After a thriller 87-86 2OT win over Trinity, the the varsity boys basketball will take on Killeen Ellison Tuesday at 7:30 at Waco High for the Region 1 Quarterfinals.

“That’s just who we are,” Chism said of the OT win. “With our style of play and our mentality, we are never out of the game, no matter what the circumstances maybe.”

The Panthers fought hard in the game against the strong Euless Trinity squad. They were neck and neck the entire game. There was no doubt this game would be decided by one basket.
Senior guard Miles McDougal scored 27 points and Senior guard Tyler Watkins scored 19 points in the contest. McDougal showed up big at the end of regulation knocking down a long shot to tie the game up and give the Panthers another chance.  The Panthers fought back in the game numerous times.  The Panthers trailed in the first 13-11 and left the first half down 29-27 . The team then struggled through the third losing the quarter to Trinity 20-17. Heading into the fourth  Coach Chism said he relied on his team’s mental toughness to keep them in game.

“We never allow adverse moments get to us,” Chism said.  “We just stayed the course and continued to play with a refuse to lose attitude.”

The Panthers came back and outscored Trinity for the first time in the fourth 20-15 forcing the first overtime. The team then had an even first OT 7-7 but the Panthers were able to hit key shots all the way to the end of the second overtime period and outscored Trinity 16-15. Looking ahead at Killeen Ellison, the Panthers will have the task of taking on a very hot team in what will be, likely another close contest. Ellison has eliminated District 7-6A rival DeSoto from the playoffs last week and upset Plano West this week.

“This game will be a dog fight,”  Chism said. “We have to be disciplined and defend against a team of Ellison’s caliber.”

Asking Coach Chism, what is one word he would use to describe his team this year, he says “#FIGHT”