The Colony basketball: Young and hungry for more

The regular season in men's basketball ended in Texas on Tuesday night. Teams from across the state await to find out who they will meet in the bi-district playoffs this Tuesday. Having a strong regular season finish in your home arena can have a huge impact on a team going forward. This was the case for The Colony Men’s basketball team, except this would be their last home game in their old gym - Tommy Thomas Gymnasium. Tommy Thomas himself came back to The Colony to witness the last game as the school paid tribute to him and the memories they both shared on the twenty-two-year-old hardwood floor. The Cougars have had several great basketball and volleyball teams play in this gymnasium. However, there is one that stands out, and it may be one of the best-kept secrets in Texas high school basketball.

According to TCBA Hoops.com, this 23-24 Cougars team is ranked number 10 in 5A, which is no secret. What impressed me the most is the youth on this team. When watching the Cougars play, one would think they are watching a team of seniors who have been playing with each other since middle school by how passionate they are and how well they communicate with each other on and off the court. “It’s just been a journey,” says Dakari Spear, who scored 18 points. “My brother and my sister went here, and we would come to watch them play growing up with packed stands, and being able to play in here is fun.”

Head Coach Cleve Ryan, who has been the head coach at The Colony for 20 years, is a player's coach, supporting this group of young and talented athletes as they finish the regular season 26-5. They finished 2nd in the district behind Frisco Lone Star, who is ranked #8 in 5A according to TABCHOOPS.com, but the regular season is behind the Cougars. “We just have to keep stacking from our last couple of games, keep improving, and take it win by win. Hopefully, we can get to state and win it,” says Xavier Green, who had several great looks throughout the game. Having a state championship mentality is crucial in the 5A playoffs, a mentality this young team has had from the start. “We need to get better every single game and just keep stacking,” says Bryce Dixon, who led the team with 20 points. It was a night to remember for the young team. Their Texas high school basketball season is just getting started.