THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
LD Bell High School Athletics

The 2016-17 season on the hard-court saw Hebron claim the District 5-6A title with Flower Mound, Lewisville and Euless Trinity rounding out the playoff qualifiers in what proved to be a competitive district from top to bottom. The district didn’t achieve the postseason success it had hoped, however, with only the Trojans managing a bi-district win. Squads in 5-6A will be out to change that this season but will have plenty of work to do just to get to the playoffs as the district looks to be deeper and stronger than many initially believed. As a result, the 5-6A standings could be in flux up until the final weekend. Below is a look at how Star Local Media believes the standings will pan out when all is said and done. 1. Flower Mound The Jaguars battled injury during their non-district slate resulting in an 11-5 record heading into Friday’s opener against Hurst L.D. Bell (results not available as of press time). When healthy, however, Flower Mound figures to be one of the stronger teams in the district. The Jaguars have more size than any foe in the district with four players going at least 6-foot-6 and if their senior guards can develop and bring consistency on both ends of the floor, Flower Mound should be among the district’s more versatile squads. Add it all up and Flower Mound is the team to beat in 5-6A. 2. Hebron The Hawks finished atop the 5-6A standings a year ago before suffering a disappointing bi-district playoff loss to Plano West. Hebron has a much different look on the court this season, but doesn’t lack for athleticism. While Flower Mound spent much of non-district fighting injury, Hebron played a large contingent of its schedule minus four key contributors participating in the football playoffs. Now fully loaded, the Hawks should only improve with more time on the court and if Hebron can overcome a lack of size and get by on its play-making ability and defense, Hebron could be in line for a second straight 5-6A crown. 3. Marcus Marcus missed out on the playoffs for the second straight season in 2016-17 but head coach Clay Cody and the Marauders are primed for a postseason return behind a senior class that has done nothing but win at all levels as they have progressed through high school. Marcus hits 5-6A action at 8-5 overall despite playing a very challenging non-district schedule. The Marauders may have actually been at their best in a losing effort when they led at halftime and were within striking distance late before settling for a 10-point loss against state-ranked Denton Guyer (No. 1 in 6A). Sticking with the trend, Marcus was minus its top two returners in seniors Nelson Chevis and Xavier Smith for multiple games during non-district but is back at full strength for the start of conference action. 4. Lewisville The Farmers were back in the playoffs for the fourth time in five years last season and despite a relatively new cast of characters and a first-year head coach in Jeff MeGown, Lewisville should again be firmly in the playoff hunt in 5-6A. The Farmers have one of the deeper rosters in the district and MeGown noted he has at least 10 players he is comfortable with on the court. That bodes well for an up-tempo, run-and-gun style the Farmers will look to get back to under MeGown. 5. Southlake Carroll The Dragons took a step back in 2016-17 but may be the surprise team in the district thus far. Carroll has the most wins in the district during non-district action and enters 5-6A competition with a 15-2 record. Head coach Eric McDade and the Dragons have ditched the zone defense they primarily employed a year ago and are back to picking up full court and trapping. The Dragons also have the ability to get hot from the perimeter at any moments making them a squad capable of downing any opponent on a given night. 6. Trophy Club Byron Nelson The Bobcats missed out on the playoffs for the first time in program history last year after previously making the tournament in six straight seasons. Expect Nelson to be back in the hunt, but a climb into the top four may be a tall order. The Bobcats did post a 13-4 record during non-district and like Carroll, appear to be stronger than initially expected. Nelson’s early performance indicates they will be far from a night off for 5-6A foes. 7. Hurst L.D. Bell The Blue Raiders haven’t qualified for the playoffs since 2011 and finished in the cellar in 5-6A a year ago. While Bell has managed a 7-9 record during non-district, its caliber of opponent fails to rival that of the Lewisville ISD programs. Bell also hasn’t been as competitive as district foes again common opponents. Bell could give teams a scare in district, but will likely find trouble establishing the consistency needed to finish in the top four. 8. Euless Trinity As noted, the Trojans were the lone team in the district to win a playoff game a year ago. Unfortunately for Trinity, leading scorer Jhivvan Jackson departed for Texas-San Antonio and the Trojans are yet to notch a win since his graduation. Trinity has been a staple in the playoffs of late, but appear destined to miss out on the postseason for the first time since 2012 this year.

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
LD Bell High School Athletics

PREDICTING THE 5-6A STANDINGS ON THE HARD-COURT

JUSTIN THOMAS

Carrollton Leader | 12/28/2017

PHOTO CREDIT: LD Bell Athletics