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
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.
2022-23 Houston Christian High School Men's Basketball
LEGACY LIVES ON: Houston Christian hoops wins SPC Title in an Instant Classic
“We [Houston Christian] established that rebounding was going to be our greatest asset because of the length and athleticism we have on our team,” said sophomore PG Montana Wheeler, “I feel we were so successful this season because we loved each other. I’ve never been a part of a brotherhood like we experienced this season. We trust each other and that’s what ultimately puts us on top.”
The Houston Christian team, post-Championship victory
The SPC 4A Championship against district rival, Espicopal was as close as it gets, ending in a double-overtime thriller that saw Houston Christian conclude the season finale victorious by a score of 81-78.
Episcopal’s Justin Begg went off for 38 points, but the overall effort by the Mustangs' Wheeler (24 pts/9 assists) and junior forward Carter Seeliger (15 pts/20 rebounds), was too much to handle in the end.
“Competing in close games, like the championship game, brings out the best of everyone,” said Seeliger. “We were all locked in and only focused on what was happening between the lines, making the game what it was. What it took for Houston Christian to win the game was sheer determination. We played our roles the right way, made the right reads and believed in one another to walk away State Champions.”
Houston Christian's Carter SeeligerBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Wheeler felt a surge of emotion after the final buzzer sounded. He and his team had won a State Title, just as his older brother, Sahvir Wheeler who currently plays for Kentucky, did for the Mustangs in 2018.
“This means so much to the Houston Christian community and the basketball program,” Wheeler said. “Coach Crandall, my Dad and Coach Morris have worked extremely hard to make the program what it is today. For us to solidify another amazing year is an absolute blessing. To be completely honest, I was in tears. I had dreamed of this moment since I watched Sahvir win his first one, and I was very emotional because we worked hard. For us to see it pay off, meant everything to me.”
Houston Christian's Montana WheelerBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
On a roster that features a slew of playmakers, Wheeler and Seeliger have propelled the team to another level as the team’s leaders despite being fairly young. Considering the majority of the stars of this Mustangs team are returning next season, it’s safe to say the future of the program remains in good hands.
“The future of Houston Christian basketball is bright,” Seeliger said. “We’re bringing back guys that had a big impact this year, and we’ll only get better from here. Furthermore, we’ll have guys who didn’t get to play as much who will develop in the offseason and find a role to play next year. Our goal is to win another State Championship, and I don’t see any reason we can’t run it back.”
CJ Barnes (Sr. C)
