San Antonio, Texas – Speed and size are killed. The Knights of Dallas Kimball performed a 32-minute show of strength and speed, surpassing the TX-4A Houston Washington Eagles, Division II State Championship, 71-48.
In a Saturday night primetime game at the Alamodome of UIL Texas Boy’s basketball state title game, the Knights announced the eighth state championship in school history, becoming the most won program in Dallas ISD history.
From opening tips to the final buzzer, this championship had it all. Both teams traded body blows in the first quarter for a 12-12 tie at the 3:56 mark, and in the case of the Knights, these 12 points were all exclamation points – three dunks and two three-point shots.
“They live for the highlights,” said Knight’s head coach Nick Smith. “If they play defense like tonight or another night, it can do that. Good night, they average 12-14 dunks. Bad night, it’s like a 6 or 7.”
After Kimball led by just one point after eight minutes, the night defense really picked up the Eagles’ pressure defense. Washington committed 22 spins due to that pressure in the final three periods, leaving 22 points to score 22 points.
Smith said this year’s team is a defensive group and has begun competitively throughout the title game. It was a one-point game since the first quarter, but Kimball put the pressure on to take a 39-23 halftime lead, holding the Eagles on just four points and one shot from the field.
The Eagles continued to fight back into the game after halftime reduced the deficit to seven, but the Knights responded to closing the quarter on a 9-0 run.
That third quarter run was much better for Kimball to work on that momentum, with Washington handling in the final period. The Knights lasted longer than the Eagles in the final period of 19-12, winning eight Texas titles.
The game’s MVP Wickware scored a game-high 21 points, adding seven rebounds with four assists. He shot 10 of the 13 from the floor. Lance Kerr, a three-star Alabama Bylamingham signer, recorded 17 points, nine rebounds, four blocks and four steels.
Last year, Kimball won Killen Ellison at the 2023 Texas High School 5A State Championship, but with the reorganization of the new UIL that begins the 2024-2025 academic year, the Knights dropped the classification with 1,260 school registrations.
For the Eagles, they were led offensively with seniors Jalen Webb and Samuel Johnson each scoring nine points.
Final score: Kimball holds the Eagles at just 10 quarters points and pulls away to a 71-48 dr sniff
4Q: 5:15: Kimball: 64-38
Marri Wickware bends strength and size at both ends – leading with Game High 19 Points.
The Knights are beginning to feel this. They are currently running 21-2 in the fourth quarter. Eagle timeout,
4Q: 8:00: Kimball: 52-36
Kimball’s Jaylin Hancock knocks down a long-range 3-pointer as the Knights closed third place with a 9-0 run. The Eagles reduced the deficit to seven, but the Knights responded, with 16 leading towards the fourth.
Jaylen Dean-Vines brings back the second chance to the rim. Wick wire with nice post move to extend the lead.
Lance Kerr gets a slam on the rim to slow down the Eagle run. (45-36, 3Q, 1:28)
Kimball’s departure. Samuel Johnson throws a long outlet pass to Robert Jones for a layup. (43-36)
Samuel Johnson gets a friendly roll when the Eagles get within 9. (43-34, 2:56)
3Q: 3:30: Kimball: 43-32 The Eagles continue to plug Kimball’s lead so they haven’t disappeared. Robert Jones nails Transition 3.
3Q: 6:11: Kimball: 41-27
Washington comes out third with purpose. Cut into their halftime deficit.
Third season
Halftime: Kimball leads 39-23.
With a great baseline cut, Wickwire discovered that Lanceker emphasizes a baseline dunk to close the first half in fashion.
Kimball opened a 15-point lead for Houston Washington.
2Q: 3:03: Kimball: 33-20
Kimball is pulling away at this size and speed. Their pressure defense forced them to 15 first half Eagle turnovers.
2Q: 6:55: Kimball: 24-19
Kimball will start the second quarter 4-0 as Marie Wickwear picks the Washington player in his pocket and ends with a flash on the rim.
2Q: 8:00: Kimball: 20-19
End of 1: Kimball leads 20-19
Rylan Austin converts 3-point plays in the old fashioned way to give Kimball a lead.
Hassan Thomas leads 19-17 with the Eagles nearing the end of first place.
1Q: 1:45: Kimball: 16-15
Jaylen Dean Vines chooses the first second foul.
Washington is still in a strong fight, playing three-pointers by Hassan Thomas.
A long two-point bucket for Kimball and Lance Kerr, and then to Eagle, Rafael Smith gets a post bucket.
Kimball brings all the excitement that begins with three emphasis dunks and two three pointers.
1Q: 3:45: Thai Game: 12-12
Kimball returns to you with three balls, then takes a break and dunks. Kimball leads 10-9
In the Transtion, Washington’s Jalen Webb knocks down three balls.
Pass the first two minutes before and after. 6-5 Washington
First period
Kimball Starters: Caden Grey, Jalen Dean Bines,
Washington Starters: Jalen Webb, Robert Jones, Kylan Hooks, Samuel Johnson, Kadyn Barnes
