GAMES
RANKINGS
The stars of 2024-25 Second Baptist Boys Basketball
DOWN TO THE WIRE: TAPPS-5A B-Ball State Semis Preview -- Second Baptist v. St. Anthony
We're now approaching the closing stages of the TAPPS basketball season, meaning that the talent level for audiences to witness has also reached its peak.
In a highly anticipated matchup in the 5A State Semifinals, Houston's Second Baptist and San Antonio's St. Anthony prepare to go head-to-head in Waco.
SBS is coming off a monumental overtime thriller against TWCA in the Regional Final last Saturday, in which they pulled away with a 58-49 victory to advance.
Led by coach Taylor Land, the Eagles (32-4) have been a dominant force throughout the entire winter, thanks to the considerable efforts made by individuals such as sophomore Reese Alston, who's averaging roughly 22 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals per game.
Junior Shia Francis (15 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 spg) and sophomore Will Goolsby (13 ppg, 4 rpg) help keep the scoreboard lit, while dual-sport athlete Canon Toon (Jr. G) and Michael Pratt (Sr. F) beef up an imposing starting rotation for Land.
If Second Baptist prevails, they become one step closer to claiming the program's fourth overall state title.
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Meanwhile, St. Anthony enters the State Final-Four on the heels of a definitive 78-60 win against Fort Bend Christian Academy, improving their record to 35-7 in the process.
The Yellowjackets feature one of the most balanced rosters in the private school sector, and with coach PJ Escobar at the helm, they've been able to flourish well into the postseason.
Headlining the scoring department is senior Drew Cristan, averaging nearly 17 points per contest, while also adding 2 assists and 2 steals a game.
He's complemented by sophomore Emiliano Henderson (15 ppg, 9 rpg, 2 spg), as well as fellow seniors Jerome Perkins (12 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 spg), and Andre Jones (7 ppg, 3 apg, 2 rpg), adding more veteran experience to the mix.
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The game will be taking place later this week, prior to the State Final on March 1st at Robinson High School.
The stars of 2024-25 Second Baptist Girls Basketball
THE GOLD STANDARD: Can No. 2 Second Baptist close the deal?
2 — SECOND BAPTIST EAGLES
The Eagles rolled all the way to the TAPPS-5A title game in 2024 – marking the eighth appearance in program history – where they ultimately finished as the State Runner-Up with a final record of 29-10.
In H-Town private school girls hoops, SBS is the gold standard, and that’s not likely to change anytime soon. John “CH” Herndon enters year seven leading this program (153-51) and returns one starter to the squad.
Herndon will lean on the leadership of first-team, all-state selection Grace Wehring (14 ppg, 4 rpg, 3.4 spg, 2.7 apg), as well as Eloise Tackett (So. G) and Casey Krueger, to keep the tradition alive.
The Eagles will eye a seventh-straight trip to the postseason in 2025, while placing an emphasis on building the younger players up in the process.
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