It was the season opener on Nov. 13, 2024. The boys varsity basketball team looked to set the tone for the rest of the season with a victory over Fort Bend Christian.
Before the game, the players were excited and engaged in their pre-game rituals and routines.
“We all watched the JV game and… went through our game plan,” said junior Andrew Wright, No. 14 on The Falcons’ team.
Last year’s season was defeating and challenging, however, it gave the boys motivation to show Houston the team that they truly are.
“I am so excited to see what the rest of the season has in store and prove to Houston who we are,” junior Drace Gomez said.
Following the challenging season last year, Mr. Taylor Green was appointed as the new head basketball coach.
Even though it was his first game, coach Green wasn’t focused on the outcome. He just wanted the team to play as a unit and represent the core values of the team.
“I just wanted to ensure the boys did all the little things that our culture is built on. Relentless energy, maximum effort and authentic enthusiasm,” Green said.
The Falcons basketball team was overjoyed with excitement and could feel the energy and confidence.
“Stepping on the court with guys like Andrew, Drace and Harris, makes you feel confident you can win,” said junior Chase Flowers, who is a starter on the team.
The entire game was close. The Falcons took a lead going into halftime with a score of 28-27.
At halftime, coach Green made some key adjustments, including in the defense, and ensured the entire team that winning would not just be based on the players on the court.
“I just reiterated that we are building something here and that the foundation of our culture is what needs to be emphasized by everyone on the court and on the bench,” Green said.
The Falcons did not have a lead for the last 14 minutes until a game winning shot, demonstrating their commitment to the program.
“The boys showed a lot of grit and heart. It did not matter we were losing, the boys kept fighting and that was a huge take away from the game,” coach Green said.
In the final two seconds on the clock, with the score 49-51, the Falcons recognized it was now or never. They needed to score or they would start the season 0-1.
As those last two seconds ticked away, the Falcons knew a score had to happen quickly. Freshman Rashard Lewis got the ball and passed it to Gomez who made a pass to Wright, and Wright made an on-time shot, winning the game for the Falcons.
“When I shot it, it looked like it was going to get blocked and when it was in the air it looked a little off, but when I made it I thought there was still time left on the clock and we needed to get back on defense,” Wright said.
Coach Green also had a huge amount of confidence in Wright and his shooting abilities.
“I knew as soon as Andrew caught the ball the shot was going in. Andrew is an extremely high percentage shooter and the team has full faith in his abilities,” Green said.
The entire team ran at Wright and tackled him to the ground.
“It hit me,” Wright said. “I just hit the game winning shot.”
Another key asset in the game was Gomez who put up 19 points and 10 rebounds on the board.
“Coming back from an injury, it was amazing to be back playing again,” Gomez said.
After starting the season 1-0, the Falcons were looking ahead.
“For the rest of the season, we are aiming to get 1% better every day and I hope to see the crowd keep growing and growing as the season progresses,” Green said.
