These 11 Deep East Texas Basketball Teams Are State Ranked

The Texas Association of Basketball Coaches has released its latest conference rankings for boys' and girls' high school teams across the state. Let's take a look at some of the Deep East Texas area boys' teams that are having an outstanding start to the season (we'll take a look at the girl's rankings next week).

Lufkin Panthers

Lufkin is ranked #22 in Class 5A. The Pack's overall record is 17-2 and 4-0 in district play. They have won 14 straight games with their only two losses coming to Red Oak (#21 in Class 5A) and Plano East (#11 in Class 6A).

Onalaska Wildcats

With an overall record of 14-4, Onalaska is just a few wins away from matching their total wins from last season (17). The Wildcats are ranked #23 in Class 3A.

Shelbyville Dragons

Last year, Shelbyville made it to the Class 2A state championship game before falling to Lipan. This year, the Dragons are on track for another stellar season. Shelbyville is 8-2 on the year and ranked #3 in the state in Class 2A.

Timpson Bears

The Bears made it 3 rounds deep into the playoffs last year before falling to eventual state finalist Shelbyville. This year, Timpson is off to a bit of a slow start with a 6-5 record, but this athletic team is ranked #8 in Class 2A.

Grapeland Sandies

The Sandies will head into district play with a 5-1 record. They have only played 6 games due to their football team's deep playoff run. Grapeland is ranked #18 in Class 2A.

San Augustine Wolves

The Wolves are 6-3 on the season and are ranked as the #20 team in Class 2A. San Augustine will start district play against West Sabine on December 20.

Brookeland Wildcats

With an overall mark of 9-5, Brookeland is ranked number 4 in the state in Class A. The Wildcats were a 30 win team last season.

Centerville Bulldogs

In October, I wrote a story about area basketball teams included in the preseason rankings. In Class A, I pointed out that this could be a big year for the Centerville Bulldogs thanks to students who had transferred in from another school district.

Last year, the Bulldogs finished with a record of 5-23 and didn't win a district game in 14 attempts. So far, Centerville is 14-2 with a 1-0 district mark in 27-A. They are ranked number 6 in the state in Class A.

This could be a record-setting season for the Bulldogs.

Wells Pirates

Centerville is one of three teams from District 27-A that is ranked in the top 25 in Texas. Wells is number 11 in the state in Class A boasting a record of 14-6. Last year, the Pirates had one of the most successful seasons in their program's history making it four rounds into the postseason playoffs.

Kennard Tigers

Kennard is yet another team from that same district that is ranked in the top 25 in the state (18th). The Tigers are 15-4 on the year and 1-0 in early district play.

District 27-A is a beast of a division. Broaddus, Martinsville, and Apple Springs are other teams from that district that could also make a run for the playoffs.

Slocum Mustangs

Slocum is trying to rebound from a tough season last year, and it looks like they are well on their way. The Mustangs are ranked 19th in the state in Class A and they have a record of 12-8.