Boys basketball: Deer Park set to play Trojans in 22-5A battle

Fresh off a showdown with South Houston, the Dobie Longhorns take on Deer Park in matchup that would have been bigger a month ago, when Thomas Walkup and Rey Cazares were still healthy.

Walkup's recovery time from a broken foot was set at four to six weeks, so he could be back for this one, but more likely his return will be closer to the playoffs — if he plays again this season at all.

But with the Deer playing at home, and still sporting a talented big body in Darian Banks, who's desperate to show he can lead them to the postseason, they'll still be dangerous for the Longhorns.

ABOUT THE GAME

• Matchup: Dobie vs. Deer Park

• When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28

• Where: Deer Park High School

• What's at stake: Dobie can start to solidify its bid for a district championship with a win over the Deer, who simply are looking to make sure they don't miss the playoffs in a season that's had dramatic highs and lows.

• Dobie players to watch: G Edward Peabody, G Johnathan Vargas, G Dominique Simon, G Taylor Holland

• Deer Park players to watch: P Darian Banks, G Blaine Burke, G Reagan Corry, G Jeremy Dockan

TEAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Dobie: The Longhorns were tied for first in District 22-5A going into Tuesday's showdown with co-district leader South Houston. They rolled over the Eagles 83-53 in their district opener after jumping out to a 29-8 lead in the first quarter. Vargas was the high scorer for Dobie with 18 points. Taylor Holland had 17 points. They added wins over Pasadena Memorial (64-48) and Sam Rayburn (58-41) last week. Dominique Simon and Devonte Banks had 11 points apiece to lead Dobie against Rayburn.

• Deer Park: Through the Lee College Classic, which Walkup helped the Deer win for the first time in dramatic fashion, he was averaging 27.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 3.2 steals per game. … Wins have been harder to come by without Walkup and Cazares, who was lost for the season. The Deer were 1-2 through three 22-5A contests after losing two of three just before district started. They lost to South Houston 57-44 in their district opener and 46-39 to Pasadena Memorial last week. In the loss to the Mavericks, Darian Banks had 21 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks.