(San Antonio, Texas)-Oh, What a Finish! The Duncanville (35-1) Panthers made history on Saturday night against the McKinney HS Lions (35-5) and this one was a dandy from the start as the Panthers defeated the Lions 69-49 to win their third straight University Interscholastic League 6A crown.
Panthers head coach, David Peavey led his team to its fifth state title in school history in nine tries (1991, 97, 99, 2000, 07, 19, 20, 21, 22). ”This is just incredible,” said Peavey. ”I cannot explain how I really feel, but this team is great. Three straight titles, wow.”
In the first period, the Panthers were hot, connecting on 60% of its shots to take a 22-7 lead as McKinney struggled with hitting just 27% of its own baskets. The Lions, making its second state tournament since 1928, managed just 1-6 three pointers.
The Panthers kept hitting those three pointers. Senior Anthony Black (6’8 forward) nailed back-to-back threes to put his team up 32-11 with 5:59 left in the half. McKinney point guard Jacovey Campbell spotted 6’6” Ja’Kobe Walter for a dunk over the rim with 1:56 left in the half, sparking the Panthers. The half ended with the Panthers leading 46-21 with five three-pointers.
In the second half, it was March Madness! Fans were wild! Shots were missed! Oh, and those awful turnovers! Worst, the Duncanville Panthers went on a cold, real cold, streak. By the time the third period was over, the Panthers only scored four points while McKinney had its best outing with 14 points, still trailing 50-35.
In the end, the Panthers did what they do best, win, as they captured their third straight title. Black led the Panthers with 18 points while 6’7 Davion Sykes added 13 points. McKinney’s Ja’Kobe Walter led all scorers with 23 points.
