of high school football season in Texas, but varsity basketball is about two weeks away for many teams.
The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) has already released its state rankings for boys' teams, including numerous teams from Deep East Texas.
Lufkin Panthers
Lufkin is ranked 22nd in Class 5A. The Panthers were district champs last year, with a perfect 10-0 record and a 24-12 overall record. Lufkin's district foes in 2024-25 will include Nacogdoches, Texas High, Whitehouse, Tyler High, Jacksonville, Marshall, and Hallsville. Lufkin is the only team that made the top 25 rankings.
Shelbyville Dragons
Shelbyville is ranked 9th in the state in Class 2A. They finished 2nd in their district last year. The Dragons finished the season 29-8 overall and 9-3 in district play.
San Augustine Wolves
San Augustine will be playing in the same district as Shelbyville. The Wolves are ranked 18th in the state in Class 2A. Last year San Augustine won their district with a perfect 12-0 record. They finished 24-9 overall.
Timpson Bears
Timpson comes into the season ranked 17th in Class 2A. Last year, the Bears finished 3rd in district. Timpson advanced to the third round of the postseason playoffs.
Grapeland Sandies
Grapeland is ranked 20th in the state in Class 2A. Last season, the Sandies finished 26-11 on the year and 10-0 in district. They advanced to the 3rd round of the playoffs.
Brookeland Wildcats
Brookeland is ranked number four in the state in Class A. Last year, the Wildcats finished 14-0 in district, and had an overall record of 30-9. They finished one game shy of making the UIL State Tournament.
Wells Pirates
Wells is ranked 10th in the state in Class A. In 2023-24, the Pirates had one of their best seasons in school history. They finished 22-13 on the year, and 12-2 in district. They advanced all the way to the fourth round of the playoffs.
Slocum Mustangs
Slocum is ranked 20th in the state in Class A. Last year, the Mustangs did not make the playoffs, finishing 5th in district.
Centerville Bulldogs (Trinity County)
Centerville is not ranked in the top 25 in Class A, but I believe they could be a force in District 27-A. The Bulldog's roster will include a couple of outstanding players who transferred to the school over the summer.
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Gallery Credit: Danny Merrell