What a season! Your Rangers are headed to the playoffs once again! The Rangers picked up momentum these last four games and were determined to make a statement against Richardson. The Rangers finished 19-12 in the regular season. However with some adversity this season, the Rangers found their groove in the last half of district play and made a leaping presence to fight for a playoff spot.
@ Richardson Berkner (W 55-47):
With a promising win over MacArthur, Jesuit looked ahead to take on Richardson Berkner. Jesuit dominated regarding rebounds and found their groove late in the 4th quarter. Second chance points were also a crucial aspect of the game; it went in favor 21-6 Jesuit. 2nd chance points sometimes differentiate a close game and separate who wins the game. Dylan Gibbons ’23 led the way for the Rangers scoring a season-high 16 points able to finish through traffic and shoot 75 percent from three. During halftime, Jesuit led 25-22, yet Berkner kept fighting til the end, but it wasn’t enough to propel them past the Rangers.
Irving Nimitz (W 48-38):
Next, Jesuit headed back to Walsh Gym for their three-game stretch at home. It was a tied-ball game at halftime with a score of 23 a piece. Moreover, Jesuit found its rhythm in the third and fourth quarter where they outscored Nimitz 15-8 in the third quarter and also in the 4th quarter they also outscored the Vikings 10-7. Caleb Steger ’25 scored a team-high 20 points for the game, almost having a double-double. Will Bronson played a large role in rebounding the ball defensively and getting out the ball into easy transition opportunities for either Dylan Gibbons ’23 or Hank Gramlich ’24 to run the offense. Jesuit had a large rival ahead to look forward to, and were ready to take on the Scots.
We fought hard to make the playoffs each week. And I’m super proud of my teammates for all our hard work this regular season. –Michael Grant ’25
Highland Park (L 50-70):
After a frustrating defeat just a couple of weeks ago, Jesuit was ready to host the Scots for the battle of the Tollway. In the first quarter, Jesuit was down 6 points to an explosive Highland Park offense and stepped up in the second quarter to nick it down to a 2-point ball game. Jesuit did a great job containing drives  However, in the second half, Highland Park flipped a switch, and a huge factor of the second half was senior Dylan Walker ’23 for HP, who exploded to score 26 points and finish with 28 of his own. One problem Jesuit struggled with was taking care of the ball, where HP scored a staggering 26 points off turnovers. Furthermore, stats-wise, Caleb Steger ’25 scored 17 points and 6 rebounds. He played a large role offensively, while senior Tai Kryger ’23 found ways to score in the paint and rebound. Looking ahead next week, Jesuit had to bounce back quickly, fix mistakes on both sides of the ball, and make a statement game against one of the more physical and quick offensive teams in the district.
Richardson (Senior Night) (W 60-45):
On Tuesday, February 14, on Valentine’s Day, Jesuit hosted the third-ranked team in the 7-6A district, the Richardson Eagles for a showdown at Walsh Gym. This game was huge for both Jesuit and J.J. Pearce. If Jesuit won, they automatically get into the playoffs; however, if Jesuit lost, it would be a neutral housed location for the final spot in the playoffs against both teams. Jesuit wanted to keep the momentum going and show Pearce that they deserved this spot completely. Sophomore Caleb Steger recorded a double-double in his final district game for the season, with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Justin Kemp ’24 was also huge for the Rangers, as he shot 4-10 from the field, finishing the game with 14 points. In my opinion, from watching this game online, that Jesuit created more possessions for themselves, making the right decision, and also finding the best shot possible. This game was a huge team effort game from the Rangers; they shut down the Eagles in the 4th quarter in field goals and three-point attempts. They went completely cold, as Jesuit won the 4th quarter with a 26-8 differential.
Now, your Rangers face the number 5 team in the state Arlington Martin in the Bi-District round @ Flower Mound High School on Tuesday the 21st. They have faced Arlington Martin three years in a row in the Bi-District round. And unfortunately Jesuit lost by 7 points and was neck in neck all game. Martin has a backcourt of Houston commit Kordelioius Jefferson, who is a great scorer and can attack the floor and also DBU commit Cody Stevens, a guy who can shoot the lights off the ball. It’s going to be a battle for Jesuit, but with the amount of leadership and talent on this team; I think it will make for a great game.
Stay tuned to the Roundup for more basketball coverage!
