All Saints junior Levi McCasland (0) dribbles the ball during the Wagstaff Holiday Classic at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas, on Friday, Dec. 29, 2017. (Chelsea Purgahn/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

TYLER LEE RED RAIDERS

Coach: Alan Simmons (3rd year at Lee)

Assistant coaches: Daniel Devisscher, Mike Smith, Willie Williams and Jarod Brown

District: 11-6A (Rockwall, Mesquite, Longview, Mesquite Horn, North Mesquite, Rockwall-Heath)

2017-18: 10-24

Returning varsity players: Devin Johnson, 5-10, senior, guard; Jamal Jones, 6-1, junior, guard; Landry Simmons, 5-11, sophomore, guard; Bryce Campbell, 5-11, junior, guard; Connor Carlyle, 6-0, senior, guard; Cameron Ross, 5-9, senior, guard; Xavier Hunter, 6-3, senior, post; Mohammaed Saadullah, 6-2, senior, post/guard; Matt Wade, 6-3, sophomore, guard/post

Notable newcomers: Jaiden Pinson, 6-0, junior; Jeremiah Turner, 6-2, junior, guard/post; Nathan Noland, 6-0, sophomore, guard; Jordan Davault, 6-1, junior, post; Dion Daniels, 6-3, sophomore, post; Harrison Price, 6-3, senior, post

Notes: Lee will face ranked teams Rockwall (No. 6 in 6A) and Sulphur Springs (No. 15 in 5A) this season and is in a tournament with Class 6A No. 7 South Grand Prairie.

JOHN TYLER LIONS

Coach: Cedeno Clark (7th year at John Tyler, 96-82)

Assistant coaches: James Mosley, Justin Tatum, Andre Lampton and Dan Gay IV

District: 16-5A (Hallsville, Jacksonville, Pine Tree, Lufkin, Nacogdoches, Whitehouse, Marshall)

2017-18: 11-20

Returning varsity players: Darry Moore, 6-5, senior, forward

Notable newcomers: Jerome Jones, 5-8, sophomore, guard; Ry’Keilan Warthsaw, 6-1, sophomore, forward

Notes: Moore averaged 14.6 points and 6 rebounds as a junior … John Tyler competed in the Class 4A state final in 1976 in Gregory Gym — the last year before the state championship moved to the Frank Erwin Center in Austin … “This year, we are looking to compete with Lion pride every time we step on the floor,” Clark said. “We don’t want to talk about it — just play the game with respect and leave everything on the court.”

LINDALE EAGLES

Coach: Chris Grotemat

District: 15-5A (Greenville, Mount Pleasant, Royse City, Sulphur Springs, Texas High)

2017-18: 15-17

Returning varsity players: Teigan Edwards, 5-10, senior, point guard; Connery Churchill, 6-3, senior, forward; Dillon Heinaman, 6-0, senior, guard; Colton Brown, 6-0, senior, wing; Jacob Koeshall, 6-2, junior, forward

Notable newcomers: Cody Collinsworth, 7-1, senior, forward/center; Jaymond Jackson, 6-3, sophomore, forward/center

Notes: Churchill averaged 14.3 points per game as a junior …Koeshall was named the district Newcomer of the Year … Collinsworth is committed to the University of Portland, which is coached by former NBA player Terry Porter … “A smart, tough and disciplined core returns from a team that increased its win total by 11 in 2017-18 from the previous season,” Grotemat said.

HALLSVILLE BOBCATS

Coach: Rusty Walker (77-76 at Hallsville, 309-264 overall)

District: 16-5A (John Tyler, Jacksonville, Pine Tree, Lufkin, Nacogdoches, Whitehouse, Marshall)

2017-18: 16-18

Returning varsity players: Jeremy Swalley; Ty Huff; Cameron Bullock; Brock Puckett; Jai Locario; Benjamin Samples; Derrion Harris; Danny Marr

Notable newcomers: Nolan Sirmons; John Coffey; Nathaniel Hall

Notes: Swalley averaged 15.2 points per game last season.

LONGVIEW PINE TREE PIRATES

Coach: Jermaine Lewis

District: 16-5A (John Tyler, Jacksonville, Hallsville, Lufkin, Nacogdoches, Whitehouse, Marshall)

2017-18: 10-16

Returning varsity players: JJ Sparkman; Isaiah Lawson; Jaiden Womack; Da’von Coleman; Keshon Williams; Jamille Davis

Notable newcomers: Corey Thomas; Gabe Adams; Keith Wright

Notes: Lewis played his college basketball at UNLV.

MARSHALL MAVERICKS

Coach: Bobby Carson (14th year at Marshall, 277 wins; 731 wins overall)

Assistant coaches: Dramaine Boyd, Tim George and Rodney Chadwick

District: 16-5A (John Tyler, Jacksonville, Pine Tree, Lufkin, Nacogdoches, Whitehouse, Hallsville)

2017-18: 21-13, bi-district qualifier

Returning varsity players: Khalil Wallace, 6-3, senior, point guard; Kobe Williams, 6-0, senior, forward; JJ Green, 6-4, junior, forward; Savion Williams, 6-5, junior, post; Ladorian Havard, 6-2, junior, guard

Notable newcomers: Dom Williams, 5-9, sophomore, guard; Hayden Kelehan, 6-3, sophomore, forward; Jayson Tuck, 5-6, sophomore, guard; Jack Mottershaw, 6-7, sophomore, post

NACOGDOCHES DRAGONS

Coach: Tony Leamon (2nd year at Nacogdoches, 16-19; 30th year overall, 345-190)

Assistant coaches: Gerald Fonzie, Cody Horn and Bryan Baize

District: 16-5A (John Tyler, Jacksonville, Pine Tree, Lufkin, Marshall, Whitehouse, Hallsville)

2017-18: 16-19, bi-district qualifier

Returning varsity players: Deonte Jackson, 5-9, junior, guard; Devious Whitaker, 6-2, senior, guard; Nana Antwi-Boasiako, 6-8, forward; Kemyleon Lee, 6-3, senior; Bobby Phillips, 6-3, senior, forward; Jatavious Deckard, 6-0, junior, guard

Notable newcomers: Jake Smith, 6-3, junior, forward; Keandrea Deckard, 6-1, junior, forward; B.J. Williams, 6-0, sophomore, guard; Eddie Cross, 6-0, sophomore, guard; Aaron Newman, 6-0, junior, forward

Notes: Former Dragon Damion James — once a first-round NBA draft pick — is playing for Vaqueros de Baymón of Puerto Rico … “The Dragons have a chance to be very competitive this year as long as they stay humble and work hard,” Leamon said. “Defense and teamwork are strengths of this team. This team plays together very well, and they play extremely hard on defense.”

WHITEHOUSE WILDCATS

Coach: Brent Kelley (6th year at Whitehouse, 110-54; 10th year overall, 216-84)

Assistant coaches: Ryan Rumbelow, Adam Thompson, Jeff Miller and Kyle Holder

District: 16-5A (John Tyler, Jacksonville, Pine Tree, Lufkin, Marshall, Nacogdoches, Hallsville)

2017-18: 28-7, regional semifinalist

Returning varsity players: Peyton Kennedy, 6-0, junior; Cooper Clemons, 6-0, junior

Notes: Kennedy averaged 7.2 points per game last season, and Clemons averaged 2.3 points per game.

BROWNSBORO BEARS

Coach: Brent Smith (5th year at Brownsboro, 98-26; 173-110 overall)

Assistant coaches: Jeremy Bumpers and Daniel Scott

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

2017-18: 23-6, area finalist

Returning varsity players: Gage Wehrmann, 6-0, junior; Tylor Johnson, 6-3, junior; Chance King, 5-9, junior; Saul Williams, 5-10, senior; Jarrod Hastings, 5-9, sophomore

Notable newcomers: Colby Wood, 6-0, freshman, guard; Aaron Johnson, 6-1, sophomore, forward; Cole Williams, 6-1, junior, forward

Notes: The Bears have gone 36-0 in district the past four seasons. Smith has won 53 consecutive district games dating back to his time at Troup … “This year’s version of the Bears will look a little different from the past few seasons,” Smith said. “This year’s team will be a little more perimeter-oriented.”

CANTON EAGLES

Coach: Justin Burk

Assistant coaches: Justin Huff and Tommy Day

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

2017-18: 14-20, regional quarterfinalist

Returning varsity players: Colton Haley, 6-3, senior; McGwire Martin, 5-11, senior; Travis Lively, 6-0, senior; Jackson Heard, 6-1, senior; Cameron Sullivan, 6-1, senior; Luke Slider, 6-0, senior; Cooper Smith, 5-11, junior

VAN VANDALS

Coach: Ben Kinnison (4th year at Van)

Assistant coaches: Dean McMullen, Kevin Brewer and Colby Rucker

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

2017-18: 18-14, area finalist

Returning varsity players: Bray Doring, 5-10, senior, guard; Parker Krumvieda, 6-0, senior, wing; Hunter Hutchins, 5-9, junior, guard; Austin Mitchell, 5-11, junior, wing; Jayden Jacobs, 6-2, junior, post

Notable newcomers: Ethan Robinson, 5-9, senior, guard; JJ Kellum, 6-1, junior, wing; PJ Brooks, 6-0, junior, wing; Javonta Johnson, 5-9, sophomore, guard

Notes: Mitchell averaged 10 points per game last season, and Hutchins averaged 8 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds … “Our strengths should be our team defense and our ball movement offensively,” Kinnison said. “This team figures to play really well together with a good mixture of newcomers and experienced players. This group of guys is a hyper-competitive bunch that loves each other, which makes them fun to coach and be around.”

WILLS POINT TIGERS

Coach: Jonne Reynolds II (3rd year at Wills Point, 20-39)

Assistant coaches: DD Daniell, Tim Penney

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

2017-18: 6-22

Returning varsity players: Klayton Spencer, 6-1, senior, guard; Demontre Hill, 5-11, senior, guard; Josh Davis, 5-8, senior, guard; Jayton Oldacre, 6-0, senior, guard; Jaden Huff, 6-5, senior, center/forward

Notable newcomers: Jaquez Thompson, 6-2, junior, forward; Zane Kaufman, 5-11, junior, guard; Kash Adams, 6-0, junior, guard; Coby Bennett, 6-2, junior, forward; Savion Kellum, 6-1, junior, forward

Notes: Spencer averaged 12.7 points and 6.6 rebounds per game last season … “With several returning contributors from last year’s varsity team, along with the newcomers, the Wills Point Tigers look to improve on a less than stellar season from last year,” Reynolds said. “These young men have put in several hours over the summer and fall that will help them be in the hunt for a playoff berth.”

BULLARD PANTHERS

Coach: Heath Fults

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

2017-18: 7-25

Returning varsity players: Dustin Dover, 6-3, senior; Garrett Esposito, 6-5, junior

CHAPEL HILL BULLDOGS

Coach: Robert Sampson (149-84 at Chapel Hill; 214-131 overall)

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

2017-18: 21-14, bi-district qualifier

Returning varsity players: Chyason Wright, 5-3, point guard; Teon Erwin, 6-6, sophomore, power forward

Notable newcomers: Roderick Robertson, 6-4, post; DJ Wofford, 5-10, guard

Notes: Erwin was the Tyler Morning Telegraph All-East Texas Newcomer of the Year last season.

CUMBERLAND ACADEMY KNIGHTS

Coach: Brian Crawford (1st year at Cumberland Academy)

Assistant coaches: Mike Richardson

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

Returning varsity players: Sincere Norman, 6-6, senior, forward; Jackson Woodard, 5-10, senior, guard; Seth Moore, 5-11, senior, guard; Fletcher Rives, 5-11, senior, forward; Gregory Kennedy, 6-6, senior, forward; Caleb Watts, 5-10, junior, guard; Nate Navarro, 5-9, senior, guard; Noah Odell, 5-10, senior, forward

Notes: This will be the first graduation class for Cumberland Academy … Kennedy has signed with Tyler Junior College.

GILMER BUCKEYES

Coach: Markeithon Tate

Assistant coaches: Russell Cunningham and Chad Hlavaty

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

2017-18: 10-10

Returning varsity players: Tra Fluellen, senior; Eddie Ray, junior

Notes: Fluellen averaged 19.7 points and 9 rebounds per game last season, and Ray averaged 14.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.

HENDERSON LIONS

Coach: Joel Livingston (2nd year at Henderson, 4-20)

Assistant coaches: Michael Johnson and Mitchell Wassom

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

2017-18: 4-20

Returning varsity players: Caleb Medford, 6-2, junior

Notable newcomers: Kevin Fields, 6-0, junior; Markell Washington, 5-10

Notes: Medford averaged 7.4 points and 5 rebounds per game last season … “I believe we will be exciting to watch this season,” Livingston said. “We have a lot to prove coming off of last season.”

LONGVIEW SPRING HILL PANTHERS

Coach: Tim Ender (75-52 at Spring Hill; 299-157 overall)

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

2017-18: 23-12, regional quarterfinalist

Returning varsity players: Tyler Caron; Kyren Miller; Taylor Dishmann; Casey Mudoh

Notable newcomers: Tyrese Jones

Notes: Caron has committed to St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.

PALESTINE WILDCATS

Coach: J.J. Johnson (4th year at Palestine, 51-45; 10th year overall, 218-122)

Assistant coaches: Cory Kuhn, Bruce Beavers and Josh Medlock

District: 19-4A (Fairfield, Madisonville, Mexia, Rusk)

2017-18: 21-15, area finalist

Returning varsity players: Matt Wages, 6-0, senior, guard; Enoch Fatade, 6-1, point guard; T.J. Dever, 6-2, forward; Ahmad Deckard, 5-10, guard; Eric Carthen, 6-1, guard; Quinten Cook, 5-11, forward

Notable newcomers: Dmichael Bellfield, 6-8, senior, center

Notes: Wages averaged 20 points per game last season. Bellfield is a transfer from Palestine Westwood who averaged 19.1 points and 8 rebounds per game last season … Johnson played for legendary basketball coach Doug Boxell.

CARTHAGE BULLDOGS

Coach: Charlie Tucker (65-66 at Carthage, 208-244 overall)

District: 20-4A (Huntington, Jasper, Center, Lufkin Hudson)

2017-18: 15-6, regional semifinalist

Returning varsity players: De’Aundrey Bowman, junior; Kai Horton, sophomore; Quinton Owens, junior; Montreal Smith, sophomore; Callam Barber, senior; Matt Ham, senior

Notable newcomers: Stephen Darden, senior; Nick Stewart, sophomore; Jadez McDaniel, senior; Kelvontay Dixon, junior; Jacori Ware, senior

Notes: Carthage made it to the fourth round of the basketball playoffs in 2017-18 for the first time since 1970 … “We will play hard, play tough and have fun along the way,” Tucker said.

LUFKIN HUDSON HORNETS

Coach: Zach Allison (1st year at Hudson; 14th overall)

Assistant coaches: Jeff Branter and Douglas Hines

District: 20-4A (Huntington, Jasper, Center, Carthage)

Returning varsity players: Cade Courtney, 6-7, senior; Teraven Rhodes, 6-4, junior; Darrel Douglas, 6-0, senior; Kaleb Myles, 6-1, junior; Keilohn Ferrell, 6-0, junior

Notable newcomers: Bransen Catchart, 6-10, sophomore

Notes: Allison comes to Hudson after previously serving as the head coach at Rusk … “This team has the experience and talent to return Hudson back to the playoffs,” Allison said. “There are some concerns with depth at the guard position. If guard play develops, Hudson could make a strong push in the district.”

EDGEWOOD BULLDOGS

Coach: Jay Jameson (26th year, 655-193 overall)

District: 12-3A (Alba-Golden, Grand Saline, Lone Oak, Mineola, Quitman, Emory Rains)

2017-18: 34-3, regional finalist

Returning varsity players: Jordan Davison, 5-10, senior, point guard; Sean Joyce, 6-3, senior, post; Trey McPherson, 6-1, junior, forward; Carter Bates, 5-9, senior, guard; Brodie Prather, 6-1, senior, guard; Brayden Allen, 5-11, senior, guard; Cooper Hill, 6-1, senior, forward

Notable newcomers: Tanner Patterson, 6-3, senior, post; Hudson Tyner, 6-3, sophomore, forward; Nick Miller, 6-0, senior, guard

Notes: “We have a lot of experience coming back,” Jameson said. “We have a lot of seniors with good depth, but we need to stay healthy. We lost two good starters in our leading scorer/rebounder Trey Erwin and Nobel Smith, and it will be tough to replace them. We need some guys to step up. It should be a really good season.”

GRAND SALINE INDIANS

Coach: Leland Hand (1st year at Grand Saline; 24 years overall)

Assistant coaches: Brandon Fields and Alex Paredes.

District: 12-3A (Alba-Golden, Edgewood, Lone Oak, Mineola, Quitman, Emory Rains)

2017-18: 18-16

Returning varsity players: Jacob Akins, 6-7, senior, post; Judson Truett, 6-3, senior, point guard/wing; Phillip LaPrade, 6-2, senior, wing; Grant Lewis, 6-4, junior, post; Luke Fraim, 5-10, senior, wing; Mason Perritt, 5-10, junior, wing; Zne Taylor, 6-0, senior, wing

Notable newcomers: Brayden Hand, 6-0, freshman, point guard, wing; Jase Melton, 6-1, freshman, wing

Notes: Hand led Troup to seven state tournament appearances and won 462 games in 11 seasons, and he was a four-time Tyler Morning Telegraph All-East Texas Coach of the Year. Hand also coached collegiately at East Texas Baptist University … Fields’ father played on the 1985 Sweeny state championship team … “The kids committed when we arrived in May and have exhibited a special resolve,” Hand said. “They packed the gym in the summer and improved a great deal.”

ELYSIAN FIELDS YELLOWJACKETS

Coach: Akimba “AJ” Johnson (10-18)

District: 15-3A (Tatum, Jefferson, Daingerfield, Hughes Springs, New Diana, Ore City, Waskom)

2017-18: 8-18, bi-district qualifier

Returning varsity players: Michael Ramirez, 6-2, senior, forward; Tyrese Hardeman, 6-3, junior, guard; Chris Smith, 5-10, junior, guard

Notable newcomers: Jade Ashalintubbi, 6-6, senior, center; Tyler Chmiel, 5-10, senior, guard

Notes: Ramirez averaged 13 points, 11 rebounds and 1.2 blocks last season, and Hardeman averaged 16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks … The Yellowjackets are looking to make their third consecutive trip to the playoffs … “One thing the Yellowjackets will be able to rely on this season is our size down low,” Johnson said. “I believe we will keep the rebounding battle tight each game in order to help us win games.”

TATUM EAGLES

Coach: Brett Carr (15th year at Tatum; 26th year overall)

Assistant coaches: Brian Malone and Shane Myer

District: 15-3A (Elysian Fields, Jefferson, Daingerfield, Hughes Springs, New Diana, Ore City, Waskom)

2017-18: area finalist

Returning varsity players: OB Jones, 6-3, senior

Notable newcomers: Haden Crowley, 6-2, sophomore, guard; Decartiyah Allison, 5-9, sophomore, guard; Brian Hawkins, 5-7, sophomore, guard; Jaden Boyd, 6-3, freshman, guard; Trey Fite, 6-4, freshman, center; Kendrick Malone, 6-0, freshman, guard

Notes: Jones was an All-Region player last season … Tatum has two former players in the top 10 nationally for 3-pointers in a season — Rusk head coach Jayme Bradley (171) and Robbie Rockwell (168) … “We are very young and inexperienced led by four-year letterman OB Jones,” Carr said. “It should be fun.”

WASKOM WILDCATS

Coach: Dylan Augustine (2nd year at Waskom, 4-11)

Assistant coaches: David Higginbotham

District: 15-3A (Elysian Fields, Jefferson, Daingerfield, Hughes Springs, New Diana, Ore City, Tatum)

2017-18: 4-11

Returning varsity players: La’Montre Stephens, 6-2, senior, small foreward; Isaac Irving, senior, forward; Trey Jones, senior, guard; Zack Grubbs, senior, forward; Rodney Jackson, 5-8, junior, guard; Austin Cadenhead, 6-0, junior, guard; Paxton Keeling, 5-8, sophomore, guard

Notable newcomers: Zach Stump, 6-1, sophomore, forward; Milton Houston, 5-8, sophomore, guard; Daylan Perry, 5-8, sophomore guard

Notes: Stephens averaged 16.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4 steals and 2.2 blocks per game last season.

HARMONY EAGLES

Coach: Clint Helpenstill (7th year at Harmony)

Assistant coaches: Justin Charrier

District: 16-3A (White Oak, Gladewater, Winona, Sabine, Troup, West Rusk, Arp)

2017-18: 8-19

Returning varsity players: Easton Blackstone, 6-1, senior, guard/forward; Cameron Helpenstill, 5-10, senior, point guard; Chris McMillan, 6-2, senior, forward; Drew McNeel, 5-10, senior, guard; Spencer Yates, 5-10, senior, guard

Notable newcomers: Gage Goddard, 6-0, guard; Carson Helpenstill, 6-0, guard/forward; Blaye Phillips, 5-8, guard; Jax Wilburn, 5-10, guard

Notes: Blackstone averaged 9.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists last season, and he made 33 3-pointers … Harmony is looking for its first trip to the playoffs since 2010 … “We will have good team speed with a focus on defense and rebounding, limiting second-chance opportunities for opposing teams,” Helpenstill said. “We will need to limit the turnovers offensively and execute our offense.”

SABINE CARDINALS

Coach: Colby Carr (2nd year at Sabine, 26-8)

District: 16-3A (White Oak, Gladewater, Winona, Harmony, Troup, West Rusk, Arp)

2017-18: 26-8, regional quarterfinalist

Returning varsity players: Eylan Goodwyn, 6-4, senior; Travion Oliver, 6-3, senior; Scottie Taylor, 5-10, senior; Breden Ford, 5-10, junior

Notable newcomers: Savoy Goodwin, 6-5, junior, forward; AJ Gresham, 5-11, junior, guard; Clayton Simmons, 5-11, junior, forward; LJ Mitchel, 5-11, junior, guard

Notes: Eylan Goodwyn averaged 13.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.1 steals and 1 block per game last season, and Oliver averaged 10.9 points and 5 rebounds per game … Last season’s district championship was Sabine’s first since 2010, and the Cardinals also won their first playoff game since 2012 … “We will play with tremendous effort and get after people defensively,” Carr said. “Replacing six seniors who had multiple years of varsity level experience with guys who will be playing varsity ball for the first time may result in a slow start and could take us some time to learn how this year’s squad needs to operate.”

TROUP TIGERS

Coach: Darin Harley (321-228 overall)

Assistant coaches: Christian Harley and Caleb Harley

District: 16-3A (White Oak, Gladewater, Winona, Harmony, Sabine, West Rusk, Arp)

2017-18: 32-5, regional semifinalist

Returning varsity players: Weslee Ross, 6-2, senior; Grayson Driggs, 6-0, junior; Kris Johnson, 6-3, senior; Quincy Kincade, 5-7, senior

Notable newcomers: Kedrick Ivory-Frazier, 6-2, junior

Notes: Ross averaged 7.7 points and 4 rebounds per game last season … Harley’s sons, Christian and Caleb, will both be on his staff this season. Both played for Harley at Little Cypress-Mauriceville.

WHITE OAK ROUGHNECKS

Coach: Brett Cloud (73-51)

District: 16-3A (Winona, Gladewater, Sabine, Arp, Harmony, Troup, West Rusk)

2017-18: 21-13, area finalist

Returning varsity players: Nate Hearron, senior, point guard; Collin Bower, senior, guard

Notable newcomers: Matthew Bort, senior, guard; Dustin Covington, junior, guard

Notes: White Oak is vying for its 20th consecutive playoff appearance, a streak which began in the senior season of current head coach Cloud (1998-99).

WINONA WILDCATS

Coach: Ernest Mims (1st year at Winona; 3rd year overall, 22-36)

Assistant coaches: Justin McCowin, Brandon Rougely and Jon Willis

District: 16-3A (White Oak, Gladewater, Sabine, Arp, Harmony, Troup, West Rusk)

2017-18: 2-23

Returning varsity players: Keylon Kincade Jr., 5-11, senior, point guard; Dakota Pullum, 6-2, senior, shooting guard; Nicholas Garrett, 6-3, junior, small forward; Ashton Smith, 6-0, junior, guard; Airmon Ford, 5-7, sophomore, guard

Notable newcomers: Cameron Smalls, 6-5, sophomore, small forward; Javien Weatherly, 5-11, junior, point guard; Welton West, 6-4, senior, forward

Notes: Mims comes to Winona after two seasons as the head coach at Springtown … Winona’s athletic director, Keylon Kincade, played in the NFL with the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys … “I believe we will have an extremely athletic team,” Mims said. “We have size, speed and athleticism. With that formula, our goals are to compete for a district championship, make the playoffs and win a playoff game.”

NACOGDOCHES CENTRAL HEIGHTS BLUE DEVILS

Coach: Kevin Herron (17th year, 288-208)

District: 21-3A (Corrigan-Camden, Diboll, Hemphill, Pineywoods Community Academy, Newton, Pollok Central, Woodville)

2017-18: 17-18, area finalist

Returning varsity players: Christian Adams, 6-3, point guard; Kevin Harris, guard

Notable newcomers: Nathan Chambers, 6-2, senior, forward; Drew Hiebert, 6-3, junior, forward; Devonte Caldwell, 6-0, junior, guard; Michale Perry, 6-2, sophomore, guard

Notes: “We have a lot of new faces this year, but it has the potential to be one of my best shooting teams,” Herron said. “I look forward to seeing them develop and grow.”

POLLOK CENTRAL BULLDOGS

Coach: Mike Dewitz (3rd year at Central, 48-22; 236-165 overall)

Assistant coaches: Eric Symank and Khaled Zaher

District: 21-3A (Corrigan-Camden, Diboll, Hemphill, Pineywoods Community Academy, Newton, Nacogdoches Central Heights, Woodville)

2017-18: 26-10

Returning varsity players: Cade Graves, 6-2, senior, forward/center; Jacob Davis, 6-0, senior, guard; Cash Carrell, 6-5, senior, guard; Jamal Mckelvey, 6-2, senior, post; Dylan Cloonan, 5-8, junior, guard; Body Shumaker, 5-8, junior, guard

Notable newcomers: Braiden Bell, 5-11, sophomore, guard; Emmanuel Guerrero, 5-11, junior, guard; Caiden Murry, 6-3, sophomore, forward

Notes: Graves and Davis — both double-digit scorers as sophomores who are coming back from injury — were all-state baseball players the past two seasons.

BECKVILLE BEARCATS

Coach: Anthony Moore (1st year)

District: 16-2A (Big Sandy, Union Grove, Harleton, Hawkins, Overton, Carlisle)

2017-18: 17-13, bi-district qualifier

Returning varsity players: Austin Roys, senior; Taylor Hightower, senior; C.J. Robinson, senior

Notable newcomers: Ryan Harris, freshman; Evan Allen, sophomore

Notes: Last season was Beckville’s first playoff appearance in more than 10 years.

BIG SANDY WILDCATS

Coach: Kerry Strong (9th year at Big Sandy, 143-86; 11th year overall, 176-113)

Assistant coaches: Daniel Shipman

District: 16-2A (Beckville, Union Grove, Harleton, Hawkins, Overton, Carlisle)

2017-18: 24-7, regional quarterfinalist

Returning varsity players: Caden Minter, 6-1, junior, guard; Carter Oswalt, 6-0, junior, guard; Elijah Beard, 5-9, sophomore, guard; Dakarai Menefee, 5-7, junior, guard; Joshua Shipman, 6-3, junior, forward; Josiah Johnson, 6-1, senior, guard; Khameron Pippins, 5-9, senior, guard; Gabriel Lemons, 6-1, senior, forward; Erick McFall, 6-4, junior, forward

Notes: Johnson averaged 26.5 points and 6.8 rebounds last season. Shipman averaged 15.2 points and 6.7 rebounds … Big Sandy is ranked No. 10 in Class 2A … Big Sandy is home to Illinois head football coach Lovie Smith … “We have won 70 games in the last three year, so experience should not be an issue,” Strong said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how this team handles the high expectations.”

HARLETON WILDCATS

Coach: Tim Vandegriff (1st year at Harleton)

Assistant coaches: Kevin Anderson

District: 16-2A (Beckville, Union Grove, Big Sandy, Hawkins, Overton, Carlisle)

2017-18: 1-23

Returning varsity players: Jalen Jackson, 5-10, junior, forward; Cole Ring, 5-10, sophomore, guard

Notable newcomers: David Danna, 5-8, freshman, guard; Gage Ring, 5-9, senior, guard; Hunter Wallace, 5-10, junior, forward

Notes: Vandegriff was part of Darin Harley’s staff at Troup the past three years, including last season’s regional tournament team … “We are just trying to build a program here that has been down for a while, so a lot of our emphasis will be on the sub-varsity levels, as well as junior high,” Vandegriff said. “But one thing we will be is a hard-working, get after you type of team.”

ALTO YELLOWJACKETS

Coach: Seth Hubbard (1st year at Alto; 2nd year overall, 16-14)

Assistant coaches: Tray Reagan

District: 21-2A (Cushing, Douglass, Gary, Mount Enterprise, New Summerfield)

2017-18: 15-9, bi-district qualifier

Returning varsity players: Kurrin’Sai Jackson, junior, guard; Isaiah Gaddis, senior, guard; Fred Thacker, senior, forward; Skyler Atkins, junior, guard; Bubba Mumphrey, senior, guard; James Thompson, junior, forward

Notable newcomers: Marlon Warren, junior, guard; Jay Pope, sophomore, guard

Notes: Alto is looking for a trip to the playoffs for the third year in a row.

MOUNT ENTERPRISE WILDCATS

Coach: Nick Jones (3rd year)

Assistant coach: Scott Holzhauer

District: 21-2A (Alto, Cushing, Douglass, Gary, New Summerfield)

2017-18: 5-20

Returning varsity players: Johnathon Wright, 6-2, senior, guard; Kendre Miller, 6-0, junior, guard/forward; Derrick Jackson, 5-11, junior, guard; Jacob Denby, 6-1, junior, forward

Notable newcomer: Hunter Royce, 6-3, senior, center

Notes: “I am excited to take over the reigns as the head coach,” Jones said. “This is my first head coaching job, and it makes it great that I will get to have this opportunity in my hometown where I graduated from in 2002.”

NEW SUMMERFIELD HORNETS

Coach: David Sanders (3rd year at New Summerfield, 24-37)

District: 21-2A (Cushing, Douglass, Gary, Mount Enterprise, Alto)

2017-18: 10-23, bi-district qualifier

Returning varsity players: Collin Wilkerson, 6-5, senior, forward; Bryant Leon, 6-0, senior, guard; Elvis Mendoza, 5-9, senior, guard; Carson Burns, 6-1, senior, forward; Luis Martinez, 5-10, senior, guard; Julio Parra, 6-4, senior, forward; Alfredo Juarez, 6-0, senior, forward; Jose Nunez, 5-7, senior, guard

Notable newcomers: Dakota Stewart, 5-10, senior, forward; Jayce Fry, 5-8, senior, guard; Jose Leon, 6-1, senior, forward; Juan Hernandez, 5-7, senior, guard

Notes: All 12 varsity players for New Summerfield in 2018-19 are seniors … Wilkerson averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals per game last season … New Summerfield is looking for its 10th straight trip to the postseason … New Summerfield is playing in its brand new coliseum this season.

CHIRENO OWLS

Coach: Corey Loverson (1st year at Chireno)

Assistant coaches: Chris Van Horn

District: 28-A (Apple Springs, Groveton, Centerville, Kennard, La Poynor, Laneville, Neches, Oakwood, Wells)

2017-18: 7-15

Returning varsity players: Hunter Mettauer, 6-2, senior, guard; Reagan Gray, 5-8, senior, point guard

Notes: Loverson comes to Chireno from Eastfield College, where he was an assistant coach … Metteauer averaged 26 points and 7 rebounds per game last season, and Gray averaged 13 points and 7 assists per game.

BROOK HILL GUARD

Coach: Jacob Agnew (5th year at Brook Hill, 65-48 overall)

Assistant coaches: Hunter Landrum and Montana Hadin

District: TAPPS 3-5A (Dallas Christian, Bishop Gorman, Grace Community)

2017-18: 17-12

Returning varsity players: Jared Johnson, 6-0, senior, guard; David Roberts, 6-3, junior, forward; Conner Livesay, 6-5, senior, forward

Notable newcomers: Jake Edwards, 6-0, senior, guard; Vencent Rockwell, 6-1, junior, forward; Carson Richardson, 6-0, sophomore, guard; TyJuan Cannon, 6-2, sophomore, forward; Joseph Johnson, 5-10, sophomore, guard

Notes: Johnson averaged 10.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game last season … “Our team this year is full of a bunch of guys that can really play,” Agnew said. “We have a few upperclassmen, but a lot of younger guys that will step up and contribute this year. Coaching these guys will be fun for me, and they will be fun for everyone to watch.”

BISHOP GORMAN CRUSADERS

Coach: Kevin Murray (2nd year at Bishop Gorman, 14-13

Assistant coaches: Demarcus Metcalf and Ja’Keal Lockett

District: TAPPS 3-5A (Dallas Christian, Brook Hill, Grace Community)

2017-18: 14-13, first round of TAPPS playoffs

Returning varsity players: Jacob Smith, 6-3, senior, guard/forward; Chris Jones, 6-2, senior, guard/forward; Tyler Hobbs, 5-10, senior, guard/forward; Zeph Vasso, 5-9, senior, point guard; Dawson Douglas, 5-9, junior, shooting guard; Giancarlo Petosa, 5-9, junior, point guard; Brett Patrakian, 5-10, sophomore, guard/forward

Notable newcomers: Bradrick Blaylock, 6-5, senior, guard/forward; Kazackeras Bradford, 6-3, guard/forward; Dozie Ifeadi, 6-2, sophomore, forward

Notes: Smith was the Offensive MVP last season after averaging 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists per game … “This team is full of experience,” Murray said. “We have a lot of seniors that have been playing varsity since they were freshmen, so we have great leadership with this group.”

GRACE COMMUNITY COUGARS

Coach: David Robinson

District: TAPPS 3-5A (Dallas Christian, Bishop Gorman, Brook Hill)

2017-18: 2-18

Returning varsity players: Jacob Schultz, 5-10, senior; Blake Hubbard, 6-2, senior

ALL SAINTS TROJANS

Coach: Brian Jones

District: TAPPS 3-4A (Arlington Grace Prep, Arlington Pantego Christian, Dallas Cristo Rey College Prep, Dallas Shelton, Lucas Christian Academy)

2017-18: 26-4

Returning varsity players: Levi McCasland, 6-0, senior; Scottie Turner, 6-4, senior; Collin Gee, 6-2, senior

Notes: Turner has signed with Tyler Junior College after averaging 16 points and 7 rebounds per game last season. McCasland averaged 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists per game.

KING’S ACADEMY KNIGHTS

Coach: Alex Miller (4th year at King’s Academy, 43-24)

Assistant coaches: Monty Montgomery

District: TCAL 1A

2017-18: 22-13, state semifinalist

Returning varsity players: Michael Broadfield, 6-5, senior

Notes: Broadfield averaged 10.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game last season … King’s Academy has partnered with the Trinity Charter School/Azleway Boys Home, which allows some of those boys to play for the Knights.

TYLER HEAT

Coach: Jason Carlisle (5th year, 53-50)

Assistant coaches; Michael Coffey, Joey Coker and Chris Cox

2017-18: 19-14

Returning varsity players: Luke Cunningham, 6-6, senior, post; Kade Casey, 6-1, senior, point guard; Caleb Beckham, 6-2, junior, post; Will Rose, 6-5, junior, post/guard

Notable newcomers: Carson Coker, 5-11, junior, guard; Isaiah Coffey, 5-10, sophomore, guard; Josh Deever, 5-11, sophomore, guard; Riley Hill, 5-11, sophomore, guard; Brayden Cox, 5-9, freshman, point guard; Jake Carlisle, 5-11, freshman, guard

Notes: Tyler HEAT finished second in the DII-B bracket at the regional tournament last season and sixth in the DII-B bracket at the national tournament … All of the Tyler HEAT players are homeschooled … Three Tyler HEAT coaches were former public school educators and coaches — Ryan Tomlin (middle school boys), 15 years as public school coach and current principal; Jeremy Thomas (high school girls, 13 years as public school coach; and Jason Carlile (high school boys), seven years as public school coach.