The boys’ basketball team made lots of noise this year with a historic run to the State Semi-finals setting a school record with 34 wins.
“It is a great accomplishment looking back. In the moment it was on to the next job,” Head Coach Larry Boykin said.” We were laser focused on getting the job just fell a little short.”
The boys’ accolades included winning the district title for the second year in a row, winning the Bi-District Title with a 56-36 win over Magnolia, and the Area title with a 60-48 win over College Park. They then posted a 34-31win over Mesquite Horn in the Regional Semi-finals and won 60-50 over Grand Oaks to advance to the State Semifinals.
“Defense was the key to success. Always defense we preach it every day without it you cannot win,” Boykin said.
One of the biggest wins of the season was against Cy Ranch at Cy Ranch. Boykin describe the game as glorious as the Panthers looked like they would lose but “we came out of nowhere to pull off the win. It really boosted us into the playoffs.”
The Panthers success resulted in many accolades and with Christian Ideozu, Ife Bolaji and DeMario Rakins signing to play collegiate basketball.
Ideozu was a key factor in the team’s success, scoring in the double digits all season. He was a leader on offensive and defense. He earned 1st Team All-District accolades and was named to the All-Region Team. He was also selected to the HABCA All-Star Team.
Ideozu will take his talents to Hardin Simmons University and pursue a degree in physical therapy.
“I don’t have just one favorite memory at Cy Springs all four years collectively were special in their own way,” he said, “However, my senior year of high school basketball stands out the most, as it was a time of significant growth, learning, and some of my best days developing not only as a player, but as a young man.”
Ten years from now, Ideozu sees himself established in his career as a physical therapist, helping others recover, grow stronger, and improve their quality of life.
He also hopes to remain connected to the game of basketball in some capacity whether through coaching, mentoring, or training while continuing to grow personally and professionally. Above all, his goal is to be in a position where he is giving back to his community and positively impacting the lives of others.
Ideozu’s advice for underclassmen is “Enjoy the journey, but do not get comfortable. Learn from setbacks, ask for help when you need it, and always be willing to outwork yesterday’s version of yourself.”
Bolaji shined as a power forward for the Panthers and will continue his playing days at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. This season he was named to the All-State and All-Region team. He is a two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
“The team was successful this year because of trust and hard work,” Bolaji said,
“Making Varsity is my favorite basketball memory.”
He looks forward to making money and getting better every day in college.
In 10 years, Bolaji sees himself with a wife and family with at least one child and a stable amount of money.
Rankins will be playing at Tennessee Valley Community College.
“In college, I am looking forward to developing my game even more and becoming the best player and person, I can possibly be, and also making more connections through basketball and life,” he said.
He is proud of winning the team FIGHT award this season and receiving multiple offers to play on the next level.
His favorite memory of the season was when the team won against Humble not only was it a great game for him, but “we showed everybody we could play and win against top teams.”
In ten years, he could see himself still around the sport in some way shape or form, whether that it is coaching, training, an agent, or even an official.
Senior Tytin Hadnot also had a strong season winning a starting spot. He was named to the All-State Team and was Second team All-District. Hadnot was selected to the HABCA
All-Star game along with Ideozu
Other accolades include Zach Dunn, Cameron Chambers and Ashian Ray, all being named All-District Honorable Mention.
The Panthers also shined in the classroom with Lee Pouncil and Kendell Millner being named to the All-Academic team.
“We could not be prouder of the work these young men put in this year. It will serve as a springboard for what they can accomplish in life,” Boykin said.
