The most interesting battle should be in 4A as Beaumont Ozen's A'Lexus Brannon (21-0 ½ ), Kilgore's Tai Reese (19-9 ½ ) and Birdville's Whitney Gipson (19-6 ¼ ) square off. The trio finished 1-2-3 at the 2007 state meet.

Arlington Sam Houston sophomore Alexius Hightower, who was denied a state berth after finishing third at regionals as a freshman, makes her state debut after a resounding victory in the 5A Region I meet. Hightower is seeded first after posting 19-4 ½ . The defending 5A state champion, Galena Park North Shore junior Whitney Johnson (18-10), and runner-up Jessica Ubanyionwu of El Paso Eastwood are back in the fold.

Royse City's Megan Frausto finished third in 3A last season and returns tied for the top seed following her victory at the Region II meet (18-8 ½ ).

YCHLINDRIA SPEARS: Luling