Led by senior Joseph Venzant’s 30 points, the Midland Christian boys basketball team held off a stubborn Plano Prestonwood 52-47 to advance to the Elite Eight of the TAPPS playoffs.
Venzant, a Liberty University signee, and the Mustangs faced off against John Paul II in the regional finals and came up short in a bid for the TAPPS Class 6A state tournament in a 65-53 setback. Midland Christian ended the season with a 12-9 mark.
The Mustangs did have the memories of a tremendous win over the No. 10-ranked team in the state on their home floor to list among its favorite memories of the season. Ryver Rodriguez played a key role, helping extend the lead from one to five points down the stretch with his defensive playmaking ability, the Midland Reporter-Telegram reported.
Giovanni Lujan finished with eight points and nine rebounds and Deshaun Ortiz had eight point in the win.