Chapel Hill's Jared Jones (20) goes up for a shot during the Class 4A Region II area round Friday night at Lindale High School in Lindale. Chapel Hill won 51-46 and will advance to the third round of the playoffs.

TYLER LEGACY

Mascot: Red Raiders

Coach: Kevin Walker

District: 10-6A (Rockwall, Rockwall-Heath, Mesquite, North Mesquite, Mesquite Horn, Dallas Skyline)

2019-20 record: 7-19

Top returning players: Matt Wade (10.0 points, 6.0 rebounds) … Teon Erwin (11.0 points, 6.0 rebounds) … Will Mitchell … Nate Noland … Jaylon Spencer

Newcomers to watch: Deuteronomy Smith … Austin McCoo … Jamarion Robinson

Additional comments: “This is a great group that we have. We have five returners that have done a great job in helping get everyone on the same page and ready for this season. These guys come ready to work every day and we continue to get better. This is a fun group to coach and will be a team that you will want to see play.” — Walker

Did you know: Walker is 42-38 as a head coach. This will be his third year at Legacy, first as the head coach … Assistant coaches for the Red Raiders are Mike Smith, Justin Johnson, Brandon Rougely and Tim Johnson … Justin Johnson was a standout at John Tyler and Tyler Junior College before playing at Iowa. He was recently an assistant coach at TJC … Erwin was the All-East Texas Newcomer of the Year when he was at Chapel Hill in 2017-18.

TYLER HIGH

Mascot: Lions

Coach: Cedeno Clark

District: 16-5A (Huntsville, Nacogdoches, Lufkin, Whitehouse, Jacksonville)

2019-20 record: 7-17

Top returning players: Malik Ray, Ashad Walker, Christopher Clark, Jerome Jones

Newcomers to watch: Kyron Key, Shakavon Brooks

Additional comments: “This will be the smallest team I’ve coached in my tenure at Tyler High, we will definitely have to be a scrappy team that does all the little things right to be successful this year.” — Clark

Did you know: Tyler High will play its home games in the junior varsity gym. The capacity will be 50 percent, and tickets can only be purchased online.

WHITEHOUSE

Mascot: Wildcats

Coach: Brent Kelley

District: 16-5A (Huntsville, Nacogdoches, Lufkin, Tyler, Jacksonville)

2019-20 record: 12-19

Top returning players: Decarlton Wilson … Jalen Henry … Erick Hendrick

Did you know: Kelley is 233-129 as a head coach.

JACKSONVILLE

Mascot: Indians

Coach: Mark Alexander

District: 16-5A (Huntsville, Nacogdoches, Lufkin, Tyler, Whitehouse)

2019-20 record: 8-18

Top returning players: Vito High … Devin McCuin

LONGVIEW

Mascot: Lobos

Coach: Don Newton

District: 15-5A (Pine Tree, Hallsville, Marshall, Mount Pleasant, Sulphur Springs, Texas High)

2019-20 record: 24-10

Top returning players: Jalen Hale (8.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.9 steals) … DeMarcus Washington

Newcomers to watch: Caed Liebengood

You can count on: “The kids will compete and play hard.” – Newton

Needs work: “All new faces. Need to continue to mesh together.” – Newton

Did you know: Newton has a career coaching record of 397-235 … Hale started every game for the Lobos last season as a freshman, earning district Newcomer of the Year honors … Liebengood helped lead Trinity School of Texas to a TAPPS state championship last season, averaging 25.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 3.2 steals per game. He scored in double figures against every public school team the Titans played, including 34 against Mineola, 28 against New Diana, 40 against DeKalb and 21 against Harmony

PINE TREE

Mascot: Pirates

Coach: Brandon Shaver

District: 15-5A (Longview, Mount Pleasant, Sulphur Springs, Hallsville, Marshall, Texas High)

2019-20 record: 15-19

Top returning players: Daryus Gray (9.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.8 steals) … Torrel Collins

Newcomers to watch: D.J. Rockwell … Nate Adkins … Daelyn Evans … Jeremiah Blinks … Jonathan Fuller

You can count on: “We are going to play the full 32 minutes. We play hard and will get after you.” – Shaver

Needs work: “Experience for the players coming up from JV last year. We had a great JV team, but now we will need to contribute on the varsity team.” – Shaver

HALLSVILLE

Mascot: Bobcats

Coach: Rusty Walker

District: 15-5A (Pine Tree, Longview, Marshall, Mount Pleasant, Sulphur Springs, Texas High)

2019-20 record: 16-19

Top returning players: Benjamin Samples (18 points, 1,8 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 1 steal) … Jai Locario (7.5 points, 4.2 assists, 1.2 steals) … David Ruff (2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1 block) … Tanner Benson (5.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.1 steal) … Taylor Sheffield

Newcomers to watch: Anthon McDermott … Jackson Maples … Kameron Gaut … Austin Almond … Simon Griffith

You can count on: “The Bobcats hope to use strong depth and leadership as a catalyst for an exciting 2020-21 campaign. Samples and Locario provide experience as fourth-year varsity players, and Benson, Ruff, Sheffield, Trenton Smith and Zachar Florence also have a year of varsity experience. Luke Cheatham, Jake Hall and Conner Smith also saw limited varsity action last season and look ready to be solid contributors.” – Walker

Needs work: “We must rebound well as a team.” – Walker

MARSHALL

Mascot: Mavericks

Coach: Bobby Carson

District: 15-5A (Longview, Pine Tree, Hallsville, Mount Pleasant, Sulphur Springs, Texas High)

2019-20 record: 28-9

Top returning players: James Thomas … Jayson Tuck … Lyrik Rawls … Jack Mottershaw

Newcomers to watch: Domar Roberson … Carlos Hill … Kenneth Calloway … GiKovian McCoy

You can count on: “We have depth and will play hard.” – Carson

Needs work: “Players stepping up to replace the scoring output of last year’s seniors.” – Carson

Did you know: Carson has 776 career coaching wins … The Mavericks shared the district championship last season

TEXAS HIGH

Mascot: Tigers

Coach: Jacob Skinner

District: 15-5A (Longview, Pine Tree, Marshall, Hallsville, Sulphur Springs, Mount Pleasant)

2019-20 record: 16-16

Top returning players: Ben DePriest … Zane Dodson … Caleb Arnold … Gavon Smith … Michael Thomas … Braylon Stewart

Newcomers to watch: Jayden Godwin … Jakholbe Johnson … Damon Augustus

Did you know: The Tigers will have no returning seniors or starters from last year’s varsity squad until the end of football season … Texas High defeated current district member Marshall in bi-district play last season, and then lost to Lancaster in the area playoffs

ATHENS

Mascot: Hornets

Coach: Cliff Thompson

District: 14-4A (Brownsboro, Canton, Mabank, Van, Wills Point)

2019-20 record: 9-23

Top returning players: Derek Killingsworth

BROWNSBORO

Mascot: Bears

Coach: Brent Smith

District: 14-4A (Athens, Canton, Mabank, Van, Wills Point)

2019-20 record: 17-15

Top returning players: Malik English … Aidan Hardin

Did you know: Smith is 202-142 as a head coach

CANTON

Mascot: Eagles

Coach: Justin Burk

District: 14-4A (Athens, Brownsboro, Mabank, Van, Wills Point)

2019-20 record: 24-13

Top returning players: Ja’Braylon Pickens (12.0 points, 8.0 rebounds … Braden Hawkins … Nick Fenner

VAN

Mascot: Vandals

Coach: Kevin Brewer

District: 14-4A (Athens, Canton, Mabank, Brownsboro, Wills Point)

2019-20 record: 21-11

Top returning players: Javonta Thomas … Luca Kozhev … Aiden Carter

BULLARD

Mascot: Panthers

Coach: Heath Fults

District: 16-4A (Chapel Hill, Lindale, Kilgore, Spring Hill, Henderson, Cumberland Academy)

2019-20 record: 7-23

Top returning players: Riley Wood … Derek Garces … Carter Brooks … Peyton Ellis … Cameron Baldwin … Drake Kress … Hayden Medley … Riley Long

Newcomers to watch: Owen Thompson … Jordan Christopher … Cooper Callaway … Austin Hibbler … Cameron Dickenson … Trevor Adkins … Zack Tannery

Additional comments: “Basketball has returned to Bullard, Texas. We were a very young team last year and return the majority of the team with adding athletic players. We learned to compete last year and came close in many games. We have been hitting the weight room and court hard in offseason. We have had a record turnout for tryouts with over 55 players for grades 9-12. We want to play through people and welcome contact. We will have an army getting off the bus.” — Fults

Did you know: Assistant coaches for Bullard are Jake Goode, Don Gibson and Chad Ali.

CHAPEL HILL

Mascot: Bulldogs

Coach: Akimba Johnson

District: 16-4A (Bullard, Lindale, Kilgore, Spring Hill, Henderson, Cumberland Academy)

2019-20 record: 25-9

Top returning players: Tyson Berry (11.0 points, 8.0 assists, 5.0 steals … Jarell Hunter (10.6 points, 4.0 steals) … Jared Jones (14.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocks)

Newcomers to watch: Ahstin Watkins … Deuce McGregor … Keviyan Huddleston

Additional comments: “Protect the CULTURE. Play hard for 32 minutes and live with the results. These DOGS will be young but they will BATTLE.” — Johnson

Did you know: Johnson is the first Chapel Hill alumnus to reach the regional tournament with the Bulldogs as a player and as a head coach … Last season, the Bulldogs reached the regional tournament for the fourth time in program history — Johnson being a part of three of those … Assistant coaches for the Bulldogs are Andrew Rasmussen, Brian Crawford, Anthony Timms and Noble Kelley.

CUMBERLAND ACADEMY

Mascot: Knights

Coach: Robert Sampson

District: District: 16-4A (Bullard, Lindale, Kilgore, Spring Hill, Henderson, Chapel Hill)

2019-20 record: 11-14

Top returning players: Ethan Montgomery, Chris Hill

Did you know: Cumberland Academy advanced to the playoffs last season for the first time in program history.

KILGORE

Mascot: Bulldogs

Coach: Jeff Coleman

District: 16-4A (Spring Hill, Henderson, Lindale, Chapel Hill, Bullard, Cumberland Academy)

2019-20 record: 16-16

Top returning players: Jake Thompson … Thomas Hattaway … C.J. Ingram

Newcomers to watch: Bryson Parker … Isaac Hoberecht … Brian Brown

You can count on: “We have three returning starters, and should be a little more deep coming off the bench.” – Coleman

Needs work: “We need to become a better defensive team if we are to become a better team overall.” – Coleman

Did you know: Coleman has a 108-71 record at Kilgore

HENDERSON

Mascot: Lions

Coach: Josh Francis

District: 16-4A (Spring Hill, Lindale, Chapel Hill, Kilgore, Bullard, Cumberland Academy)

2019-20 record: 18-12

Top returning players: Bryson Collins … Devin Phillips … Tobaius Jackson

Newcomers to watch: Lee James

You can count on: “Our guys will play hard and play fast.” – Francis

Needs work: “Taking charges and shooting free throws.” – Francis

Did you know: Henderson went 11-1 in district play last season and won its first outright district title in more than 30 years

LINDALE

Mascot: Eagles

Coach: Chris Grotemat

District: 16-4A (Henderson, Spring Hill, Chapel Hill, Kilgore, Bullard, Cumberland Academy)

2019-20 record: 17-16

Top returning players: Colton Taylor (13 points, 4 assists) … Jaymond Jackson (8.2 points, 8.5 rebounds)

Newcomers to watch: Walter Smith … Colby Wood

You can count on: “Young team with strong offensive fundamentals and perimeter shooting.” – Grotemat

Needs work: “Young team must learn to defend at a high level. Preseason injuries are also a concern.” – Grotemat

Did you know: Grotemat is 221-164 as a head coach, including a 53-44 mark at Lindale … Assistant coach Spencer Terry was named the TABC Assistant Coach of the Year last season … Wood played at Brownsboro last season.

SPRING HILL

Mascot: Panthers

Coach: Dee Lewis

District: 16-4A (Kilgore, Henderson, Lindale, Chapel Hill, Bullard, Cumberland Academy)

Top returning players: Tyrese Jones … Curtis Crowe … Luke Hurst … Aaron Collier … Jax Stovall

Newcomers to watch: Kayden Miller … Taylor Riehemann … Marshall Lipsey … Easton Ballard

You can count on: “We will play hard, smart defense and should be able to shoot the ball from outside pretty well.” – Lewis

Needs work: “Limiting turnovers vs. pressure.” – Lewis

Did you know: Spring Hill will visit Gladewater on Nov. 30. Gladewater coach Curtis Armstrong coached Lewis and Spring Hill 9th grade coach Keith Johnson … Lewis, who has a 158-102 coaching record, will also coach the Spring Hill girls this season

CARTHAGE

Mascot: Bulldogs

Coach: Charlie Tucker

District: 17-4A (Center, Hudson, Jasper, Palestine, Rusk)

2019-20 record: 12-4

Top returning players: Montrel Hatten … Nate Marry … Nick Stewart … Kai Horton … Montrell Smith

Newcomers to watch: Camden Foster … Zay Woods … Freddy Lynch … Anthony Riggans

You can count on: “We have a lot of experience coming back from back-to-back district championship teams.” – Tucker

Needs work: “Due to our always-late start because of our late runs in football, we have a short time to develop team chemistry. From a coaching standpoint, we have a very short time to figure out what rotations work the best. That is always the most challenging part.” – Tucker

Did you know: Every player on the Bulldog rosters also plays football

RUSK

Mascot: Eagles

Coach: Jayme Bradley

District: 17-4A (Carthage, Center, Hudson, Jasper, Palestine)

Top returning players: Elijah Ward … Oliver Sturns … Trevion Attaway … Marco Torres … Terrick Foreman

Newcomers to watch: Chris McDuff … Owen McCown … Aiden McCown

You can count on: “My team will play extremely hard and with a lot of senior leadership that will be needed throughout the season.” – Bradley

Needs work: “We need to focus on us and to have each other’s backs no matter what.” – Bradley

Did you know: Owen McCown and Aiden McCown are the sons of NFL quarterback Josh McCown

CENTER

Mascot: Roughriders

Coach: Hiram Harrison

District: 17-4A (Carthage, Hudson, Jasper, Palestine, Rusk)

2019-20 record: 17-13

Top returning players: Mar Mar Evans (11.3 points, 2.3 assists) … Makel Johnson (10.3 points, 4.3 rebounds) … J.J. McCollister (9.5 points, 6.3 rebounds)

Players to watch: Jermaine Preston … Jake Liker … Marques Hall … Kayshaun Hoyt

You can count on: “The Riders will hang their hat on tough, solid team defense.” – Harrison

Needs work: “Although we will have several seniors, we will need to establish team unity.” – Harrison

Did you know: Harrison has a career coaching record of 493-255, including a 218-160 mark at Center

PALESTINE

Mascot: Wildcats

Coach: J.J. Johnson

District: 17-4A (Carthage, Jasper, Hudson, Center, Rusk)

2019-20 record: 24-13

Top returning players: Dreyon Barrett (17 points, 11 rebounds) … TaShun Wilson (4 points, 3.2 assists) … Elvin Calhoun (8 points, 5 rebounds) … D’Mauris Sessions … Ben Wages

Newcomers to watch: Carlton Wiggins … Kendrick Barrett … Dmyzjean Martin … Jerrod Walker

You can count on: “We will play hard and defend.” – Johnson

Needs work: “Shooting, because many play football and will take some time to get going. But we will be pretty good this year.” – Johnson

PITTSBURG

Mascot: Pirates

Coach: Jordan Bedford

District: 15-4A (Paris, Liberty-Eylau, Pleasant Grove, Gilmer, North Lamar)

2019-20 record: 5-22

Top returning players: Rickey Duffey

Newcomers to watch: Kemarian McCain … Dakevian Burns … Jacob Graham … Brayden Bolton … Dalton Field … Jaugar Farmer … Trazavian Carlock

You can count on: “We will play hard and grow on both ends of the floor as the season progresses.” – Bedford

Needs work: “Consistency on the defensive end. A lot of times, with a younger team, ther are little mistakes that are made on the defensive end that are capitalized on by the opponent at the varsity level. We will need to lock in on limiting those mistakes and being sound across the board.” – Bedford

Did you know: The Pirates lost to North Lamar in a tiebreaker for the fourth playoff spot in the district last season

LIBERTY-EYLAU

Mascot: Leopards

Coach: Earnest Girley

District: 15-4A (Gilmer, Pittsburg, North Lamar, Paris, Pleasant Grove)

2019-20 record: 20-12

Top returning players: Takalyn Hampton … Damien Henderson … Chris Lewis … Jaydin Hampton

Newcomers to watch: Jaquan Roberts

You can count on: “Our team will hang their hats on being very active and aggressive on defense as well as getting good shots and being efficient on offense.” Girley

Did you know: Liberty-Eylau’s gymnasium is called the Radar Dome after former superintendent Don Radar

EDGEWOOD

Mascot: Bulldogs

Coach: Jeff Mason

District: 12-3A (Commerce, Rains, Grand Saline, Lone Oak, Paris Chisum, Pattonville Prairiland)

2019-20 record: 22-12

Top returning players: Riley Pierce … Lucas Guyton … Travis McPherson … Colby Lasater … Jaden Elie … Heath Parker … Hudson Tyner

Did you know: Mason is in his second year at Edgewood and has 150 wins as a head coach … Assistant coaches are Mike Cassell and James Warren.

HARMONY

Mascot: Eagles

Coach: Jed Whitaker

District: 13-3A (Mineola, Quitman, Mount Vernon, Winnsboro, Winona, Mount Pleasant Chapel Hill)

2019-20 record:10-20

Top returning players: Logan Baker (12.5 points) … Jax Wilburn (6 points) … Carson Helpenstill … Evan Patterson … Dallin Seahorn

Newcomers to watch: Boston Seahorn … Chris Arrellano … Braxton Baker

You can count on: “Playing hard and hustle.” – Whitaker

Needs work: “We don’t have a lot of size, so rebounding will be the key.” – Whitaker

Did you know: Whitaker was girls coach at Harmony for 13 years. He has also been football coach and athletic director and superintendent at Harmony before retiring and then getting back into coaching for the last five seasons

MINEOLA

Mascot: Yellow Jackets

Coach: Ryan Steadman

District: 13-3A (Harmony, Quitman, Mount Vernon, Winnsboro, Winona, Mount Pleasant Chapel Hill)

2019-20 record: 24-7

Top returning players: Jonah Fischer … T.J. Moreland … Dawson Pendergrass

Newcomers to watch: Hunter Vandover … Conner Gipson … Stephen Oqueri

You can count on: “Experience and leadership.” – Steadman

Needs work: “Working on playing together.” – Steadman

Did you know: The team’s assistant coach is 2019 Mineola graduate Jaylon Harper

WINONA

Mascot: WILDCATS

Coach: James Mosley

District: 13-3A (Harmony, Mineola, Mount Vernon, Mount Pleasant Chapel Hill, Winnsboro, Quitman)

2019-20 record: 11-12

Top returning players: Cameron Small … Jordan Benson … Kendrick Peavy … Arimon Ford

Did you know: Smalls was the district Defensive MVP last season.

ATLANTA

Mascot: Rabbits

Coach: Jarrod Boston

District: 14-3A (DeKalb, New Boston, Hooks, Paul Pewitt, Queen City, Redwater)

2019-20 record: 30-5

Top returning players: Daimion Collins (25.0 points, 13.0 rebounds, 7.0 blocks) … Keyshawn Easter (11.0 points, 5.0 assists) … Alex Boston (11.0 points) … Caleb Hamilton

Did you know: Boston is 321-202 as a head coach … Collins is a five-star recruit who has signed with the University of Kentucky. He is projected as a Top 10 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

SABINE

Mascot: Cardinals

Coach: Colby Carr

District: 15-3A (White Oak, Daingerfield, Ore City, Gladewater, New Diana, Hughes Springs)

2019-20 record: 17-14

Top returning players: David Robinson (7.8 points, 4.5 assists, 1.6 steals) … Breydan Pobuda (7.1 points, 5.2 rebounds)

You can count on: “Solid defense, great effort, unselfish play.” – Carr

Needs work: “Scoring the ball, mastering the details and communication.” – Carr

Did you know: Pobuda was averaging 10 points and 10 rebounds per game before suffering an ankle injury in the third district game and missing the next nine games … The Cardinals were 9-5 in district play last season … Chaston Pruitt and Jason Heffner are assistant coaches for the Cardinals.

WHITE OAK

Mascot: Roughnecks

Coach: Brett Cloud

District: 15-3A (Sabine, Daingerfield, Ore City, Gladewater, New Diana, Hughes Springs)

2019-20 record: 13-17

Top returning players: Carson Bower (10 points) … Brian Williams (12 points) … Gunner Solis (10 points) … Adrian Mumphrey (6 points) … Landon Anderson (6.1 points)

Newcomers to watch: Ben Jacyno

You can count on: “We have an experienced varsity team with eight players who logged varsity minutes last year, and four returning starters. We have solid inside and outside scoring ability. My guys will play fundamental basketball.” – Cloud

Needs work: “We must fully commit to playing a tougher brand of basketball on both ends of the court.” – Cloud

Did you know: Cloud, starting his fifth year at White Oak, has a career coaching record of 96-88

NEW DIANA

Mascot: Eagles

Coach: Ryan Herring

District: 15-3A (White Oak, Sabine, Gladewater, Ore City, Hughes Springs, Daingerfield)

2019-20 record: 8-28

Top returning players: Colton Hightower (10.9 points, 5.7 rebounds) … Peyton Brewer (4.1 points, 4.3 rebounds)

Newcomers to watch: Austin Kerns … Chase Woodrum … Cohle Sherman … Kaid Brack … Cagan Abbas … Matthew Smith … Sam Qualls … Mason Mallon

You can count on: “I think our execution on offense and defense will be at a very high level since these guys are getting into year two of having the same system.” – Herring

Needs work: “We have a lot of young guys playing key roles on varsity, so it will take time for them to adjust from middle school basksetball.” – Herring

Did you know: Herring is also the girl’s varsity basketball coach at New Diana

ORE CITY

Mascot: Rebels

Coach: Raymond Lopez

District: 15-3A (Daingerfield, Hughes Springs, Gladewater, New Diana, White Oak, Sabine)

2019-20 record: 18-15

Top returning players: Ryan Shastid (19.8 points, 8.7 rebonds) … Jeremy Kyle (8.8 points, 5.5 rebounds)

Newcomers to watch: Luis Lara … Donovyn Black

You can count on: “Defense will keep us in games.” – Lopez

Needs work: “Team chemistry and youth.” – Lopez

Did you know: Lopez has a 318-162 career coaching record and a 34-30 record at Ore City

ARP

Mascot: Tigers

Coach: Joe Crawford

District: 16-3A (Tatum, Jefferson, Waskom, Troup, West Rusk, Elysian Fields, Harleton)

2019-20 record: 21-6

Top returning players: Jonathon Blackwell (12.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.9 steals) … Zachariah Mauldin (3.7 points, 5.7 assists) … Colton Birdsong (9.0 points) … Daniel Clary (9.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.3 blocks) … Kadaylon Williams (5.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.8 steals)

TROUP

Mascot: Tigers

Coach: Darin Harley

District: 16-3A (Tatum, Jefferson, Waskom, Arp, West Rusk, Elysian Fields, Harleton)

2019-20 record: 29-10

Top returning players: Bracey Cover … Matthew Castillo … Clayton Vickers

Did you know: Harley is 327-244 as a head coach

WEST RUSK

Mascot: Raiders

Coach: Chad Hlavaty

District: 16-3A (Arp, Troup, Jefferson, Tatum, Elysian Fields, Harleton, Waskom)

2019-20 record: 19-13

Top returning players: Jimmie Harper (5 points, 6 rebounds) … Jaxon Farqhuar (5 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block) … Jamal Ford (2 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds)

Newcomers to watch: Andon Mata … Carson Martin

You can count on: “We will be athletic and play hard. We will also be in the second year of the system, and the kids will be more comfortable.” – Hlavaty

Needs work: “Offense. We are lostover 60% of our points from last season due to graduation. We will be sophomore heavy with those guys expected to contribute even more to the scoring output this season.” Hlavaty

Did you know: West Rusk faced – and defeated – a team from Australia last season

WASKOM

Mascot: Wildcats

Coach: Jon Waldrop

District: 16-3A (Arp, Elysian Fields, Tatum, Jefferson, West Rusk, Harleton, Troup)

2019-20 record: 16-17

Top returning players: Paxton Keeling (13.8 points, 2.4 assists, 1.2 steals) … Zay Thomas (14.1 points, 3.2 assists, 2.8 steals) … D.J. Feaster (7.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.1 steals) … Jayvis Jones (6.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.2 steals) … Carter Watson (8.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.2 blocks)

Newcomers to watch: Layton Luster … Tyler Davis

You can count on: “We will show up every day and work to get better. They will play hard at all times and get after people on defense.” – Waldrop

Needs work: “We must get better on the defensive glass.” – Waldrop

Did you know: Waskom had won nine total games in the three previous seasons before winning 16 times last year … The Wildcats lost to Arp – a district rival this year – in the opening round of last season’s playoffs

TATUM

Mascot: Eagles

Coach: Brett Carr

District: 16-3A (Waskom, Arp, Elysian Fields, Jefferson, West Rusk, Harleton, Troup)

Top returning players: Decartiyay Allison … Bryan Hawkins … Kendall Williams … Drake Walton … Dalone Fuller … Kendric Malone … Ty Bridges … MarKendrick Beall … Trey Fite … Haden Crowley … Jayden Boyd

You can count on: “I think we will be hungrier this year. Last year we were young and coming off a regional tournament as freshmen. I think the loss to Troup (regional quarterfinals) really hurt. Nothing like pain for motivation.” – Carr

Needs work: “Almost all of our kids are football players, and I believe we will be getting a late start. They are having a good season in football.” – Carr

Did you know: Tatum is the only school in the United States with two players in the NHSF record book top 10 3-point shooters – Jaime Bradley with 171 and Robbie Rockwell with 168

MALAKOFF

Mascot: Tigers

Coach: Don Enis

District: 18-3A (Scurry-Rosser, Eustace, Palmer, Blooming Grove, Rice, Mildred, Kemp)

2019-20 record: 28-6

Top returning players: Klayton Copeland … Haydin Thomas

ELKHART

Mascot: Elks

Coach: Danny Dubois

District: 20-3A (Buffalo, Crockett, Fairfield, Franklin, Groesbeck, Teague, Westwood)

2019-20 record: 19-15

Top returning players: Cale Starr … Josh Davis … R.J. Moore

Newcomers to watch: Wyett Thomas

You can count on: “We will be able to shoot the ball pretty well this year.” – Dubois

Needs work: “We need to find some depth.” – Dubois

Did you know: Dubois is in his first year at Elkhart … The Elks will play six teams ranked in the preseason top 25

MARTIN’S MILL

Mascot: Mustangs

Coach: Doug Boxell

District: 19-2A (LaPoynor, Cayuga, Frankton, Kerens, Cross Roads)

2019-20 record: 39-0

Top returning players: Carter Jones (13.0 points, 8.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds … Dylan Morrow (14.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists) … Logan Morrow (15.0 points, 4.0 assists, 4.0 rebounds) … Jose Valenzuela … Colton Powers … Tanner Waynick

Newcomers to watch: Christian Moss … Arnold Gutierez … Jose Perez

Did you know: Boxell has a record of 839-259 at the high school level and 30-69 in college … The assistant coach is Josh Jones … Martin’s Mill made it to the state tournament with an undefeated record and were crowned state champions after the state tournament was stopped due to COVID-19.

LAPOYNOR

Mascot: Flyers

Coach: Dean Nuckolls

District: 19-2A (Martin’s Mill, Cayuga, Frankton, Kerens, Cross Roads)

2019-20 record: 34-3

Top returning players: Kamron Eldridge (11.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists) … Garrett Nuckolls (13.0 points, 4.2 rebounds) … Kase Johnston (7.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists) … DiJuan Whitehead

Did you know: Nuckolls is 358-107 in his career as a head coach … The Flyers won their state semifinal game last year before the state tournament was stopped due to COVID-19.

GRAPELAND

Mascot: Sandies

Coach: Blake Doughty

District: 20-2A (Centerville, Lovelady, Slocum, Groveton, Jewett Leon, Latexo)

2019-20 record: 36-2

Top returning players: BJ Lamb (15.9 points, 5.8 assists, 4.9 rebounds, 3.7 steals) … Keizion Ashford (14.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 4.2 steals) … Cadarian Wiley (13.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.3 steals, 1.1 blocks) … Riley Murchison (8.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks) … Michael Dancer … Lekerian Smith

Newcomers to watch: Omarian Wiley … Johnny Lamb … Cole Goolsby

Did you know: Doughty is in his second year with the Sandies and is 91-41 overall as a head coach. Assistant coaches are Tyler Terry and Kevin Anderson … Lamb was the district MVP, All-State and All-Region last season. Ashford is a two-time district Defensive Player of the Year and was also All-State and All-Region … The Sandies lost in the regional finals last season.

BIG SANDY

Mascot: Wildcats

Coach: Kerry Strong

District: 21-2A (Hawkins, Union Grove, Beckville, Carlisle, Overton)

2019-20 record: 25-7

Top returning players: The Wildcats graduated eight seniors

Newcomers to watch: Sean Gregory

You can count on: “As a young team, I feel very confident we will continue to improve as the season progresses.” – Strong

Needs work: “With all of last year’s varsity players graduating, we will need some younger guys to step up and take a leadership role.” – Strong

Did you know: Strong has a 231-125 overall coaching record, and needs just two wins (198-98) to record his 200th victory at Big Sandy

BECKVILLE

Mascot: Bearcats

Coach: Tim Ender

District: 21-2A (Big Sandy, Hawkins, Overton, Union Grove, Carlisle)

Players to watch: J’Koby Williams … Elijah Ramsey … Jayden Mojica … Ryan Harris … Matt Barr … Jeremiah Steph

You can count on: “The Bearcats will play tough defense every night.” – Ender

Needs work: “We will need to learn the offensive system fast.” – Ender

Did you know: Ender has a career coaching record of 353-172

UNION GROVE

Mascot: Lions

Coach: Cody Wilson

District: 21-2A (Big Sandy, Beckville, Hawkins, Overton, Carlisle)

2019-20 record: 24-8

Top returning players: Cooper Vestal … Kole Burns … Matthew Bower

You can count on: “We are senior heavy. We have a few guys that have played varsity basketball since they were freshmen, so the leadership is there and they bring it every day.” – Wilson

Needs work: “We have to have a few guys step up and handle the ball better, and the shot selection needs to be a little better.” – Wilson

Did you know: Coach Wilson played basketball at Martin’s Mill

CARLISLE

Mascot: Indians

Coach: Jerod Roland

District: 21-2A (Union Grove, Big Sandy, Beckville, Hawkins, Overton)

2019-20 record: 10-14

Players to watch: Matthew Rigdon (26 ppg. At Richland Springs) … Griffin Rigdon (25.5 ppg at Richland Springs) … Brett Roland (8 points) … Carlos DeLeon

You can count on: “Most of our success depends on making it through football fully healthy. If we can do that, we will have a really good chance to complete for a playoff spot. With the hiring of coach Rigdon, we have added some desperately needed scoring with his sons, Matthew and Griffin, who were both 1A all-state performers last year. Pairing them with returning starters Brett Roland and Carlos DeLeon makes the Indians primed to make a run at a district title.” – Roland

LANEVILLE

Mascot: Yellowjackets

Coach: Tracy Kincade

District: 27-A (Neches, Wells, Kennard, Oakwood, Groveton Centerville, Apple Springs)

2019-20 record: 27-7

Top returning players: Deandre Thomas … Eddie Session … Jeroderick Arnett … Jamarcus Blanton … Eros Montelongo … Jamil Rogers

Newcomers to watch: Dee Lewis … Victor Hernandez … Adolfo Martinez

Additional comments: “This team will compete at a very high level. They will get after you for 94 feet and play up-tempo on the offensive end. The 6-7 Session will dominate games along with Thomas. These two are really special and can play at the next level.” — Kincade

Did you know: Laneville has been to 10 state tournaments, winning three … Kincade should surpass the 300-win mark this season … Laneville has just 50 kids in its high school. All of the boys, except four, play basketball.

BISHOP GORMAN

Mascot: Crusaders

Coach: Kevin Murray

District: 2-4A TAPPS (All Saints, Arlington Grace Prep, Arlington Pantego Christian, Dallas Shelton, Dallas The Covenant School)

2019-20 record: 10-15

Top returning players: Chris Green

ALL SAINTS

Mascot: Trojans

Coach: Brian Jones

District: 2-4A TAPPS (Bishop Gorman, Arlington Grace Prep, Arlington Pantego Christian, Dallas Shelton, Dallas The Covenant School)

2019-20 record: 10-16

Top returning players: Nick Davis

GRACE COMMUNITY

Mascot: Cougars

Coach: David Robinson

District: 2-5A TAPPS (Brook Hill, Dallas Christian, McKinney Christian, Garland Brighter Horizons, Dallas Cristo Rey, Dallas Bishop Dunne)

2019-20 record: 10-14

Top returning players: Nathan Luce

BROOK HILL

Mascot: Guard

Coach: Jacob Agnew

District: 2-5A TAPPS (Grace Community, Dallas Christian, McKinney Christian, Garland Brighter Horizons, Dallas Cristo Rey, Dallas Bishop Dunne)

2019-20 record: 17-9

Top returning players: Joseph Johnson … TyJuan Cannon … TyShuan Cannon … Grayson Murry

UNION HILL

Mascot: Bulldogs

Coach: Mitchell Bunn

District: 24-A (Avery, Bloomburg, Saltillo, Sulphur Bluff, Yantis, Avinger)

Top returning players: Ryan Brown … Tre Venters … Cristian Aguillon

Newcomers to watch: Tevin Bigbee … Daniel Dunn

You can count on: “An athletic team that brings the intensity.” – Bunn

Needs work: “Learning a new system and how they need to play.” – Bunn

Did you know: Bunn is a 2014 Beckville High School graduate

TYLER HEAT

Coach: Jason Carlile

District: National Christian Homeschool Championship

2019-20 record: 19-18

Top returning players: Josh Deever …Zach Stoner … Jake Carlile (13.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.0 steals) … Brayden Cox (13.9 points, 2.4 assists) … Luke Emerson (9.0 points, 4.8 rebounds)

Newcomers to watch: Jade Muse … Cayden Tomlin … Jackson Tomlin

Additional comments: “Our returning players have been together for a while and are now becoming upperclassmen, in addition to some strong newcomers, so we are very excited about this season. We appreciate all of the local public and private schools that we have increasingly added to our schedule over the past few years. We have a strong, competitive schedule ahead of us and look forward to the opportunity of competing against some very respected and traditionally strong programs all around East Texas.” — Carlile

Did you know: Assistant coaches are Ryan Tomlin and Chad Morgan … All of Tyler HEAT’s players are homeschooled and follow guidelines set by the NCHC (National Christian Homeschool Championship) organization that has been in existence since 1991. They attend district, regional and national tournaments, which include teams (10U-18U boys and girls) from all over the United States. There are more than 200 teams that attend the regional tournament and more than 350 that attend nationals each year … Other Tyler HEAT sports include girls basketball, football, volleyball, track and field, cross country and baseball.

TRINITY SCHOOL

Mascot: Titans

Coach: Bo Powers

Top returning players: Marlin Reeves(10.2 points, 9.1 rebounds) … Jy Baxter (10 points, 4.8 assists, 4.1 steals) … Patrick Pither (6.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.9 steals0

You can count on: “Tough defense.” – Powers

Needs work: “3-point shooting.” – Powers

Did you know: The Titans finished with a 20-4 record last season and won the TAPPS Class A state championship

LONGVIEW CHRISTIAN

Mascot: Eagles

Coach: Steven Holland

District: TAPPS District 3 (Dallas First Baptist Academy, Garland Christian, Ovilla Christian, Trinity School of Texas)

2019-20 record: 9-15

Top returning players: T.J. Daniels (18 points0

Newcomers to watch: Kollin Robinson … Symry Mitchell

You can count on: “our group will be young, energetic and scrappy.” – Holland

Needs work: “Understanding the total game, fundamentals and adjusting to team roles.” – Holland

Did you know: Dr. Charles Newlin (OB-GYN) holds the school single game scoring record at LCS with 47 points, and former head coach Tommy Ames averaged 34 points per game during his high school playing days

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE

Mascot: Sentinels

Coach: Todd Kaunitz

Top returning players: Will Horn … Trey Stone

Newcomers to watch: Brody Moss … Isaac Adams … Ethan Moczygema

You can count on: “We will play fast-paced basketball and will be strong defensively.” Kaunitz

Needs work: “Our boys are young and are still developing both skills and basketball IQ.” – Kaunitz

Did you know: Kaunitz also coaches the Christian Heritage Classical School girls team