On February 23 the girls basketball team lost to Gilmer in the regional quarterfinals, but boys basketball will continue into the regional semifinals to play Dallas-Carter on March 2. Both will finish as District 16-4A champions, with many other accolades as well. 

“I am very proud of the girls and how far they are taking each other,” head girls basketball coach Daniel Devisscher said. “It’s been so much fun to watch our Lady Eagles get better everyday. To be one of the 16 teams says a lot about this team.”

After posting an 11-1 district record and beating Pittsburg and Canton in their playoff run, the girls will finish the season with a 24-5 record. The boys currently have a 23-5 record after beating Brownsboro on February 25. 

“Brownsboro is playing great basketball right now and are exceptionally well-coached,” head boys basketball coach Chris Grotemat said. “They’re a proud program, just like us, and are competing at a very high level.”

The boys will enter the fourth round of the playoffs on March 2, where they will face Dallas-Carter. Focusing on their defense that has given up fewer points than any other team in the district, the boys prepare for their matchup next week. 

“Being able to travel to dallas for the fourth round is really rewarding and shows how much hard work all of the guys are putting in,” senior Wake Thrasher-Evers said. “Even though I’ve been injured for much of the season, being able to watch Jaymond, CT and Walter lead the team across the board gives me a lot of confidence in this team going forward.”

Confidence is high for the both teams as their seasons progress. With prospects for All-State players cropping up, the season isn’t over yet. 

“Colton Taylor and Jaymond Jackson have anchored this team,” Grotemat said. “Colton is one of East Texas’ leading scorers, and Jaymond is an elite defensive player.”