Many expect Sulphur Springs or Mount Pleasant to prevail in the boys' District 16-5A basketball race in 2016-17.
Texas High coach Keith Jones understands the logic but isn't conceding the championship to anyone.
"Just from talking to some people from the outside I think our district is stronger this year than last year, and I thought it was strong last season," Jones said. "Most people say that Mount Pleasant and Sulphur Springs are the teams to beat. They've got the most returning players, and it's kind of a tossup after that. I do believe we can play with anyone."
Jones' and his players' confidence is a level higher after winning the recent Camden Fairview Holiday tournament. The Tigers scored impressive wins over Nevada County, Fairview and Magnolia to win the championship.
All three of those wins were dramatic, starting with a three-pointer by Quan Hampton at the final buzzer to edge Nevada. The host Fairview squad could not handle Texas High's full-count pressure and fell to the Tigers. The title game went back and forth, Hampton scoring 11 points in the fourth quarter to force overtime, where THS prevailed by a single point. Hampton was named the tournament's MVP, and Texas High (11-4) was also represented by Lavon Brown and Cole Drumm on the all-tournament team.
"It was the first time I've seen Brown play with a lot of confidence since suffering a high ankle sprain at Ashdown," Jones said. "I hope it was a turning point for him going into district. Hampton was the difference-maker for us without a doubt. He basically took over the championship game for us."
The Tigers' new confidence will be tested today when Sulphur Springs (17-4, 2-0) visits Texarkana and the Tiger Center. On paper it's a physical mismatch. The Wildcats are led by 6-8 sophomore Victor Iwuakor. However, Sulphur Springs is young with only one senior (Ke'Ontae Dunn) among the starting five, which also features sophomore Keaston Willis and freshman Michael Jefferson.
"Their strength is inside and our's is outside," Jones noted. "There will be matchup problems for us, but sometimes you can take advantage of your strength over their weakness."
The latter case is experience and consistency for the Wildcats. Jones said his team must simply play hard as it can for 32 minutes, and more if necessary.
"I told our kids this game is huge if we want to be district champions again," Jones added. "I didn't say it was a deal-breaker, but it is very important. We need to win this game. If we don't it's going to make it tougher."
Mid-week Hampton was ill and missed school and Jones wasn't certain of his status. Obviously, it would be a blow if the Tigers' multi-talented guard is not 100 percent.
The thing is, nobody is expected to survive 16-5A play unbeaten.
Mount Pleasant (14-6, 2-0) and Hallsville (17-5) are serious contenders, and recently Sulphur Springs survived a scare with a four-point win at Pine Tree. Texas High won a six-point thriller at Marshall. Only Greenville appears to be out of the title picture.
Sulphur Springs won a recent home encounter with Marshall, 72-46, and the defending co-champion Mavericks still have a winning record (11-8).
As previously mentioned, Brown stepped up big for the Tigers at Camden, while 6-6 sophomore Jordan Ray played well for THS in the win over Marshall.
"Somebody will have to step up Friday against Sulphur Springs," Jones concluded. "I'm counting on our experience and better consistency to be a difference for us in this game."