Barring a dramatic late season shift in the district 17-4A standings, the 2011 high school basketball postseason could be an intriguing one for hoops fans in the Magnolia area.

As of press time last week, both the Magnolia Bulldogs and the Magnolia West Mustangs were in position to qualify for the Class 4A Region III playoffs. However, the Mustangs are facing a final game tilt against the Montgomery Bears on Feb. 15 that could determine the district’s final playoff squad.

The Mustangs held a 7-5 district record as of last week, good for fourth place in the district and one game better than the 6-6 Bears. Magnolia West took on a Brenham Cub team Friday, Feb. 11 that held at 20-8 overall record and 9-3 district mark.

The Bears faced an equally stringent challenge, facing district-leading Stratford (17-12, 10-2) last Friday. Results of both games were unavailable at press time.

The Mustangs have battled through an up-and-down district season, never having more than a two-game winning streak, but also never losing more than two in a row.

If the Mustangs are able to hold on to the district’s fourth place playoff spot, they will face the winner of district 18-4A, most likely the Humble Wildcats (22-9, 11-1).

Magnolia West has been led on offense this season by a trio of players who are averaging double figures in scoring. Senior Gerry Cottle leads the Mustangs in scoring with 15 points per game, followed by Chris Lenton’s 13 points per game. Center Andew Ellwanger is third on the team, averaging 12.3 points per game.

Meanwhile, the Magnolia Bulldog squad has not only qualified for the postseason, but is seeking a district title trailing Stratford by just a half game in the standings. At press time last week, the 10-3 Bulldogs were in excellent position to steal away the district title in the last week of the season.

Magnolia’s final two games were against a Northbrook team on Feb. 11 and a Spring Woods team on Feb. 15 who have combined to go just 4-20 in district play. The Bulldogs have already defeated each team during the first round of district play.

The schedule breaks slightly in the favor of the Bulldogs during the final two games, with Stratford taking on the 6-6 Montgomery Bears and last place Northbrook in the season finale.

If the Bulldogs were to win the district title, they would face the fourth place team in 18-4A, currently Humble Summer Creek. In the event of a second place finish, Magnolia would face the third place team in 18-4A, either Huntsville or Kingwood Park.

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