The sound of speakers echo as each senior is announced with their family and friends to commemorate their last game at Texas High School. Billy Lavender, Texas High’s Booster club president and announcer for the game, congratulates each senior on their goals and accomplishments before their game against the Tyler Lions. Jimon Hayes, Zadreon Clark, Trevon Ellis, Justin Brown and Alex Orr all played their last game on the Texas High Tigers Basketball court, Feb. 7, 2025.
Although the Tigers were defeated by the Lions, 59-50, the atmosphere held appreciation for the continued season and how the Tigers would do next. Each player has contributed to the success of the Tigers as they preserve towards the playoffs. 
“I didn’t have any pressure going into senior night,” Senior, Alex Orr said. “Basketball is just a game and pressure is not something I feel before a game.”
Trevon Ellis secured the Tiger’s lead in the first half of the game and previously scored 27 points to make “All Tournament” over this season. Another point accomplishment was Orr surpassing one-thousand career points which was announced on Friday night.
“It felt great to surpass 1000 career points, it was amazing to see my hard work paying off,” Orr said. “This achievement will further my basketball career by giving me confidence going into college.”
Ellis also took the opportunity to look back on his hard work. Ellis came out strong last game and kept the ball moving through the entire first quarter.
“I felt proud,” Ellis said. “Just of how far I’ve come, but also felt very emotional knowing it was my last home game.”
The Tigers minor set back has not changed their mindset nor their attitude for how they want to continue the season. To consider the more games to come, Head Coach Eric Cross prepares for what their next challenge is.
“My mindset was just the same as every game, have our team prepared to play our best, [because] we always feel like we have a chance to win if we play our best,” Cross said. “[Our] goal for the rest of the season is just to win the next game, right now we are focused on one game at a time.”
