The University Interscholastic League (UIL) introduced a new playoff format for team sports this season, aiming to create a fairer system. However, instead of balancing competition, the change has led to powerhouse matchups right in the first round. One of the most highly anticipated games features Class 5A’s top two teams—Wagner and Leander Glenn—facing off much earlier than expected.
Let’s break down how this happened, key first-round matchups, and teams to watch as the Texas high school girls’ basketball playoffs unfold.
Wagner vs. Glenn: A First-Round Battle of Titans
The game between No. 1 Wagner (29-3) and No. 2 Glenn (33-1) is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Round Rock McNeil in the Class 5A Division I bracket. Both teams boast incredible talent, including:
- L.A. Sneed (Wagner) – A senior guard and three-time Express-News Super Team member, signed with Utah.
- Soma Okolo (Glenn) – A senior forward who has committed to Miami.
Under the previous playoff system, this matchup would have likely taken place in the regional championship. Last year, Glenn eliminated Wagner in the third round with a 61-47 victory. Now, they face each other much earlier, making this one of the most exciting opening-round clashes.
How Did This Happen? Understanding the New UIL Playoff Format
Previously, non-football team sports were seeded based on their district finish, with the top four teams from each district advancing. However, under the new UIL system:
- Schools are placed into two divisions based on enrollment size.
- The two schools with the highest enrollments in a district go to Division I, while the other two go to Division II.
- This leads to two separate state champions in each classification.
For example, Wagner and Pieper tied for the District 26-5A title with 15-1 records, splitting their regular-season matchups. Instead of a tiebreaker game, they flipped a coin for playoff seeding. Pieper won the top seed and avoided an early meeting with Glenn, leaving Wagner with a much tougher first-round draw.
Similarly, Boerne and Kerrville Tivy had a seeding game in Division II to avoid facing Liberty Hill, the state’s third-ranked team. Boerne won and will play No. 23 Cedar Park instead.
Judson’s Strong Path to the State Semifinals
In Class 6A, Judson (34-1) enters the postseason as the No. 1-ranked team, riding a 27-game winning streak. The Rockets begin their playoff journey at 6:30 p.m. Monday against Medina Valley (19-15) at Paul Taylor Field House.
Their road to the state semifinals looks promising, as no other Region IV teams rank in the top 19 statewide. However, they may face challenges from:
- No. 20 Churchill (28-5)
- No. 21 Austin Westlake (27-7)
- No. 22 Cedar Park Vista Ridge (28-6)
- No. 24 San Marcos (23-8)
Judson’s only loss this season came in overtime against Wagner (65-60 on Nov. 9, 2024).
Best First-Round Matchups to Watch
Several other first-round games promise intense action, featuring star players and competitive teams.
1. Sotomayor (25-8) vs. Brandeis (17-17)
- Sotomayor won the District 28-6A championship in just its third season.
- Brandeis had a rough start but finished second in District 27-6A with a 10-4 league record.
2. Burbank (21-12) vs. McCollum (31-3)
- Zara’Nique Nealy (Burbank) – A dynamic guard averaging 20.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 6.7 steals per game.
- Aaliyah Mancha & Zoey Yanez (McCollum) – One of the best backcourt duos in San Antonio.
Antonian Aims for a Deep Playoff Run
Antonian (31-6) dominated TAPPS 3-6A, going 8-0 and winning games by an average of 53.8 points. The Apaches feature a well-balanced attack, including:
- Kyzarriah Fox (15.3 PPG, Sophomore, Forward)
- Leah Mitchell (14.8 PPG, Junior, Guard)
- Lilyanna Bacon (10.1 PPG, Sophomore, Guard/Forward)
- Shaniyah Fox (10.1 PPG, Junior, Guard/Forward)
Ranked No. 3 in TABC Private School rankings, Antonian could face No. 2 Plano Prestonwood, which defeated them 71-51 in November.
Teams Riding Winning Streaks into the Playoffs
Several teams enter the postseason with significant momentum:
- Judson – 27-game winning streak
- Sam Houston – 21-game winning streak
- Wagner – 20-game winning streak
- Fredericksburg – 18-game winning streak
- Churchill – 15-game winning streak
These teams will be exciting to watch as the playoffs progress.
The UIL’s new playoff format has created unexpected early matchups, making the road to the state title more challenging for top-ranked teams. Wagner vs. Glenn stands out as the biggest first-round battle, but other matchups, including Judson’s strong path in Class 6A, add to the excitement. With powerhouse programs, star players, and thrilling games, the Texas high school girls’ basketball playoffs promise to deliver unforgettable moments.
