On Tuesday, January 14, the McKinney Christian Academy men's basketball team traveled to Tyler, TX, to face Bishop Gorman in their second district game. The Mustangs anticipated a challenging matchup against a tough opponent in a hostile environment and the game began as expected.
Gorman's energized student section fueled the Crusaders' hot start, with the team draining five three-pointers in the first quarter. Seeking a spark, the Mustangs turned to junior guard Manny Weaver early and he delivered, scoring 11 of the team's 16 first-quarter points. Despite his efforts, the Mustangs trailed 23-16 at the end of the opening period.
In the second quarter, the Mustangs regrouped and returned to their identity; tough, physical defense and disciplined offensive execution, even while managing foul trouble for key starters seniors John Clark, Drew Hamilton, and Caleb Atherton. During this stretch, the team leaned heavily on defensive contributions from senior guards Sean Agyapong and Jace Scott and junior forwards Daniel Seeley and Jayden Vicknair. While Weaver continued to provide consistent scoring. Their defensive intensity paid off, holding the Crusaders to just six points in the quarter and sending the Mustangs into halftime with a 33-29 lead.
The third quarter was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading runs and responding to each other's intensity. However, the Mustangs maintained their composure and entered the fourth quarter with a narrow 49-47 lead.
In the final period, the Mustangs began to create separation by ramping up their full-court pressure and focusing on taking only high-quality shots while managing the clock. Their poise and execution down the stretch secured a 72-64 victory, pushing their district record to 2-0.
After the game, the coaching staff praised the team for its resilience, poise and ability to stay united despite the obstacles the Mustangs faced. The emphasis going into the game was on preparation, understanding the game plan, responding positively to adversity, staying even-keeled, and working through challenges together. The Mustangs embodied these values, earning a hard-fought win in a challenging environment.
The Mustangs now look forward to their first home game since November, when they take on Dallas Shelton on Friday, January 17, at 7:00 PM.
