Lion Sports Update (12/12)

Varsity Soccer  
The varsity soccer team’s matches before and after Thanksgiving break were remarkably similar in scoring patterns. Aydin Sumer opened the scoring early against the Parish Episcopal Panthers, with David Dickson quickly following up with another goal. However, this match was more competitive than the previous one, as the Panthers equalized just ten minutes after the Lions' opening goal. Despite Dickson’s second goal to make it 2-1, the Panthers continued to press for another equalizer. Strong midfield play by seniors Oliver Peck and David Gershenson disrupted Parish's attacks, preventing them from sustaining pressure. Late in the second half, the Panthers were awarded a penalty kick, but their striker missed wide, allowing the Lions to secure the win.  

On Friday, Dec. 6, the Lions’ unbeaten streak came to an end with a narrow 2-1 loss to The Kinkaid School from Houston. Both teams created early chances, with Aydin Sumer having several shots saved by Kinkaid’s goalkeeper and junior Kazim Hussain narrowly missing the target. Sophomore Wyatt Gair nearly redirected a cross into the bottom corner. Kinkaid broke the deadlock midway through the first half after the Lions struggled to clear a ball in their penalty box. They doubled their lead in the second half with a long-range strike that goalkeeper Adithya Munshi couldn’t reach. Although the Lions pushed hard after both teams were reduced to ten men, and senior captain Alex Abel converted a penalty kick drawn by Dickson, time ran out before they could find an equalizer.  

This week, the Lions have two home matches: Thursday vs. Nolan Catholic (7 p.m.) and Friday vs. Covenant (7 p.m.).

Varsity Wrestling  
On December 4, the Lions wrestling team defeated Episcopal School of Dallas 41-22 in front of a lively crowd at ESD. They followed up with a commanding 55-18 victory over Fort Worth Country Day at home in Spencer Gym. Over the weekend, the Junior Varsity team gained valuable experience at the JV tournament at Rockwall High School, while the varsity team competed in the two-day "Rumble at the Rock," one of the toughest local tournaments. Four wrestlers—Ferris Gottlich, Zach Golle, Beau Bacon, and Wyatt Loehr—qualified for the second day of competition. Junior co-captain Beau Bacon led the team, finishing 4th and earning a spot on the podium.  

Fans are invited to the 56th Annual Lonestar Christmas Tournament this Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13-14, in Spencer Gym. The tournament will feature 16 teams from as far as Tampa, Florida. Wrestling begins Friday at 2:15 p.m.

Varsity Basketball  
The varsity basketball team competed in Jesuit’s annual Knights of Columbus tournament from Dec. 5-7. The seniors delivered standout performances, starting with Jack Baker’s breakout 14-point game against 5A Tascosa on Thursday. Baker’s perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line helped secure a hard-fought 59-55 victory. Senior physicality from Matthew Jordan and Henry Estes, combined with three-point shooting by Shyam Maddukuri and Lawrence Gardner, complemented Luke Laczkowski’s 27-point effort.  

In Friday’s semifinal against Melissa, Baker and Laczkowski combined for 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in a dramatic two-point win. A fire alarm delayed the final moments of the game by 40 minutes, but the Lions returned focused to secure their spot in the championship. On Saturday, the Lions faced host Jesuit. Despite trailing by double digits early in the second quarter, they rallied behind sophomore Dawson Battie’s dominant 23-point, 7-rebound performance to take a late fourth-quarter lead. However, turnovers and missed free throws allowed Jesuit to force overtime, where the Lions ultimately fell short. Baker and Laczkowski earned All-Tournament Team honors, and the Lions gained valuable experience facing strong 6A programs. They travel to Kaufman on Friday night.

Varsity Swimming  
The varsity swim team did not compete last week due to their training cycle. They will host their first home meet on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 5:45 p.m. in the Rogers Natatorium, facing Bishop Lynch.