HS Girls Basketball: Recap for the Week of 1/22

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Teams continue to fight and claw for victories as the playoffs loom on the horizon. Many teams answered the call and stepped up their game to the level they were expecting, while others will look to the final two matchups for answers. Here are the games from last week, along with the scores for each.

1/24 The Woodlands vs. Cleveland

Following a heart-breaking overtime loss to Grand Oaks, The Woodlands Lady Highlanders took their frustrations out on Cleveland.

The Woodlands blew their opponents out of the water from the opening tip, with a 21-5 opening eight minutes that gave the team a large enough lead to coast the rest of the way. But instead of coasting, the Lady Highlanders continued to accelerate and extended their already commanding lead that ended with an 88-36 win.

1/24 Oak Ridge vs. Grand Oaks

The Battle of the Oaks effectively determined the regular season district championship, as the Lady War Eagles hoped to keep their top spot protected.

Oak Ridge ensured that their top spot was well-earned with a seven-point lead after the first quarter, but the Lady Grizzlies had other plans in mind. Grand Oaks proceeded to dominate inside the paint with rebounds coming en mase from Avery Campbell. The size disparity and a one-point margin in the fourth quarter pushed Grand Oaks to a 43-42 victory that gave the team the top spot in the district standings.

1/24 Willis vs. College Park

Before duking it out with the rival Woodlands on Friday, the Lady Cavaliers traveled to Willis for a matchup that went in their favor immediately.

College Park took a five-point lead after the first quarter and never looked back on their path to eventual victory. The Ladykats were helpless to stop the College Park march due to never scoring double digits in any quarter. The final margin of victory for College Park was 50-26, setting up a rematch against The Woodlands with a potential postseason bid on the line.

1/24 New Caney vs. Conroe

In their only game of the week, the Lady Tigers sought to secure their fourth-place spot with a potential win against New Caney.

Quarter-by-quarter statistics are unavailable, but a 42-24 win from Conroe establishes the team as the barrier to entry into the playoffs for teams like The Woodlands and New Caney, who need help if they hope to play after the regular season.

1/26 College Park vs. The Woodlands

The second War of the Woods was inside College Park on Friday, with the Lady Highlanders needing wins if they want to make the playoffs.

Despite Collge Park’s strong opening, The Woodlands responded by steadily chipping away at the Lady Cav defense while simultaneously shoring up their own. College Park never scored double-digit points following the first quarter, and a steady shooting performance from The Woodlands paired well when attempting to secure the win. The victory went to the Lady Highlanders, and their playoff hopes look a bit brighter as a result.

1/27 Grand Oaks vs. New Caney

The new top team in District 13-6A aimed to continue their winning ways with a date against the Lady Eagles.

Grand Oaks did so by continuing to work the ball inside to their potent scorers in the paint, who fought for baskets. New Caney battled hard for their buckets but fell just shy of the upset, losing 45-34. The Lady Grizzlies remain the district’s number-one team and extend their winning streak to seven straight.

1/27 Caney Creek vs. Willis

Willis needed a rebounder in a game against the Caney Creek Lady Panthers and found what they were looking for in the final result.

Quarter-by-quarter statistics are unavailable, but the thin separation on the scoreboard suggests a tough engagement where every basket carried monumental significance. The Ladykats were able to secure the 40-30 victory to get a much-needed win for morale.

1/27 Cleveland vs. Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge’s frustration at the loss to Grand Oaks fueled their demolition of Cleveland.

The Lady Indians were winless on the season and remained as such after the Lady War Eagles came into town. Quarter-by-quarter statistics are once again unavailable, but Oak Ridge dropped a monstrous 75-37 defeat on Cleveland’s doorstep due to the team’s stellar offensive production. The Lady War Eagles do still have a chance at winning the regular season title with some help from a potential Grand Oaks defeat, but the Lady War Eagles must worry about their season finish first.