GAMES
RANKINGS
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
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
Cypress Springs' Stoney Hadnot
BORN TO BALL: Hadnot, Cypress Springs on the road to San Antonio
“We’re on the road to San Antonio,” Hadnot said. “We’re ready to make that run and try to end our season with a win.”
Bold statement for the super-senior, whose basketball journey has been a ride since birth.
“It all really started off with my Pops,” said Hadnot. “Ever since I was a baby, he knew I was going to hoop. He pushed me to pursue it. From there, it was really about striving for greatness. I’ve always had a long-time dream of going pro, so that’s what keeps me going as I move from one stage to the next.”
The “next stage” for Hadnot includes his commitment to South Dakota State University, where he will continue his journey a year from now.
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
“They (SDSU) treated me like family,” he said. “They stood out from all the other colleges that were recruiting me at the time. So, that along with the atmosphere and fan-base, really appealed to me. I know people there,and coach (Eric) Henderson welcomed me in. It all just spoke to me when making my decision.”
Hadnot has become widely known as one of the top guards in the state of Texas. In addition to his 6-foot-6 frame, it’s not hard to see why he’s stood out to college recruiters and fans alike.
“I feel like my greatest strength is definitely my athleticism and how I get out in transition,” Hadnot said. “If I had to choose a particular player I’ve tried to model my game after it would probably be between Jaylen Green (Boston Celtics) of Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls). I can handle the ball really well, use my athleticism and play defense. It all kind of mixes into my style."
The stars of 2023-24 Cy Springs BasketballJamey Wright (VYPE)
In the four years he’s been with Cy Springs, Hadnot’s most memorable came from an unexpected place.
“I’d have to say my favorite point was the time I had with coach (Larry) Boykin,” he said. “Coach had invited me to go to the gym with him in the morning for a pickup game, which was the first time I had done that. He was dropping buckets on me on a Monday morning after I underestimated him, which made me respect him and his game that much more.”
That respect has evidently transferred onto the court, and it will be essential to the team’s ultimate goal in the upcoming season as Hadnot and Boykin are on a journey to make school history.
Don’t count them out.