Lufkin, TX was the site for one of the biggest playoff match ups. Duncanville girls' basketball team boasts an impressive record of 11 state championships. Following a dominant performance in the Class 6A Region II final, the powerhouse squad is setting its sights on clinching a 12th title in San Antonio next week.

Ranked fifth in the state with a record of 33–4 overall and 13–1 in District 11-6A, Duncanville secured its berth in the UIL state tournament with a hard-fought 46-39 victory over arch-rival and district mate, the top-ranked Desoto, at the Panther Activity Center last Saturday. Duncanville's upcoming opponent in the state semifinals will be determined from among South Grand Prairie, Summer Creek, or San Antonio Brennan.

Despite high expectations to clinch the title this year, Desoto, the runner-up in the 2023 Class 6A state championship and back-to-back state champions in 2021 and 2022, missed out on a chance for redemption on the grandest stage. Notably, Duncanville narrowly defeated Desoto by a single point in December during their first district encounter. However, in their subsequent January matchup, Desoto emerged victorious with a 53-48 win. In their third showdown on Saturday, Duncanville's stifling defense and formidable presence in the paint posed significant challenges for one of the nation's premier girls' basketball teams.

Duncanville seized control early in the game, but Desoto narrowed the gap in the second quarter, primarily through trips to the free-throw line, where six of their eight points were scored. Holding a 19-14 lead at halftime, Duncanville extended its advantage with a 17-12 scoring spree in the third quarter and managed to maintain its lead till the end. Despite not having as many free-throw attempts as Desoto, Duncanville showcased its efficiency by converting 13 of 16 attempts from the line.

Leading the charge for Duncanville were senior forward Mariah Clayton with 13 points and senior point guard Chloe Mann, who has committed to Cincinnati, contributing 10 points to the team's victory.