Austin – It was 26 years ago the last time Yates made a trip to Austin, the days of Ricky Winslow. The 83 team lost in the semifinals to Fort Worth Pascal.
Not excepting no for an answer, the Jack Yates lions (34-1) defeated perennial basketball power
Dallas Kimble Knights 94-78 Saturday evening at the Frank Erwin Center for their first state title in the
UIL. Yates won their last state title in 1949 while playing in the Prairie View Interscholastic League.
With seconds left on the clock emotions were high. Players were embracing one another with tears running down their faces. The Third Ward Community has a state champion and a lot to be proud of.
The knights only lead of the game came on their first basket. But after, the lions raced out to a 12-2
start benefiting from a 12-0 run in the first 2 minutes of the game.
The high flying energetic charged lions came into Austin with their trade mark, the press. The press
has been one of the main reasons for their success. The press has also been a benefactor in the lion’s offense. Coming up with steals, trapping opponents, causing teams to change their game plan and mentally destroying teams. The press have pave the way for an offense that averages 95 points a game. The luxury of playing up to 12 players a game is also a plus when running the press.
Dallas Kimble (31-10) was determine to be apart of this championship game battling back with the
help of some much needed three pointers. Each time Yates would score, the knights would counter.
Early on Kimble was able to beat the press by spreading the floor and throwing over the defense in
route to easy lay ups and three point baskets. They also used the speed and quickness of their point
guard Keenen Owoigbe to get around and outrun Yates defenders down court. When Owoigbe wasn’t
outrunning the lions he was lighting up the score board from behind the arc. Owoigbe led the knights
with 25 points.
The last couple of seasons the lions have amazed a 68-3 record in a two year span.
Late in the second quarter Yates increased their lead to 12 points 48-36. But soon after, the knights
would come storming back cutting into the lead 48-41 to end the half.
In the fourth quarter Yates turn the pressure up and took advantage of some knight’s miscues turning
them into points stretching their lead.
Young the most valuable player paced all scorers with 29 points.
Leave a comment
