The McKinney Christian Academy Mustangs saw their incredible season come to a heartbreaking end in the semifinals of the TAPPS 4A State Tournament, falling just short in a 53-50 loss to Lubbock Christian Academy.
The emotions were high, and the stakes even higher, as the Mustangs aimed to extend their impressive 20-game winning streak against a Lubbock Christian team riding an 18-game streak. The game was a defensive showdown from start to finish, featuring multiple lead changes and momentum swings as both teams battled for a spot in the championship game.
The Mustangs got off to a slow start offensively, managing only 13 points in the first quarter. Senior guard John Clark and junior forward Daniel Seeley stepped up early, combining for nine of those points to keep the team within striking distance. However, Lubbock Christian came out strong, hitting tough shots from beyond the arc and scoring efficiently inside to build a six-point lead by the end of the first quarter.
The Mustangs settled into the game defensively in the second quarter, stringing together key stops that fueled their offensive rhythm. Senior guard Drew Hamilton led the charge, scoring eight of the team's 17 points in the quarter. By halftime, the Mustangs had clawed their way back to even the score at 30-30.
The third quarter continued to be a physical, back-and-forth battle. Both teams struggled to score, and the Mustangs found themselves in foul trouble, with three key players picking up multiple fouls. Despite their defensive pressure leading to deflections, Lubbock Christian capitalized on several loose-ball opportunities. Daniel Seeley delivered a clutch shot at the end of the quarter to give the Mustangs a 43-40 lead heading into the final period. His ability to stretch the defense and get to the free-throw line was crucial in keeping the Mustangs ahead.
Despite scoring only seven points in the fourth quarter, the Mustangs had one final opportunity to win. With 15 seconds left on the clock, Drew Hamilton took a well-contested mid-range jumper that had a chance to fall but rimmed out, sealing the narrow defeat.
While the loss was difficult, the Mustangs have plenty to be proud of this season. The Mustangs finished the season with an impressive 38-2 record, secured an undefeated home record, and captured the Area Championship with a dominant playoff run. They avenged last season's district loss by defeating Prince of Peace in the Regional Finals and advanced to the TAPPS 4A State Final Four. They showcased elite defensive play, unselfish ball movement, and unwavering resilience, solidifying their place as one of the greatest varsity basketball teams in McKinney Christian Academy history.
