March 9, 2024, Lancaster ISD/Lancaster, TX--A lock down defense, long range three-pointers, and electrifying dunks are what Tigers fans witnessed as the Lancaster Tiger Basketball team defeated the Killeen Ellison Eagles to become the 2024 UIL 5A State Champions.
“This is really unbelievable,” Coach Douglas expressed after winning his fourth state championship as the Lancaster Boys Basketball head coach. “The team trusted the process, believed in me as their coach, and look at them now. They are the 5A state champions and they deserve this. It’s been a hard and long road, but the goal is to always be standing here with the championship trophy and our mission is accomplished.”
The boys basketball team secured their fourth state championship under Coach Douglas, adding to their 2015, 2016, and 2020 championship titles. The team's two wins during the state tournament marked a 24-game winning streak for the Tigers, bringing the overall season record to 30-5.
Tiger fans packed the Alamodome to cheer on the Tigers and let the state of Texas know that the district and community supports its Tiger basketball team.
"It's a great day to be a Tiger, and I want to congratulate our coaching staff and student-athletes. Our basketball program has been successful for a number of years, and it's not just by luck. It's because of intentionality and the hard work they put in every day, the WEBO way, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Katrise Perera shared. “Our players are learning more than just elite basketball skills from the best coaches in Texas. They're also growing into great young men who represent everything good about Lancaster ISD. We're super proud of our boys. They've brought the championship back to Lancaster, and we couldn't be happier."
The Tigers breezed through district 14-5A play with a 12-0 record and defeated tough teams throughout the playoffs and regional tournament. During the state semifinal game, the team took on the Amarillo Sandies, which highlighted the Tiger’s top tier defense. That same defense completely shut down the Killeen Ellison Eagles shooting opportunities through the final state tournament game and solidified the championship win.
“Our defensive game is the truth and our fans and spectators saw that on Saturday. It’s what we’ve worked on all year and defense wins championships,” Douglas said. This was a solid season with a great group of young men. I am beyond proud of my boys and my coaches. This means a lot.”
Notable players for the Tigers were number 4, Dillion Battie, who was named the state championship most valuable player, and number 33, Amari Reed. Battie ended the game with 17 points, 18 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks, while Reed complimented the MVP with his own 14 points, nine rebounds, two blocks and nice dunks for some added razzle dazzle. Click here for the complete game statistics overview.
Lancaster ISD will honor the championship team with a hometown celebration pep rally on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 6 pm outside of the Lancaster High School Coliseum. The celebration will be free to the community, and will feature the state championship team and Lancaster High School student organizations. The entire community is invited to join in on the celebration for the 5A state champions.
Check out more photos from the state championship game at the link below: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBgW2E
