Archives > Sports
Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
RSS
Share
Above and beyond: North capitalizes on potential in postseason run
By Richard C. White, rwhite@starlocalnews.com
The McKinney North boys basketball team recently finished its deep playoff run in the regional tournament, capping arguably the most successful season the program has had.
"I couldn't be happier with the run that we've made and everything this team has accomplished," said Darryll Craft, North head coach. "You look at the big picture and when our players look back in the years to come they'll realize what a great run it was."
North (23-12) lost to two-time defending state champion Dallas Kimball Friday in the regional semifinals from the Curtis Culwell Center.
"This team ranks right up there with that team," Craft said. "That's as far as any McKinney ISD boys basketball team has ever been. We'd like to get back there and have a chance to get to the state tournament. The important thing is to never be satisfied."
The Bulldogs' postseason run included an eight-game winning streak that dated back to January. During the streak, North beat seven of its eight opponents by double digits.
"That shows you how good we were playing when we were at our best," Craft said. "It's disappointing that it had to come to an end, but only one team in the state will be able to win their final game."
North reached the regional tournament by beating Texas High in its playoff opener. The Bulldogs went on to upset No. 11 Jacksonville and Mansfield Legacy leading into their matchup against Kimball.
Although the Knights would beat the Bulldogs, they did so by single digits in a game in which North had cut what was a 17-point deficit to just two in the fourth quarter.
"That's the way we've played all year," Craft said. "We've never quit. This was just a bigger stage for people to see it. There's a lot of fight in us and that's showed all season."
North overcame various injuries to key starters in addition to its own initially inconsistent play. The Bulldogs began the year at 10-9 before dominating their district beginning in early January. North would lose only two more regular season games the rest of the way.
"One of the things I'll remember is the ups and downs of this season," Craft said. "We had some obstacles we had to overcome."
Although their run this season was the deepest of any McKinney ISD basketball program, both or girls, Craft said his players and staff are ready to prove they're just as motivated for similar success next year.
"We have to stay hungry," he said. "We'll move forward next season and prepare to try and reach that next level we want to get to."
The Bulldogs will be in good shape heading into next season as they are only losing two seniors. Even more promising for North is that, outside of senior Bryson Brown, the Bulldogs' primary starting five will return in full.
"We're confident that our five guys intact will continue starting and will continue to do things the right way to get better," Craft said. "If everybody stays healthy and everybody stays intact and stays focused, then I don't know how you can't be excited."
Seven North juniors will be seniors next year, including starters Colin Curran, Steele Douglas, Kody Wilson, Jola Otubu, and Julion Pearre.
Craft is encouraged that his program will build off its deep run and reach even greater heights one year from now.
"We'll have a lot of leadership coming back, that's for sure," he said. "We are returning a lot of skill, a lot of talent. If everything works out, that's a recipe for another nice season."
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
You must register with a valid email to post comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Registered users sign in here:
Become a Registered User
- Return to: Sports «
- Home «
- Top of Page ^
