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TCA Trojans prepare for TAPPS State Semifinals
As basketball teams around the state prepare for the state tournament, one of the Dallas-Fort Worth area teams who has shown dedication to excellence on and off the court this season is the Trinity Christian Academy - Addison Trojans. The team is preparing to enter the TAPPS State Semifinals on Thursday after posting a great schedule already this year. VYPE DFW takes a dive into the team and what fans can expect moving forward.
A Look Back
Last season, the Trojans had a less-than-ideal season as they finished third in their district standings and had an early exit from the playoffs. Despite the season ending early in the playoffs, the Trojans still had a season that fans could be proud of as they built, refreshed, and learned to overcome challenges. With victories over the likes of Fort Worth Christian, Bishop Dunne, Commerce, and more during preseason play followed by victories over Parish Episcopal, John Paul II, and more during regular season, the Trojans were able to begin building what would be a legendary season next season... the 2022-23 season.
The scorers, led by Blake Muschalek, for Trinity Christian Academy have been making a point to set the tone early in each game this season. Beginning in preseason play, the Trojans were able to defeat Plano's Coram Deo Academy, Fort Worth Nolan Catholic, Argyle Liberty Christian, and more before opening district play. In district, the team posted a 5-5 schedule to finish in the 4th place spot in their standings.
Playoffs & What To Expect
Some might argue that their district record shows struggle through the regular season. Others, though, would attest to the fact that it only proves that the Trojans are battle-tested and prepared for any team- no matter how good- in the playoffs. After finishing the regular season, the Trojans got right to work to to prepare for the road to the state tournament. Ending the seasons of Houston's Village (61-32) and Antonian Prep in a hard-fought 57-54 matchup, the Trojans have not only proved their dedication, but they have also shown the way they roll through road blocks while learning from adversity.
With a fire in their hearts and the mentality to prove any nay-sayer wrong, the Trojans will look to have a strong game against Plano's Prestonwood Christian Academy- a team they have already faced twice this season. In the regular season, the Trojans lost both meetings (73-46, 66-48). Continually learning and improving, though, the Trojans can be expected to learn from their previous meetings in the regular season. Knowing the weaknesses and plans that Prestonwood has on the court, fans can expect the Trojans to play physical with a sense of preparedness and readiness.
The TAPPS State Semifinals matchup will be held at University High School in Waco, Texas on Friday, February 24th with an 8 p.m. tip-off time.
TAPPS PLAYOFFS PREVIEW: Prestonwood vs. Fort Worth Nolan Catholic on CW33
TAPPS football playoffs is in full swing as teams head toward the state title game. This week, CW33 will broadcast the Saturday TAPPS matchup between two tough teams as the Prestonwood Christian Lions take on the Fort Worth Nolan Catholic Vikings. VYPE DFW takes a deeper dive into the Vikings' and Lions' programs to lay out just what fans can expect in this Saturday playoff game:
Prestonwood Christian Lions (8-2, 3-1)
The Lions have been having an extremely successful season this year. Although the team started out rocky with a season-opening 28-7 loss to Argyle Liberty Christian, they quickly regrouped and bounced back to show the rest of their opponents exactly what they were made of. Through their regular season schedule, the Lions defeated the likes of Houston Second Baptist, Little Elm, Fort Worth All Saint's Episcopal, Bishop Lynch, and more with their only other loss coming against back-to-back-to-back state champions Parish Panthers in their final district game of the season. In playoffs, the Lions blanked Houston St. Pius X with a 49-0 victory to continue heading on their incredible path.
Led by senior running back AJ Sibley, senior tight end Luke McGary, senior quarterback Maguire Martin, and more, Prestonwood's offense has been powerful this season. Able to quickly read their opponents' defenses, the Lions have been able to set the tone of many of their games this season. The defense, led by McGary, senior corner back Carter Stoutmire, junior middle linebacker Hudson Lunsford, and more, has been able to come together cohesively to help create opportunities for their offense to make it back onto the field. This week, Prestonwood looks to continue reading their opponents as they take on the Vikings.
Fort Worth Nolan Catholic Vikings 4-8, 1-3)
Fort Worth Nolan Catholic has been in a bit of a rebuilding mode this season. The Vikings opened the season with a strong victory over Fort Worth All Saint's Episcopal School before dropping seven-in-a-row. Able to pull off a timely victory over Bishop Lynch, the Vikings entered the playoffs ready to make a statement. The team did just that as they ended the season of Tomball's Concordia Lutheran with an outstanding 42-6 victory before posting a 38-24 victory last week over San Antonio's Antonian Prep.
Led by senior running back DK Smittick, senior wide receiver Antonio Hall, senior quarterback Cole Matsuda, and more, the Vikings offense has been on a mission to score as much as possible this season. Playing hard until the final whistle, the team is usually able to keep pace with their opponents even if they aren't able to pull off the victory. Their wittiness matched with their heart continues to power them through each play on the field. The team looks to show the same heart against the Lions this week.
What To Expect:
Nolan Catholic is looking to pull off an upset victory over Prestonwood Christian this week. Using the strength of their defense to help power moments for the Vikings, Nolan Catholic is going to come into this game with a fight that we might not have seen all season. Prestonwood, however, is looking to continue their run towards the state title game. Backed by one of the best offenses in the area, the Lions are going to try to set the tone early in this playoff matchup.
Kick-off is set for 12:05 p.m. at Birdville Fine Arts/Athletics Complex, but if you can't make it to North Richland Hills for the game, be sure to catch all the action on CW33!