When talking Class 4A University Interscholastic League (UIL) in Texas, schools that have dominated the conversation are ones with recent titles under their belt such as Silsbee, Oak Cliff Family or Dallas Carter.
A school in West Dallas is looking to make a playoff push this year and has made a 180 degree turn from last season. Dallas Pinkston is looking to make some noise in the 4A playoffs this year and 6-foot-7 2024 guard Dink Pate is leading the way.
The Vikings have almost tripled their win total from last year, currently sitting at 13-9, after last season's club went 5-24.
Dink started his freshman season at Pinkston, but his sophomore campaign began at Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.). Pate then finished that season at Lancaster (Texas).
When talking to Dink last summer, he mentioned coming back home multiple times and helping to build a winning culture at Pinkston.
Another big factors in his return was playing for head coach Cedric Griffin and being back home with his family for his final years of high school.
Breakdown of Dink’s Game
A combo with ideal positional size. At 6-foot-7 with the ability to be a primary and secondary ball handler, Pate’s scoring and rhythm comes off the dribble. With step back threes, pull-up mid-rangers, hang dribble pulls, Pate has a creative offensive scoring package that allows him to generate space. The passing has improved and the willingness to pass as well. He's becoming a better ball-mover, feeding teammates in dunker spots and creating gravity on opposing defenses to kick it out to the open shooter. He's now understanding how to impact games with his scoring and passing. His defensive intensity can improve. Does loose focus on that end but when locked in, shows lateral movement and ability to use his length to make an impact.
Pinkston Roster Notables
Desmeon Jones, 5’10 2025 PG: Speedy guard that gets where he wants. Playmaker in open court. He can change direction and make a dribble move without losing speed. Tough to guard 1-on-1
Bryce Dixon, 6’4 2026 Wing: Plays the 4-man role offensively for his team but has decent handle, shot and plays with high motor. Competitor. Rebounds and pushes the ball. Glue guy.
Jaylon Vines, 6’4 2025 PF: Athletic forward that plays with endless motor. Utilizes athleticism on the glass and finishes.
Rashad Simpson, 6’3 2024 Wing: Lefty. Shooter. When attention is heavy on Dink and Jones, Rashad makes defenses pay when they give him space to shoot. Spaces floor and generally second or third in scoring for the Vikings.
Looking Ahead
It’s a two man race for the district title as FAB 50 No. 48 Dallas Carter is projected to finish first. Tightening up on defense and handling the constant pressure Carter applies will be of importance in Pinkston’s matchup.
A good seed which they are expected to have regardless if they don’t win the district puts Pinkston in a situation where it can make a run in 4A. If Pinkston does make a deep run they’ll have to come across reigning state champs and Oak Cliff Faith Family, currently No. 44 in the FAB 50.
Helps when you have a 5-star recruit. Pate will have to still be productive when teams face-guard, box & one him and throw different looks. He has done a lot better job staying engaged and now as we are hitting the home stretch of the regular season, that is even more important now.