The Meadow Lady Broncos and the Wellman-Union Lady Cats have both earned their place in the UIL girls basketball postseason, continuing a proud tradition rooted deep in West Texas excellence. But beyond the excitement of playoff qualification lies a larger reality that few outside the region fully appreciate: Class 1A, Region I is widely regarded as the most dominant and historic girls basketball region in the state of Texas.
Since 1951, Class B and later Class 1A Region I programs have produced an astonishing 59 state championships over a 74-year span. That means nearly every generation of players and coaches in this region has contributed to a legacy defined by discipline, toughness, and championship pedigree. Simply reaching the playoffs in Region I places a team among elite company. Every postseason berth represents not just a successful season, but an opportunity to add another chapter to one of the richest traditions in Texas high school basketball.
This year, both Meadow and Wellman-Union will carry that tradition forward as they enter the bi-district round with determination and belief.
Meadow Lady Broncos vs. Grady Lady Cats
Bi-District Round – Division I
The Meadow Lady Broncos enter the playoffs as the top seed Division I representative out of District 5-1A and will travel to O’Donnell on Tuesday night to face the Grady Lady Cats. The matchup brings familiarity, as the two programs met in the same bi-district round last season, with Meadow earning a hard-fought 33-27 victory.
Both teams arrive with nearly identical resumes this season. Meadow finished the regular season with an 18-13 overall record, while Grady posted an 18-11 mark. Their paths have crossed with many of the same opponents, providing insight into how evenly matched these teams truly are.
Meadow demonstrated consistency against O’Donnell, defeating the Lady Eagles three times this season, while Grady also picked up a win in their lone meeting with O’Donnell. Against Sands, Meadow earned a convincing 51-35 victory, while Grady faced Sands in district play and suffered two narrow losses, falling 28-24 and 27-26 in tightly contested defensive battles.
Both teams also faced Wellman-Union, with contrasting results. Grady earned a decisive early-season win over the Lady Cats, 54-12, while Meadow swept Wellman-Union in district play, winning 57-26 and 49-44. Against Dawson, Grady earned two district victories, while Meadow secured a dominant 52-24 win in their matchup.
Statistically, Meadow enters the contest with an advantage on the offensive end, averaging nearly 53 points per game compared to Grady’s 35 points per contest. Defensively, the two teams are nearly identical, with Grady allowing 35 points per game and Meadow allowing 37.
The Lady Broncos’ offensive firepower, combined with their playoff experience, gives them confidence heading into the matchup. However, Grady’s defensive discipline and familiarity with Meadow’s style ensure this will be a competitive battle from start to finish.
Wellman-Union Lady Cats vs. #18 Borden County Lady Coyotes
Bi-District Round – Division I
If ever there were a situation that perfectly embodied the phrase, “this is why you play the game,” Wellman-Union’s bi-district matchup against the No. 18-ranked Borden County Lady Coyotes would be it.
On paper, Borden County enters as the clear favorite. The Lady Coyotes boast an impressive 27-5 overall record and have tested themselves against elite competition all season. Their five losses came against larger programs, including 6A Midland Lee, 3A Brownfield, No. 5-ranked 2A Whiteface, and former Top 25 teams New Home and Olton. Notably, none of those losses were blowouts, demonstrating Borden County’s ability to compete at a high level.
This will also mark the second consecutive season that Wellman-Union and Borden County meet in the bi-district round. Last season, the Lady Coyotes advanced with a 67-21 victory and eventually reached the state semifinals, reinforcing their status as one of the premier programs in Region I.
However, this season brings new opportunities and renewed determination for the Lady Cats.
Wellman-Union battled adversity throughout the season but remained resilient and focused, ultimately earning the second seed in District 5-1A Division I. During district play, the Lady Cats averaged 39 points per game while allowing 41, showing their ability to compete in close contests.
Borden County, meanwhile, averaged 52 points per game and allowed just 29 points per contest during district play, showcasing its balanced strength on both ends of the floor.
For Wellman-Union to pull off the upset, defensive execution will be key. Limiting Borden County’s perimeter shooting, particularly their ability to score from three-point range, and protecting the paint will be essential. If the Lady Cats can control the tempo, play disciplined defense, and capitalize on scoring opportunities, they have the potential to surprise and advance.
Current Top 25
NOTE: Schools highlighted in are from Region I Classes 1A to 6A, and Class 1A Region II is highlighted in