DUNCANVILLE, Texas — Duncanville girls basketball is going back to San Antonio.
A program that is used to hanging banners will play in the State Tournament this week.
"When you're in Duncanville, all you do is focus on winning," head coach Neiman Ford said.
"I feel like it's really special to be a part of something like this," senior Chloe Mann said.
Banned from the tournament a year ago due to a rules violation, Duncanville is now back and looking to hang another banner in their illustrious gymnasium.
"Oh yeah, I look up there all the time," Mann said. "Got one that's gonna go right over there. 2024 on it."
But this isn't a juggernaut Panthers team this time around. In fact, they're often out-sized on the floor.
"Everyone talks about how small we are," Ford said. "Our tallest girl's like 5-foot-11. So it's just a testament to how tough they are, and how the will to win is displayed night in and night out, because everybody is bigger than us."
Duncanville is on their way to San Antonio on the strength of a win over No. 1 Desoto in the regional final – the third meeting between the two teams this year. Duncanville won the important one.
"That game was, it was just exciting for us," Mariah Clayton said. "We both split 1-1 in district, so ... in this game, it was win or go home, so we wanted it."
But that's only step one.
"Winning against DeSoto and Cy Springs in regionals ... for me, in Duncanville, it means nothing if we don't finish the job," Ford said.
Their rival is in the rearview. But now, they focus forward. Two more wins for a state title.
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