Been waiting to post until I could see all of the contenders in person.
Rockwall should be the favorite going in due to their speed and defense. That Richland game was closer than the score indicates. Rockwall went toe to toe with RS for the 1st qt. Add this to the amazing gift of a bracket that was given to them by Tapps and they will be very rested come state game.
Emery should be the favorite coming out of the gauntlet of a bracket in the south (north only has 2 district champs in it, one of those districts being the weakest by far, AND Tapps gives those 2 districts bye games too). Emery is a machine on offense and very well coached on defense. They lack top level speed however which may get them in trouble in playoffs.
Veritas will be the main contender vs Emery to get out of the south bracket. Unfortunately these 2 teams will face off in the quarters. I saw Veritas early in the season and then again a few weeks ago and they look like a different team. Very fast and playing much smarter defensively.
Waco Vanguard will face off against the winner of Emery/Veritas for a chance at state. Vanguard has the speed but appear to lack the depth necessary to play solid defense for 4 qts. Their game with Emery was closer than the score appears, if the ball bounces their way and they find a way to get some stops, Vanguard could be a surprise upset especially against a Veritas/Emery team that will be coming out of a tough quarters matchup.
My prediction is Rockwall and Veritas in the state game. Both teams have elite speed, quality depth, and balanced offense/defense.