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.
TCA Trojans prepare for TAPPS State Semifinals
As basketball teams around the state prepare for the state tournament, one of the Dallas-Fort Worth area teams who has shown dedication to excellence on and off the court this season is the Trinity Christian Academy - Addison Trojans. The team is preparing to enter the TAPPS State Semifinals on Thursday after posting a great schedule already this year. VYPE DFW takes a dive into the team and what fans can expect moving forward.
A Look Back
Last season, the Trojans had a less-than-ideal season as they finished third in their district standings and had an early exit from the playoffs. Despite the season ending early in the playoffs, the Trojans still had a season that fans could be proud of as they built, refreshed, and learned to overcome challenges. With victories over the likes of Fort Worth Christian, Bishop Dunne, Commerce, and more during preseason play followed by victories over Parish Episcopal, John Paul II, and more during regular season, the Trojans were able to begin building what would be a legendary season next season... the 2022-23 season.
The scorers, led by Blake Muschalek, for Trinity Christian Academy have been making a point to set the tone early in each game this season. Beginning in preseason play, the Trojans were able to defeat Plano's Coram Deo Academy, Fort Worth Nolan Catholic, Argyle Liberty Christian, and more before opening district play. In district, the team posted a 5-5 schedule to finish in the 4th place spot in their standings.
Playoffs & What To Expect
Some might argue that their district record shows struggle through the regular season. Others, though, would attest to the fact that it only proves that the Trojans are battle-tested and prepared for any team- no matter how good- in the playoffs. After finishing the regular season, the Trojans got right to work to to prepare for the road to the state tournament. Ending the seasons of Houston's Village (61-32) and Antonian Prep in a hard-fought 57-54 matchup, the Trojans have not only proved their dedication, but they have also shown the way they roll through road blocks while learning from adversity.
With a fire in their hearts and the mentality to prove any nay-sayer wrong, the Trojans will look to have a strong game against Plano's Prestonwood Christian Academy- a team they have already faced twice this season. In the regular season, the Trojans lost both meetings (73-46, 66-48). Continually learning and improving, though, the Trojans can be expected to learn from their previous meetings in the regular season. Knowing the weaknesses and plans that Prestonwood has on the court, fans can expect the Trojans to play physical with a sense of preparedness and readiness.
The TAPPS State Semifinals matchup will be held at University High School in Waco, Texas on Friday, February 24th with an 8 p.m. tip-off time.




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