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Some of the stars of 2022-23 BTW Basketball
FOR THE COMMUNITY: Washington Hoops headed to State with fans in tow
Once again, the Golden Eagles enjoyed a dominant regular season (23-7; 15-1 in district) campaign en route to a monumental postseason run.
A year ago, Washington fell to Silsbee in the Regional Finals (80-74).
As fate would have it this past weekend, the HISD team faced Silsbee in the very same game. Only this time, Washington flipped the script in the rematch by a score of 78-70 -- to punch their ticket to the UIL-4A State Tournament.
“This year couldn’t come quick enough after that heartbreaking loss to Silsbee last year,” said coach Vincent Grayson. “Playing them again was like a dream come true. We were hoping that they [Silsbee] would keep winning, as we did. It all played out just how we thought it would and it feels so good. We didn’t want it any other way this year, and now we’re headed to State.”
BTW's Chris McDermottJustin Hartojo (VYPE)
It’s no secret that this team is talented, considering they’ve showcased their ability in numerous tournaments throughout the season, including the VYPE Annual Invitational, which BTW won.
The Golden Eagles, with the three-headed monster of 6-foot-7 junior guard Chris McDermott (19 PPG, 12 RPG), junior guard Odis Carter Jr. (18 PPG, 4 SPG) and senior forward Kenneth Lewis (20 PPG, 4 RPG), now have the opportunity to represent H-Town in the State Final Four. They want to win it all.
“I experienced this feeling [going to State] 25 years ago at Waltrip High School as an assistant coach,” said Grayson. “Now, I’m experiencing it as a head coach, which makes it even more special. But, we want to close the deal. We know it will be tough and nothing comes easy.”
BTW's Kenneth LewisJustin Hartojo (VYPE)
This postseason marks the first time BTW hoops have competed in the State Tournament. With all the hype surrounding this team, the importance of this moment isn’t lost on Grayson, who is in his 20th year at the school, and his 16th as the head coach.
However, this season might just be the most historic.
“The title would mean more to the community, the school and the team -- in that order,” Grayson said. “This community has been waiting for a long time to cheer about something, so we hope we can make that happen for them.”
Booker T. Washington will face Boerne on Friday, at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Two more wins and the Houston team will be immortalized in UIL Basketball history.
Andre Walker II
2022-23 Klein Oak Basketball
FIGHTERS: Klein Oak in Regional Semis
After failing to reach the postseason last year, the Panthers have defied the odds to reach the 6A Regional Semifinals.
The Panthers enjoyed an impressive regular season, finishing with a 20-12 record and No. 2 in their district (10-4). Subsequently, Klein Oak advanced through the first three rounds of the UIL postseason, most recently emerging victorious in a 52-51 thriller against Cypress Springs.
So, what did it take to achieve this kind of turnaround?
“Hard work, selflessness and discipline is the first thing that comes to mind,” said coach Joshua Ervin. “As soon as I arrived at Klein Oak in June of 2022, they had a fire about them and a desire to win. We worked hard every day in the summer. The young men hardly took days off, we took care of our bodies, we took care of our studies -- with no off-the-court issues whatsoever.”
Klein Oak HC Joshua ErvinBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Ever since Ervin has taken over the direction of Klein Oak hoops, this team has looked dangerous with a brand new mindset.
“Our mentality is that of toughness,” he said. “We’re fighters and we keep calm under pressure. This is the best season and team I have ever been around in my 13 years of coaching. It is not about the record but the togetherness and selflessness of our team. It took everyone believing in themselves. Before I arrived at Klein Oak, I knew who they were and the potential they had. My job was to make them believe in their talent.”
Klein Oak's Bryson HolmesBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
What makes this Panthers' squad special isn’t because there is one particular standout, but there are several.
“If you look up the definition of ‘team’ in the dictionary, there should be a picture of Klein Oak boys basketball next to it,” Ervin said. “The reason I say that is because if you watched us for five games in a row, you may see five different leading scorers. Truthfully, it depends on the night and the match-up. If you are making me pick, then it would be Daniel Perez, T.J. Robinson, Brennan White and Bryson Holmes. Furthermore, Courtland Guillory, Isaiah Walker and Noah Franklin have been just as good as anyone on any given night.”
Klein Oak's TJ RobinsonBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
If there is anything that Coach Ervin has taught his athletes this season, it is the attribute of resiliency.
“I encourage the team to always try their best to stay positive through all the ups and downs of the season. Push through difficult times, and keep fighting," he said. "That’s the reason we are going to Regionals. I have never seen our team quit one time this season. They can use that lesson for the rest of their lives.”
Count on that mindset to come into play when Klein Oak faces off against Mansfield Legacy this Friday