02:21 PM Central Standard Time on Thursday, February 15, 2007

By DAMON L. SAYLES / The Dallas Morning News

AUSTIN OR BUST
Teams expected to make a run at the state tournament:

Duncanville: Area's only undefeated team gunning for 5A championship.

South Oak Cliff: Looking for third consecutive 4A state title.

Roosevelt: Defending 3A state champion ready for another shot.

DeSoto: 2003 state champ has won 30 games or more three straight years.


FRANCHISE PLAYERS
Players who can carry their teams:

John Roberson, Plano: Texas Tech signee leads 5A area players in scoring.

D'walyn Roberts, Duncanville: Double- double threat headed to Texas Tech.

Brockeith Pane, Carter: Houston signee is a prolific offensive option.

Willie Warren, North Crowley: One of the nation's top Class of 2008 players.


DIALING LONG DISTANCE
Some of the top 3-point shooters:

Braxton Adamson, Rockwall: Pure shooter with range beyond 18 feet.

Brandon Williams, Carrollton Ranchview: Leads area 3A players in 3-point shooting.

Aaron Willmon, Lake Highlands: Has been a solid complement to team's frontcourt.

Kevin Busby- Hayden, Spruce: Team leader in 3-point shooting, scoring and assists.


WHO NEEDS POINTS?
Leaders in rebounds or assists:

Fred Gipson, South Oak Cliff: Four-year varsity player averaging 6.7 assists a game.

Barry Honore', South Garland: Could earn his 400th rebound in the postseason.

Nosa Amadasun, Spruce: Athletic forward averaging 12 rebounds per contest.

Raymond Parker, Life Oak Cliff: Has more than 200 assists for the season.


YOU CAN CALL ME ...
Some of the best player nicknames:

J'Mison "BoBo" Morgan, South Oak Cliff: This 6-10 powerhouse could dominate in the playoffs.

Greg "Snowflake" Harrell, Plano: Has played larger than his 6-3 frame.

Vincent "PJ" McNeil, Roosevelt: Two-sport athlete set for another playoff run.


DYNAMIC DUOS
Standout 1-2 combinations:

Kyron Stokes and Preston Davis, Mansfield Summit: Talented combination difficult to defend.

David Kyles and Ger'shom Fuller, Kimball: Provide quality inside-outside threat.

Nolan Dennis and Kendrick Collins, Richland: Duo averaging 36.8 points and 10.4 rebounds.

Darrick Thomas and De'Andre Marshall, Samuell: Integral in team's two-year turnaround.

Clinton Houston and Cooper Land, Flower Mound Marcus: Versatility makes tall tandem dangerous.


DON'T GET CAUGHT NAPPING
Sleeper teams that could go far:

Lewisville: Wears down opponents using its endurance.

Highland Park: Disciplined squad allows only 47.3 points a game.

Skyline: Athleticism makes it an attractive sleeper.

Carrollton Ranchview: Demarcus Wilson-led team should fare well.

Madison: Flentroy family a part of upset-minded team. dsayles@dallasnews.com


YOUNG AND GIFTED
Some of the top underclassmen:

Shawn Williams and Roger Franklin, Duncanville: Sophomores have been key in team's unbeaten run.

Julian Washburn, Kimball: Talented freshman scores and rebounds well.

Jemison Sterns, Waxahachie: Freshman guard ranked second among 15-4A scorers.


RARITIES
New playoff teams or teams returning after a long drought:

McKinney North: First-time playoff team earned a share of 9-4A title.

The Colony: First trip to the postseason in five years.

Fort Worth Western Hills: Returning to the playoffs after 10-year drought.

Keller Fossil Ridge: Earned 6-4A spot after last making playoffs in 1998