The journey to the top is rarely smooth, but for the boys basketball team at Holy Cross Catholic Academy, the road to history was defined by resilience, belief, and unfinished business.
On Thursday night at Waco Robinson High School, the Mustangs turned a season-long mission into reality, defeating Beaumont Legacy Christian 59-45 to capture the TAPPS Class 2A state championship. The victory marked the first state title in school history and capped an unforgettable 27-8 campaign.
From the opening tip, Holy Cross looked poised and purposeful. Rather than playing like a team soaking in its first state tournament appearance, the Mustangs took control early and dictated the pace throughout. Their composure reflected a group that had grown through adversity and learned from the heartbreak of falling short the previous season.
That growth was tested just one day earlier in a semifinal clash that demanded everything the Mustangs had. Facing a top-tier opponent, Holy Cross found itself trailing by double digits in the second half before mounting a determined comeback. The Mustangs forced overtime and eventually secured a 63-55 win in double overtime, a performance that underscored their grit and unity.
Head coach Austin Turner has emphasized selflessness and daily commitment since taking over the program, and those traits were evident throughout the tournament run. Holy Cross didn’t rely solely on star power; instead, the team leaned on chemistry, trust, and a refusal to let the moment overwhelm them.
Still, standout performances played a crucial role — none bigger than the tournament brilliance of Kong Deng. Deng delivered a dominant two-game stretch, pouring in 29 points in the semifinal before following it up with 22 points in the championship game. His perimeter shooting proved lethal, knocking down four three-pointers in each contest, while his defensive intensity helped set the tone on both ends of the floor.
Deng’s efforts were complemented by fellow All-Tournament selections Willy Atak and Mou Tong. Atak provided steady scoring with 10 points in the semifinal and 12 in the title game, while Tong added consistent production with 10 points in each matchup. Together, the trio formed a balanced core that delivered when the stakes were highest.
What ultimately separated Holy Cross was its maturity. The Mustangs didn’t panic in pressure moments, didn’t lose focus after emotional swings, and didn’t allow the weight of history to distract them from execution. Instead, they played with the discipline and confidence of a veteran group determined to finish what they started.
The championship represents more than just a trophy. It symbolizes a cultural shift within the program — proof that persistence and collective effort can elevate a team from contender to champion.
