State Championship Recap

North Crowley Captures First State Championship

Laneville Defeats Goodrich for 1A Division II Title

Laneville won its third state championship and its first since 1993 by defeating Goodrich 56-50 in the 1A Division II final. Leading by just two at halftime, Laneville had a strong third quarter in which they outscored the Hornets 21-15 to grab a comfortable lead. Goodrich kept it close the entire fourth quarter, however; but Laneville was able to make their free throws to secure the title.

Senior guard Marcus Anderson led all scorers with 25 points, and he also added eight boards. Junior forward Byron Blanton was also big for the Yellowjackets as he posted a double double with 18 points and 12 rebounds.

South Oak Cliff Wins 4A Title Again

For the fourth consecutive year, South Oak Cliff was the one holding the state championship trophy at the Erwin Center. The Golden Bears rallied from 12 points down in the fourth quarter to defeat Fort Worth Southwest 80-77.

Golden Bear senior swingman Brandon Jones was named MVP after scoring 25 points and coming up with two big plays in the fourth quarter. With 51 seconds to play, Jones stole a Southwest inbounds pass and got it to Princeton Andrews, who was fouled and hit two free throws to cut the lead to two. Then, with less than ten seconds to play and S.O.C. up one, J'Mison Morgan missed two free throws, but Jones grabbed the rebound, got fouled, and hit his two free throws to secure the win.

Although the Golden Bears have had to forfeit their 2006 state championship, the fact remains that the current group of South Oak Cliff seniors have finished each of their four high school seasons by winning the state title game.

For a more detailed article on this game, click here. 

Ponder Claims Second State Title in 2A Final

Nathan McPherson played arguably the best offensive game of his career, scoring a game-high 24 points to lead Ponder past Tuscola Jim Ned 72-51.

McPherson missed just five of his 17 shots and notched three rebounds and two assists in earning the 2A MVP honor. Junior Isaiah Boxell added 11 points, six rebounds and five assists to help Ponder clinch its second state championship in four appearances.

The Lions' hot shooting and tenacious defense proved too much for Jim Ned as it shot 39 percent from the field and surrendered 34 points in the paint. With McPhereson hitting his first three shots and Boxell adding a 3-pointer, the Indians fell behind 9-2 and never captured the lead.

For a more detailed story on this game, click here.  

Kennedale Sinks Burkburnett at Buzzer in 3A Final

Thorndale defeats Big Sandy in 1A Division I Final

Thorndale (36-1) captured the first state championship of the day by defeating Dallardsville Big Sandy (27-11) by a 53-42 final. Senior guard Brandon Irwin led the way for Thorndale with 19 points, and he was named Most Valuable Player of the 1A Division I tournament.

It is the Bulldogs' second consecutive state championship. They defeated Martin's Mill 39-37 in last year's 1A Division I title game.

Keep checking Prep Ticket.com all day for updates from the Erwin Center.

Date of Article: Sat Mar 08, 2008 12:07 pm