When speaking Class 4A College Interscholastic League (UIL) in Texas, faculties which have dominated the dialog are ones with current titles beneath their belt comparable to Silsbee, Oak Cliff Household or Dallas Carter.
A faculty in West Dallas is trying to make a playoff push this 12 months and has made a 180 diploma flip from final season. Dallas Pinkston is trying to make some noise within the 4A playoffs this 12 months and 6-foot-7 2024 guard Sasha “Dink” Pate is main the way in which.
The Vikings have nearly tripled their win complete from final 12 months, presently sitting at 13-9, after final season’s membership went 5-24.
Dink began his freshman season at Pinkston, however his sophomore marketing campaign started at Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.). Pate then completed that season at Lancaster (Texas).
When speaking to Dink final summer time, he talked about coming again residence a number of instances and serving to to construct a profitable tradition at Pinkston.
One other massive components in his return was taking part in for head coach Cedric Griffin and being again residence together with his household for his ultimate years of highschool.
Breakdown of Dink’s Sport
A combo with ultimate positional dimension. At 6-foot-7 with the flexibility to be a major and secondary ball handler, Pate’s scoring and rhythm comes off the dribble. With step again threes, pull-up mid-rangers, grasp dribble pulls, Pate has a artistic offensive scoring package deal that permits him to generate area. The passing has improved and the willingness to move as properly. He’s changing into a greater ball-mover, feeding teammates in dunker spots and creating gravity on opposing defenses to kick it out to the open shooter. He’s now understanding learn how to influence video games together with his scoring and passing. His defensive depth can enhance. Does unfastened deal with that finish however when locked in, reveals lateral motion and skill to make use of his size to make an influence.
Pinkston Roster Notables
Desmeon Jones, 5’10 2025 PG: Speedy guard that will get the place he desires. Playmaker in open courtroom. He can change course and make a dribble transfer with out shedding pace. Powerful to protect 1-on-1
Bryce Dixon, 6’4 2026 Wing: Performs the 4-man position offensively for his staff however has first rate deal with, shot and performs with excessive motor. Competitor. Rebounds and pushes the ball. Glue man.
Jaylon Vines, 6’4 2025 PF: Athletic ahead that performs with infinite motor. Makes use of athleticism on the glass and finishes.
Rashad Simpson, 6’3 2024 Wing: Lefty. Shooter. When consideration is heavy on Dink and Jones, Rashad makes defenses pay after they give him area to shoot. Areas ground and customarily second or third in scoring for the Vikings.
Trying Forward
It’s a two man race for the district title as FAB 50 No. 48 Dallas Carter is projected to complete first. Tightening up on protection and dealing with the fixed strain Carter applies might be of significance in Pinkston’s matchup.
A great seed which they’re anticipated to have regardless in the event that they don’t win the district places Pinkston in a state of affairs the place it will possibly make a run in 4A. If Pinkston does make a deep run they’ll have to return throughout reigning state champs and Oak Cliff Religion Household, presently No. 44 within the FAB 50.
Helps when you’ve got a 5-star recruit. Pate should nonetheless be productive when groups face-guard, field & one him and throw completely different seems. He has completed lots higher job staying engaged and now as we’re hitting the house stretch of the common season, that’s much more necessary now.
