GAMES
RANKINGS
Episcopal now chases their second-straight SPC Title, which would mark their 3rd in 4 years
SPC-4A Boys Basketball Championship Preview: Episcopal vs. Greenhill
The SPC winter season has reached its peak, with only two teams remaining in pursuit of the coveted SPC-4A Title.
Representing the Houston area, Episcopal (22-9) returns to the championship stage, hoping to repeat last year’s success when they reclaimed the title against St. Mark’s.
Although the Knights lost key players to graduation—Justin Begg (George Mason) and Jakeel Registe (Blinn)—they’ve quickly reloaded with new talent. Aiden Fyfe, Alim Olajuwon, Brandon Thomas, and Christian Houston have all played pivotal roles under the leadership of coach Wayne Jones.
After securing a decisive 81-71 victory over St. John’s on Thursday and edging out top-seeded Houston Christian 58-55 in a nail-biting semifinal, Episcopal now sets its sights on back-to-back championships.
On the other side of the court, Greenhill doesn’t have to travel far, hailing from Addison, TX, just north of downtown Dallas.
The Hornets (27-4) dominated St. Stephen’s 70-45 in their opening matchup before narrowly defeating St. Mark’s 60-58 in the semifinals.
Coached by Joey Sims, Greenhill boasts a talented starting five led by the dynamic duo of Jaxson Thompson and Dillon Watt.
Thompson, averaging just under 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, is the team’s leading scorer, while Watt is not far behind, contributing 18.3 points and 3.9 assists per game.
The Hornets also benefit from strong contributions in the paint. Junior forward Kameron Smith (10 ppg, 8 rpg) and senior forward Bryson Watt (4 ppg, 6 rpg) provide muscle in the post, allowing players like Juan Barrientos (10 ppg, 2 apg) and Trey Davis (8 ppg, 5 rpg) to shine in critical moments.
If Greenhill were to dethrone Episcopal, it would result in the Hornets capturing their first-ever championship.
The SPC basketball season concludes today at 2:45 PM on Trinity Valley’s court, where Episcopal and Greenhill will face off in a championship matchup that's sure to deliver plenty of intrigue.
TWCA's Nick Brashear
BEING THIRD: Multiple factors have shaped Nick Brashear, both on and off the court
The TWCA Warriors finished the 2023-2024 season as the TAPPS-5A State Runner-Ups, having been defeated by Midland Christian with a score of 55-39 in the Final.
While much attention was focused on the now-graduated Tres Luzey and current Montana State-commit Howie Keene during their exceptional run, Nick Brashear also deserves considerable recognition.
As a junior, Brashear earned a spot on the first-team all-district roster for his performance in 2024 and received a nall-state honorable mention.
But where did the journey begin?
“I think what got me into basketball comes from my family,” he said. “My brother started playing at a young age, and I would always hang out with him growing up. Also, I’ve been a huge Kentucky fan since both my parents went there. We were raised on Kentucky basketball. Like many others, I just fell in love with the game. I’ve been addicted to it—the competitive nature of it all.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
This “addiction” has earned Brashear the opportunity to continue his playing career at Colorado College, a commitment he announced in October.
“I was really looking for a place with a solid basketball program that also emphasized academics,” he explained. “Among all the options I had, I felt that Colorado College was the best fit for me. I’ll likely study Business or Economics, just like my dad and brother did. That was the culture I was looking for.”
His focus on culture is undoubtedly influenced by his upbringing.
“Having been here since eighth grade, I’ve essentially matured through this experience,” he said. “We live by the mantra ‘Be Third,’ which is related to a Bible study program we do everyday after school. I’m sure others have heard of it, but the saying goes, ‘Put God first, others second, and yourself third.’
“Obviously, it’s something we emphasize here, and I believe it has really helped me grow in my faith and become a stronger Christian, thanks to the community that has been built here.That positivity extends into basketball as well. I have met some of my best friends here, and I attribute it all to TWCA.”
2024-25 TWCA BasketballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Brashear also cherishes memories beyond his academic journey.
“Last year’s state tournament ranks among the best memories I’ve had with this team,” he reflected. “I’ve taken on a bigger role over the years, but reaching that point with my teammates—the hotel room experience at State when we buzzed our manager’s hair—that’s what really sticks with you. I hope we can create more moments like that this year.”
If all goes well, Brashear believes he and the Warriors may soon hoist the program’s first championship trophy since 2021.