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MASTERS DEGREE IN HOOPS: Marshall's Theus makes the grade
ARMANI THEUS HAS LEARNED THE GAME OF BASKETBALL FROM SOME OF THE BEST.
The Thurgood Marshall High School point guard has been coached by arguably the top basketball mind in Texas — Ronnie Courtney. Courtney boasts more than 800 career wins, three state titles, National Coach of the Year honors, and a pipeline of Division I talent that has come through his program.
Theus has also spent his career studying from up close, playing behind two of the best point guards in FBISD history — Jayland Lowe (Kentucky) and Ian Lowe (Lamar).
“It’s been a blessing wearing the Marshall jersey,” Theus said. “The school is a great environment, the program has a great culture... this is just home.”
Now, the 2025–26 Buffalo squad was his.
“When we got home after falling short at state last year, I realized it was time for me to run the show,” he said. “I was ready. I’ve learned so much about the game and about life from Coach and the Lowes.
“They taught me that everything isn’t cakes and rainbows. Nothing is handed to you. It’s what they did behind closed doors that made the difference — their work ethic, what they were doing when no one was watching. That really stuck with me.”
Theus guided Marshall through another undefeated district slate, leaning on those lessons. But the road wasn’t without adversity.
“When I need to get away from the noise, I just get quiet and pray,” he said. “I’m a big believer in God. I’ll say a quick prayer when I’m down. It helps me refocus. I know He has something greater in store for me than whatever I’m worried about in that moment.”
Despite his production, Theus has felt overlooked — fewer accolades, fewer offers, less recognition than some peers.
“I don’t play with a chip on my shoulder,” he said. “It doesn’t get to me. I know recognition will find me at some point. It just motivates me to keep getting better. Even losing state last year — I don’t see it as a failure. I see it as something to learn from.”
In today’s game, Theus is the type of floor general any college coach would want running the show — coachable, adaptable, and battle-tested.
“I’m able to adjust,” he said. “Coach Courtney tells me, ‘In a world full of scorers, find something that sets you apart.’ That’s why I take so much pride in defense — being a dog, playing with high intensity. I’m the motor guy. I can guard one-on-one and set the tone.”
Whether his journey continues strictly as a player or eventually shifts to the sideline, one thing is certain: Armani Theus has been built by the best — and he’s wired to become one himself.
THE CLUTCH 32: UIL Basketball 2025-26 State Championship Preview -- Almeta Crawford vs. Kimball (4A D1)
UIL Boys Basketball State Championship // 4A Division 1
Fort Bend Crawford Chargers vs. Dallas Kimball Knights
WHEN: Friday, March 13th (3/13) -- 5:00 PM
WHERE: Alamodome -- San Antonio, TX
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ALMETA CRAWFORD CHARGERS
In just the program’s third season since the school opened its doors in 2023, head coach Chris Iles has guided Almeta Crawford Hoops to the promised land. After an 82-44 blowout victory over Brazosport earlier this week—which extended the team’s record to 31-6 on a 22-game winning streak—the Chargers make their pivotal debut at the Alamodome, seizing the chance to claim the Fort Bend ISD school’s first UIL title before moving up to Class 5A next semester.
Crawford boasts one of the most athletically gifted starting rotations in Texas, and nowhere is that more evident than in dual-sport phenom Alvin Mosley. The District MVP in both basketball and football is a highlight reel waiting to happen, leading the team in scoring with just under 14 points per game, along with four rebounds and three steals during his junior campaign.
Balance, however, is the name of the game for the Chargers. Senior guard Jaylen Singleton (13 ppg, 3 rpg, 3 apg) has been outstanding, while junior Lakeevis Hunt and sophomores Kevin Green and Dylon Younger round out a squad primed to make history.

KIMBALL KNIGHTS
Shifting from a new face in the arena to a familiar one, Kimball (22-11) makes its return to San Antonio this March. The Knights enter Friday with the ambition of claiming back-to-back state championships in the 4A Division I bracket—a victory that would astonishingly cement the program’s ninth title across 16 Final Four appearances.
Powering head coach Nicke Smith’s quest for a repeat is senior Kayden Gray, an exceptionally versatile combo guard who serves not only as the team’s captain but also as its most potent scoring threat. Standing 6-foot-7, senior power forward Elijah Yarbrough combines length and physicality in the paint, a trait shared by fellow seniors Jaylin Hancock and Kaeden Oliver. Point guard David Coe is also poised to make his presence felt in Kimball’s upcoming clash with Crawford.


































