It’s not quite March, but the madness began on Friday for the boys’ basketball team at JJ Pearce High School. Trailing South Oak Cliff 63-62 with time running out, senior Booda Daniels launched a 3-pointer that banked off the glass before dropping through the net to give the Redhawks a 65-63 win and the Area Championship. 

“Couldn’t be prouder of them, it was a really high-paced game, physical, but they were tenacious, they never doubted their ability to get it done, they believed in each other and showed the toughness it takes to play at this level,” assistant coach Ben Manning said. “The best thing they did was stick together and play for each other, especially in a game that was as close as this.”

In addition to scoring the winning three for the Redhawks, senior Booda Daniels scored 16 points and delivered the final block on SOC’s last-second shot before the game ended. 

“We played great overall despite our free throw percentage, mainly because we never gave up, even when they had a double-digit lead, we took what they gave us on offense and adapted to the referees not calling as many fouls and just letting us play,” senior Daniels said. “It really all sank in once that buzzer sounded off, it felt amazing to know that we secured another game. We were able to enjoy that win and the memorable moment all weekend, but now we’re getting back to work in preparation for Memorial.”

For the first time in seven years, the Redhawks advanced to the third round of the playoffs, where district rival Memorial High School awaits.

“It feels like a big weight has been lifted off our shoulders, making it back to round 3, it feels great,” head coach Stephen Friar said. “That being said, we’re still fighting  to accomplish the goal our team has set for ourselves, which is making the regional tournament, and this will be our toughest challenge as we go against arguably the most talented team in the region, Memorial.”