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Winning against a rival team twice in a season is difficult, but beating an opponent three times—especially on their home court—proves why Judson is ranked No. 1 in the state.

The top-ranked Judson Rockets defeated the No. 5 Steele Knights, 43-40, in a hard-fought battle Friday night, extending their win streak to 18 games.

Steele entered the matchup determined to avenge their 56-47 loss to Judson the previous Saturday, which had snapped their 14-game winning streak.

The game featured several standout players, including DeLaney Arredondo, ranked No. 7 in the 2026 class by AlamoCityHoops. Arredondo led Judson with her versatility and consistency, playing a key role in the victory. She capitalized on foul calls, excelled at the free-throw line, hit key three-pointers, and was aggressive in the paint. She ended with 16 points in the win. 

Her all-around performance also helped her reach her 1,000th career point!

Though the first quarter was marked by unforced turnovers and missed second-chance opportunities, Judson's defense remained firm. The Rockets built an early lead, largely thanks to Arredondo’s aggressive drives to the basket and her ability to draw fouls for free-throw opportunities. Grabbing a 9-8 lead after the first eight minutes. 

Judson quickly took advantage of Steele’s faltering defensive efforts, using fast breaks to score and increasing the game's tempo both in transition and during half-court defense. 

The duo of Arredondo and Kayla King (University of Houston signee) proved to be the difference-maker in the game. King, ranked No. 7 among seniors by AlamoCityHoops, displayed her high basketball IQ with clutch field goals and attacks in the paint. When Arredondo wasn’t scoring, King stepped up, further demonstrating why she is ranked in the top ten in the 2025 class, leading the way with a game high 21 points.

Despite Judson's dominance, Steele refused to back down. In the fourth quarter, Sa'Myra Witcher sparked the Knights’ rally, cutting their deficit to just two points. Witcher’s ability to anticipate passes and her speed during fast breaks kept Steele within striking distance.

However, the Knights’ late-game push fell short. Despite a strong effort in the final minutes, Steele was unable to convert in the closing seconds. Judson held on for a 43-40 win, improving to 24-1 (3-0) on the season and solidifying their status as the team to beat in the state.