Tompkins boys win McDonald’s Texas Invitational
Tompkins boys’ capture top prize at the McDonalds Texas Invitational
Early season tournaments are a good way for coaches and players to see where their strengths and weaknesses are. The McDonalds Texas Invitational Basketball Tournament held Nov. 16-18 put on by Pasadena ISD featured 48 boys teams and 32 girls teams. The Invitational is played at different Pasadena ISD high school gymnasiums, Phillips Field House, Pearland High School and Pearland Dawson High School.
Tompkins captured the top boys’ prize, following a 59-54 Gold Division I victory over Duncanville in the championship game at Phillips Field House.
Duncanville’s largest lead was 28-17 late in the second period. The Falcons would momentarily take a 38-36 lead only to have Duncanville reassert itself by scoring the final seven points of the third period.
The Falcons started the fourth period down by five but opened the final eight minutes by going on a 9-0 run.
Tompkins never trailed again. Duncanville tied it at 54-54 only to have the Falcons score the final five points.
Falcon C.J. Washington, scoring 19 points, was named the tournament’s MVP. His defensive play resulted in several Duncanville turnovers.
On the way to the championship the Falcons defeated Spring Wesfield 64-48. Next was a 54-40 win over Lancaster, clinching a trip to the Gold bracket. From there, the team defeated Hebron 61-41 at Sam Rayburn High School, before downing Pearland Dawson 72-59 in the semifinals Friday night at Memorial High School.
Tompkins, in its inaugural arrival on the Texas Invitational scene last November, went 2-3 and competed in the Division I Silver Bracket.
The Taylor Mustangs boys took home the Division 2 Silver Championship this year. The Mustangs took the measure of Clear Brook in their first game, 44-41. Next was a blowout of C.E. King 62-42. Taylor defeated Fort Bend Austin 61-58 for the Championship.