The 2024-25 UIL State basketball championship tournament promised to be a historic moment for Houston. Five local teams—Booker T. Washington, Bellaire, Wheatley, Katy Jordan, and Fort Bend Marshall—were all vying for state titles.
Fans from across the city rallied behind their respective teams, hoping that at least one of these squads would return home with a championship trophy. However, fate had other plans as all five teams were denied the ultimate prize.
Booker T. Washington’s Tough Loss to Kimball
Booker T. Washington’s journey to the 4A State championship game marked a return to the big stage after a tough loss in the previous year’s final. The Eagles, who were determined to secure their first UIL State title, fell short against Dallas Kimball, losing 71-48. Despite their hard-fought efforts, the Eagles couldn’t find their offensive rhythm, shooting only 32% from the field. Meanwhile, Kimball’s Marri Wickware dominated, scoring 21 points on 10-of-13 shooting.
Assistant coach Jermaine Byrd reflected on the team’s journey, stating, “They did a hell of a job of getting back here. We played in one of the toughest districts in Texas. We ended up winning it and just like Jaylen Webb said, we have a lot to be proud of as a program.”
While the defeat stung, the Eagles left the court with heads held high, knowing they had accomplished something special in getting back to the championship stage. For senior forward Samuel Johnson, this loss hit hard, as he broke down in tears reflecting on his final game.
“This is not just a team, it’s a family,” said Johnson. “God has blessed me enough to sit here with them and battle with them.”
Bellaire’s Near-Miss Against Duncanville
In the 6A championship game, Bellaire’s dream of securing its first-ever State title ended in heartbreaking fashion with a 54-52 loss to Duncanville. The Cardinals fought through a competitive game but struggled with defensive communication at critical moments, allowing Duncanville to score easy buckets. Despite both teams shooting poorly from beyond the arc – Bellaire at 6-of-16 and Duncanville at 4-of-20 – the game came down to one possession in the final moments.
Bellaire coach Bruce Glover praised his team’s effort but acknowledged the missed opportunities.
“We competed, and once you get these young men to compete, you can build from there,” said Glover.
Senior forward Shelton Henderson led Bellaire with 25 points, while Anthony Andrews added 17. As the final shot from three-point range missed, Bellaire’s chance for glory evaporated.
“It definitely sucks, coming this far and finishing out like that, but I’m proud of my team,” said Henderson.
Wheatley’s Historic Run Ends in Defeat
Wheatley’s return to the State title game after a 45-year drought was filled with hope, but the Wildcats’ bid for a sixth UIL championship was denied by Kennedale, which won 69-65. Despite Wheatley’s strong effort, turnovers plagued the team, and Kennedale capitalized, scoring 32 points off 28 Wheatley turnovers.
Coach David Burrell expressed pride in his team’s journey, saying, “This moment is something we’ve been talking about since the seniors were freshmen. I’m just so proud of these guys for the journey they’ve put us through.”
Senior guard Quinton Sanders, who led all scorers with 24 points, reflected on the loss with emotion.
“It’s been a blessing playing under Coach Burrell,” said Sanders. “He taught me how to play basketball, and I appreciate everything he’s done for me and my game.”
Katy Jordan Falls Just Short in Their First Title Game
Katy Jordan’s first-ever appearance in the State championship game was a historic achievement, but the Warriors’ hopes of claiming the school’s first State title were dashed in a 48-47 loss to Guyer. The Warriors, who have only been in existence for five years and are in their fourth year of varsity basketball, played a hard-fought game, but the outcome came down to the final possession.
Despite both teams shooting 38% from the field, Katy Jordan struggled to find its rhythm in the closing moments. Senior point guard Jaden Holt led all scorers with 13 points, but the game ended with a missed opportunity on a final three-pointer. Despite the loss, head coach Charlie Jones remained positive.
“The ball doesn’t always bounce the way you want it to bounce,” said Jones. “It bounced for us against Shadow Creek but it didn’t bounce for us today. God doesn’t make mistakes. It just wasn’t our time. That must mean they [team] have something bigger and better in store for them, and I have something bigger and better in store for me.”
Holt also expressed his pride in the team’s journey: “I’m proud of my team. We pushed through so much adversity to get here, and I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else.”
Fort Bend Marshall’s Foul Trouble Proves Costly
In the 5A championship game, Fort Bend Marshall was in search of its first State title, but foul trouble ultimately doomed the Buffaloes hopes in a 54-47 loss to Mansfield Summit. The Buffaloes struggled with player discipline, losing three key players to fouls, including Eian Lowe and Kevin Sargeant, who had been pivotal all season. Despite Lowe’s impressive 28-point performance, the absence of Sargeant’s defensive presence and rebounding took a toll on the team’s efforts.
Coach Ronnie Courtney explained, “We came out in the third quarter and made our own run. But once again, they kept their thing going, and we just never could get what we needed to get the game under control.”
Despite the tough loss, Lowe remained optimistic, stating, “Nobody’s really happy, but I’m excited for next year’s group. They can use this as motivation to get back here and have the opposite outcome.”
