It’s hard to look back at a game like that, especially knowing that was the last game of my high school career, but regardless, I think there wasn’t a single moment throughout it we didn’t believe in each other . It was a tough way to go out, especially since we all know we were capable of making a run. but it was a game I’ll remember for the rest of my life, for better or for worse. — Charlie Needham ’23
On February 21st, Jesuit traveled to Flower Mound High School to take on the number 5 team in the state.
According to TABC in 6A basketball, the Arlington Martin Warriors, who going into the game, had a 28-4 record and finished tied in their district with Arlington Sam Houston with an 11-1 district record.
Like I said in my previous recap of the last 4 district games, Arlington Martin is a heavy task, especially in the first round of playoffs for the Rangers, who house some of the best talents in the metroplex on the basketball floor and on the football field. Martin has two Nebraska football commits, one being a 6’6 tight end, Ismael Smith Flores, who brings a large presence to the Warriors’ explosive offense. He finished the game with 8 rebounds of his own. Jeremiah Charles is a 6’2 wide receiver, also a Nebraska commit can shoot the ball efficiently, and finished the game with 14 points shooting 6-10 from the field. Not only is that impressive, but pretty uncommon to see two athletes competing in a different sport playing for it all in the playoffs.
The Martin game was a tough one for us and one you obviously hate to lose. Martin is a hell of a team, very athletic and  have threats all over the floor on the offensive end. They’re a top 5 team in the state and I think if they’d been at full strength they could’ve made it to state.
We had a good game plan going into the game by going zone and till the last 60 seconds of the first half our plan worked and it was a super close game.
Ultimately their athleticism, turning us over, and offensive rebounding sealed the deal. I was really proud of our boys though as Martin’s lead increased and you could feel it slipping away we never stopped competing.
— Coach Alexander
1st Half:
In the 1st quarter, things began to get chippy in the Flower Mound gymnasium. A lot of chaos on the court was happening, whether that be an offensive rebound or a consecutive end of turnovers from both teams. Martin was struggling to make a shot, while the Rangers were finding ways to prevent them to score and opportunities for second-chance points. 14-14 Jesuit.
With about 2 minutes to go before the second quarter ended, the score was tied 21-21, however, Martin went on a 10-3 run into halftime and it seemed as if the momentum had completely shifted to Martin before the buzzer went off. Hank Gramlich ’24 made a go-ahead effort and drilled a back-in three from the top of the key with time expired. The Rangers were down 7 at the half. The Rangers had shot 44 percent from three, which played a large role in their close margin to a talented Martin team. 31-24 Martin.
Second Half:
In the third quarter, Ranger fans whether in person at the game or watching live on www.jesuitathletics.com, the air was brewing with excitement. With about half-way to go in the game, the Warriors made a huge shift and made it a 16-point game. The Rangers were having trouble making a shot at the later end of the third quarter and shot the lowest percentage in both field goal percentages and three under 15 percent all game. Plus, the Rangers gave up 21 second-chance points to the Warriors, which made a large difference in the game.
In the 4th quarter, the Rangers, though down, continued to keep everyone involved and push the tempo against Martin. Martin kept firing back; it wasn’t enough for the Rangers to get past Martin with their raw athleticism and ability to make shots down the stretch with University of Houston commit Kordelius Jefferson, who finished the game with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Furthermore, even though this loss throbs, the Rangers played a hard-fought game and never stopped competing against one of the toughest teams in the state. The final score of the game was 53-68.
Stats
Caleb Steger finished the game with 24 points, and 5 rebounds for the Rangers, he never gave up towards the end of the game and managed to earn three and 1 calls and continue to score at will
Will Bronson ’24 finished the game with 10 points, along with 6 rebounds and a block. Bronson continued to show his strengths and make possessions simple with great footwork.
Owen Berry ’23 scored 6 points for the Rangers and played solid defense.
Dylan Gibbons ’23 also dished out a team-high 6 assists for the game.
Q&A:
I also had the chance to ask sophomore Caleb Steger what he took away from this game in his first playoff game.
What did you take away from this game?
“I would say for me I would just come out being more aggressive whether it’s getting more touches on offense to trying to get steals, deflection, and making it hard for the other team to score.” — Caleb Steger ’25
What did this first playoff game teach you and how will you move forward?
I will use it as motivation to not have that same feeling of losing so early in the playoffs. — Caleb Steger ’25
FINAL THOUGHTS
Your Rangers finished 19-13 for the year, and competed this season against some of the best competition in the state of Texas and district. With the addition of Highland Park this year in the 7-6A district, a team that has always brought a sense of friendly fire and hatred for Ranger fans down south on the Tollway, has played a large role in district play this year, as both teams competed for a playoff spot. However, the Rangers have proved to people that they are willing to win at any cost and to get back into the playoff conversation through the senior’s leadership and how much they put on the line.
Thank you for listening in and following Jesuit Basketball all season with me. It’s been a pleasure and I’m very grateful to have covered it and had great help from one of the best media guys at Jesuit, fellow Sports Editor Peyton Bristow, Drew Leon ’25, and media man Jaxx Rigelsky ’24.
