Tis the season of state championships and in Texas, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) implemented a D1 and D2 level playoff bracket across the board. So from 1A to 6A (highest classification), there will be two state champions crowned in each division.

I’m not going to do a preview of all 12 potential trophy holders, but from a national perspective there are some really intriguing matchups on hand Tuesday night that can impact the FAB 50 National High School Team Rankings.

UIL 6A Division 1 Semifinal Preview

Allen (Texas) vs Duncanville (Texas) at Coppell High School
The No. 4 ranked team in the latest FAB 50, Allen is the looking to have the same results their program had in 2018. Rocking a team that can go 9-10 deep, the Eagles’ constant ball pressure, pace, and athleticism from all positions make them a tough team to beat. Its backcourt of 2026 Nehemiah Lawrence and 2025 Trent Pane create a balance of playmaking and scoring. The Shannon twins, Antoine and Antonio, are athletic wings that make open shots and guard multiple spots, while UNT signee Deandre Thomas brings a blend of physicality and inside/out skill.

I can go on and on, but the point is, Allen is a tough out and it’ll be interesting to see how they utilize their depth to slow down the high-octane Duncanville offense. Duncanville is a FAB 50 bubble team right now, but a win tonight and on Saturday in the state final at the Alamodome would be the box checked to slide back in to the FAB 50.

Bug Factor 

Led by TCU signee Kayden Edwards (who I believe will be an all-Big 12 conference player one day), the lefty is a dynamic scorer that gets hot quick. "Bug" is a fearless shot taker, that in my opinion, is the fastest player with the ball in his hands in Texas.

2027 (sophomore) Beckham Black took a big leap in his development and toughness this season. A smart point guard that is a big-time playmaker on ball-screens that has added more tools in his scoring box. Sophomore Deuce Hunt Jr. is an electric scoring guard that has shown a noticeable improvement in getting to his spots quicker to let it fly. He’s tough and shown ability to score effectively on and off the ball.

Cal State-Fullerton commit Cam Smith will play a huge role in the semifinals with his play in the front court. Smith is a versatile wing that can provide matchup problems due to his emerging scoring skills, plus mobility and length. Duncanville doesn’t have a true big and he’s the tallest player the Panthers have, so his toughness on the glass and overall inside will play a huge role.

Deciding Factors: Effectiveness of Allen’s depth, Dvill’s interior play, rebounding battle.

Bellaire (Houston) vs Brennan (San Antonio, Texas) at Texas Southern University
Brennan, who we have ranked No. 3 in the FAB 50, sports a 33-2 record and it looks to finish this season with a state title that includes multiple teammates that have been hooping with each other since middle school. The Bears are led by Houston signee and five-star point guard Kingston Flemings, who has been spectacular this season. Flemings has won games this year solely on his passing and rebounding. If he needs to score 40 points to win the game, he’s shown he’ll do that with no problem. His senior season will be talked about ten years from now in the Lone Star State and that’ll especially be true if Brennan wins out.

Sacramento State commit Cam Cowgill lights it up from deep. Throughout his high school career, Cowgill has hit clutch shot after clutch shot and his heroics may be needed tonight.

The core 2026 (junior) players in Donovan Criss, Isaiah Ward and Talon Todd will play key roles tonight. Todd can get to the paint effortlessly and create open looks for his teammates. Ward is a skilled but tough wing that plays bigger than his listed height at 6-foot-5. Criss started to turn the corner with his play this season. Known for his perimeter shooting, Criss has made strides in his shot creating and overall toughness. We could see a big uptick in his recruitment this spring.

Brennan’s shooting prowess, pace and toughness makes them a tough team to beat. When you have a player like Flemings, there’s no game Brennan can’t win and they’ve shown that this season. It will be a fun one tonight vs Bellaire.

Flemings vs. Henderson

When the Burger Boy roster came out in January, Kingston name was one that people felt was missing. Shelton Henderson of Bellaire also made a case to be in the game, too. A 6-foot-6 guard that’s strongly built and an explosive athlete, he is a matchup problem due to his strength, finishing abilities, handle and playmaking. The Duke signee is one of the toughest matchups in the country.

2025 (senior) Anthony Andrews is a skilled forward with inside-out scoring chops. When he and Shelton go in a two-man game, it’s a pick your poison on what the defense tries to stop, especially if both are going offensively. Senior guard Kohl Dutton has been big-time with his play during the playoffs, making timely and tough shots, defending multiple spots and just making defenses pay when left open.

Bellaire is a team that really competes on the defensive end and its role players are stepping up. When you have a player like Henderson though, you have a chance to win any game on the schedule. Two more wins gives them a great shot at the FAB 50 too.

Deciding factors: Kingston vs Shelton, effectiveness of Brennan’s depth and 3-point shooting numbers, Bellaire’s role guys taking another leap.