GAMES
RANKINGS
The stars of 2024-25 Second Baptist Boys Basketball
DOWN TO THE WIRE: TAPPS-5A B-Ball State Semis Preview -- Second Baptist v. St. Anthony
We're now approaching the closing stages of the TAPPS basketball season, meaning that the talent level for audiences to witness has also reached its peak.
In a highly anticipated matchup in the 5A State Semifinals, Houston's Second Baptist and San Antonio's St. Anthony prepare to go head-to-head in Waco.
SBS is coming off a monumental overtime thriller against TWCA in the Regional Final last Saturday, in which they pulled away with a 58-49 victory to advance.
Led by coach Taylor Land, the Eagles (32-4) have been a dominant force throughout the entire winter, thanks to the considerable efforts made by individuals such as sophomore Reese Alston, who's averaging roughly 22 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals per game.
Junior Shia Francis (15 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 spg) and sophomore Will Goolsby (13 ppg, 4 rpg) help keep the scoreboard lit, while dual-sport athlete Canon Toon (Jr. G) and Michael Pratt (Sr. F) beef up an imposing starting rotation for Land.
If Second Baptist prevails, they become one step closer to claiming the program's fourth overall state title.
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Meanwhile, St. Anthony enters the State Final-Four on the heels of a definitive 78-60 win against Fort Bend Christian Academy, improving their record to 35-7 in the process.
The Yellowjackets feature one of the most balanced rosters in the private school sector, and with coach PJ Escobar at the helm, they've been able to flourish well into the postseason.
Headlining the scoring department is senior Drew Cristan, averaging nearly 17 points per contest, while also adding 2 assists and 2 steals a game.
He's complemented by sophomore Emiliano Henderson (15 ppg, 9 rpg, 2 spg), as well as fellow seniors Jerome Perkins (12 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 spg), and Andre Jones (7 ppg, 3 apg, 2 rpg), adding more veteran experience to the mix.
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The game will be taking place later this week, prior to the State Final on March 1st at Robinson High School.
THE KAY EFFECT: Former North Shore Coach Talks New Gig, Changing Landscape In College Football
When you think of North Shore High School, the names most synonomous with the nationally-recorgnized program are coach David Aymond and coach Jon Kay.
David Aymond built a powerhouse on Houston’s east side from the ground up, leading the Mustangs to a state title in 2003. After an illustrious career, he handed the reins to his longtime associate head coach and defensive coordinator, Jon Kay, who had studied the art of high school football under his mentor.
Kay didn’t just continue the legacy—he elevated it. Under his leadership, North Shore became a national powerhouse, winning four state championships.
Then came the move that shook the Texas football landscape—Kay accepted a linebackers coaching position at Rice University under head coach Mike Bloomgren. But as fate would have it, Bloomgren was let go, and the Owls brought in new head coach Scott Abell, who quickly promoted Kay to defensive coordinator.
VYPE’s Chief Content Officer, Matt Malatesta, sat down with Jon Kay inside the VYPE studios to discuss Texas high school and college football, his journey from Michigan to Texas, and his thoughts on the ever-changing landscape of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).
LISTEN IN.