Just because the Fort Bend Dulles boys basketball team likes a ball-control offense doesn’t mean they’ll try to slow the game against Chavez Friday night in a 5A Region III semifinal.

That’s likely the opposite of how things will transpire, thinks Lobos (28-5) coach Kevin Pullum.

“They (Dulles) are very quick and they’re short. Their tallest player is about 6(-foot)-3,” Pullum said. “They run a press offense, execute some back-door cuts very well and they’ll shoot a lot of 3-pointers.”

So, then, expect something of a track meet of contrasting styles in the 8 p.m. matchup at Aldine Campbell Center.

The other semifinal pits Madison (24-9) against Fort Bend Hightower (30-8) at 6 p.m.

Dulles (31-4) advanced by upsetting Fort Bend Elkins 62-56 Tuesday night.

The Vikings, who were 1-1 against Elkins in their two District 23-5A regular-season meetings, slowed the game to a point to gain an advantage. Pullum doesn’t necessarily expect to see that Friday.

“They make lots of cuts and have three really quick guards,” said Pullum, whose team advanced by defeating Lamar 53-42 Tuesday night. “They have brothers (D’Angelo and Dre Harrison) who are very good shooters. They remind me of Lamar a little bit except they’re more advanced. They’ve bought into their coach’s philosophy.

“A lot of the time, you’ll see players deviate from the plan out on the court. They don’t. They’re very disciplined.”

Jamal Fenton scored 14 points Tuesday to guide the Lobos, who made the tournament for the first time last season and already have advanced farther into the postseason than any program in school history.

“There’s an energy around here that’s contagious,” Pullum said. “A lot of teams are just happy to get to this point. It’s been a wonderful experience so far and we’re not ready for it to end.”

Madison advanced with a 73-64 win against Cypress Springs Tuesday night.

Hightower knocked off Fort Bend Bush 58-44.

The Marlins edged Springs without Joe Lawson, their wing player who has battled injuries off-and-on since the Houston vs. The Nation tournament in December, and two other usual starters – Ivan Pettit and Stanley Pollock. But LSU commit Tommy Mason-Griffin put the Marlins on his back, scoring 27 points on the heels of 43 against Hastings last week.

“They were predicted to do very well but they’ve done real well with (Lawson) out,” Pullum said. “Tommy Mason-Griffin is in another gear. He knows when it’s a special atmosphere and he just feels it.”

5A regional tournament schedule
Region III
at Aldine Campbell Center
Semifinals
Madison (24-9) vs. Fort Bend Hightower (30-8), 6 p.m. Friday
Chavez (28-5) vs. Fort Bend Dulles (31-4), 8 p.m. Friday
Championship
1 p.m. Saturday

Region II
at Baylor University, Waco
Semifinals
Klein Forest (31-3) vs. Mesquite (28-6), 6 p.m. Friday
College Park (28-10) vs. Plano East (28-6), 8 p.m. Friday
Championship
7 p.m. Saturday
***
4A regional tournament schedule
Region III
at Merrell Center
Semifinals
Yates (27-2) vs. Beaumont Ozen (28-2), 6 p.m. Friday
Wheatley (27-5) vs. Smiley (25-6), 7:30 p.m. Friday
Championship
7 p.m. Saturday

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