The days leading up to Thanksgiving break will be opportune for the Cowboys’ and Cowgirls’ basketball teams as both play in the Coppell Tipoff Classic against teams across Texas. It is an opportunity for both teams to showcase their new talents in a traditional tournament. 

The Cowgirls play Burleson at 9 a.m. on Thursday in Large Gym, Winsboro at 3 p.m. at CHS Arena, Tyler Legacy at 10:30 a.m. on Friday in Large Gym and Richardson Pearce at 4:30 p.m. on Friday at CHS Arena. Based on pool play and seeding, the Cowgirls will also have a game on Saturday but opponent, location and time are to be determined.

The Cowboys play Frisco Reedy at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday in CHS Arena, Amarillo at 4:30 p.m. in Large Gym, John Paul II at 9 a.m. on Friday in CHS Arena and Irving MacArthur at 1:30 p.m. on Friday in Large Gym. Similarly, the Cowboys will also have a game on Saturday but opponent, location and time are to be determined based on pool play and seeding.

The Cowboys (1-1) have put up a couple of strong performances in their first two games against Vertical Academy and Pearce. Coppell senior guard Ryan Agarwal has led the way for the Cowboys, averaging 20 points per game. 

“I’m going to do whatever it takes to try and win games,” Agarwal said. “Everyone has their own role so I’m going to do whatever I have to do to get some wins and hopefully a championship win for this tournament.”

The Cowgirls (4-0) have roared to a stellar start to their season, summarized by defeating No.15 ranked Class 5A Highland Park.  Coppell junior guard Jules LaMendola is of the go-to players for her team after scoring a career-high 28 points in a 66-57 win over Edgewood.

With five games over three days, depth, hydration and rest will play crucial roles for both teams.

“A good thing about our team and something that we preach is that we have depth,” Coppell senior guard Devank Rane said. “On any given night, your number could be called and it’s each persons’ job to be ready for [that moment] because they have to take advantage of any opportunity they get to get onto the court.”

Heading into Thanksgiving break, a successful tournament showing for both teams will be encouraging and provide tremendous confidence heading into the bulk of basketball season. 

“It would be great to take five wins into Thanksgiving break,” Coppell senior guard Naz Brown said. “It’s a great way to start the season and show everybody that we are still a top team in Texas. It doesn’t matter what everyone thinks because we worked our butts off and we’re ready for the test.”

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