Saturday, March 9, 2024
San Antonio, TX —The Plano East Senior High School Basketball team completed its pursuit to perfection with 53-41 win over Round Rock Stony Point in the University Interscholastic League’s Class 6A State Championship Saturday night at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Plano East is now the first school in Class 6A history to complete an undefeated season and cap it off with a title.
Image of Panther Basketball team raising the state championship plaque.
As the top-ranked Texas team and #3 team in most national polls, the Panthers claimed the first state championship in school history behind D.J. Hall’s 18 points and six rebounds. Rachard Angton added 13 points and Jordan Mizell pitched in eight points and eight rebounds. Hall was named the Conference Final Most Valuable Player.
Defensively, the Panthers held Stony Point's shooting to 17-43 (39.5%), forcing 13 steals and 20 total turnovers.
Image of Panther Basketball players and coaches.
“It was a team effort,” said Plano East Head Coach Matt Wester. "They had the utmost confidence in themselves. They had already played some of the best, beaten some of the best. When you work as hard as they work, that is where your confidence comes from.”
Image of Panther Cheerleaders and Basketball players with banner.
Stony Point (38-2) finishes the season #2, with both losses coming to Plano East. The highly anticipated meeting was a rematch of the Championship Basketball Tournament held in Mansfield on December 30, 2023, where the Panthers won 54-46.
“I am so excited and proud to celebrate the incredible achievement of our Plano East Panthers, winning the state basketball championship on the heels of a perfect season,” Plano ISD Superintendent Dr. Theresa Williams. “This victory not only showcases the talent and dedication of our student-athletes, but also demonstrates the power of unity and community support. As a district, we understand the vital role of athletics and extracurricular activities in shaping well-rounded and successful graduates. I am grateful to our supportive community who embraced our recent athletic alignment, which has brought us together in celebrating our athletic teams and has fostered a sense of unity and belonging. Congratulations to the Panthers players, coaches, parents and to all who have contributed to this historic win. This victory further solidifies Plano ISD as a ‘Triple A’ district, excelling in Academics, Athletics and Arts.”
