GAMES
RANKINGS
Willis' SJ Young
FOR THE W: Young, Ware command star-studded cast of No. 14 Willis
14 -- WILLIS WILDKATS
Wayne Ware takes the reins of a Willis program that’s coming off its best performance in recent years, as they went 21-12 and reached the postseason for the first time since 2020.
While they do compete in an exceptionally competitive district, the Wildkats do hold the distinction of being one of the only teams to bring back the vast majority of their 2023-24 roster.
Junior forward SJ Young averaged 17 points and 8 rebounds a game, for which he received District 13-6A Offensive MVP honors.
Football star Jermaine Bishop Jr. (first-team, all-district), Chandler Beasley (second-team), Tyshon Nixon (Sr. G) and Jackson Day (Jr. G) comprise the other talented arsenal of weapons for coach Ware to utilize.
After being defeated 63-52 by Nimitz in the last year’s Bi-District round, this could genuinely be the group that takes Willis to the next level.
THE VYPE PODCAST
Episcopepisal is awarded the VYPE Invitational Championship trophy following their 66-64 win over Katy Jordan
THE WRAP: Episcopal wins the VYPE Holiday Invitational; Awards, and full photo gallery
As is the case each Winter, the annual VYPE Holiday Invitational powered by Daspit Law Firm was full of intrigue, which was expertly demonstrated by the back-and-forth battle in the Championship game at the M.O. Campbell Center Friday night.
The Final featured a clash between private and public school powerhouses -- Episcopal and Katy Jordan -- and it certainly lived up to the billing.
By the end of the first half, the advantage belonged to Episcopal who held a 34-32 lead against Jordan. Every point was earned on both sides, which carried over into the final 16 minutes of the contest.
The Warriors were as proficient as ever, with Jonah Folse (21 points) leading the team in scoring after drilling seven shots beyond the three-point line, alongside Eljah Black (12 points) and Jaden Holt (10 points).
However, Justin Begg (George Mason-commit) and company would prove their mettle, as the Knights gradually pulled away in the fourth quarter to win the championship by the slim margin of 66-64.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Begg scored 22 points in the contest, earning him the title of Tournament MVP.
Jakeel Registe (20 points) and Brandon Thomas (8 points) were some of the additional headliners that propelled Episcopal to victory.
Justin Begg receives the Tournal MVP AwardJackson DiPasquale (VYPE)
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In a heated semifinals prior to the championship game, Episcopal knocked off Cy Springs, 71-57, in another matchup between private and public school basketball. Jakeel Registe scored 22 and Justin Begg added 15 points as the Knights had a 19-6 run in the third to stretch the lead. Stoney Hadnot lead the Panthers as he had 24 points for Cy Springs.
The Katy Jordan Warrior guard-play was impressive and the TWCA three-point shooters went cold as Jordan won 60-48 in the other semifinal. Jaden Holt (17 points) and Elijah Black played keep-away, not turning the ball over, while igniting the offense on the break.
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TOURNAMENT AWARDS
MVP
Justin Begg, Episcopal
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ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM
Stoney Hadnot, Cy Springs
Jaden Holt, Jordan
Howie Keene, TWCA
Jakeel Registe, Episcopal
SJ Young, Willis
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HONORABLE MENTION
Chandler Beasley, Willis
Jacob Carrizalez, Milby
Deadric Fikes, Aldine Davis
Scottie Guillory, Tompkins
Lucas Hobin, Strake Jesuit
Ray Jackson III, Manor
Lorenzo Robinson, Aldine
Jason Scott, Westbury Christian