Pantego Christian Academy Basketball 2025 Winter Season Recap: A Championship Mentality in the Making
The 2025 basketball season for Pantego Christian Academy was one filled with excitement, growth, and relentless determination. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jae Avery, the Panthers developed a culture centered on effort, energy, and championship-level accountability. With a roster of dynamic athletes who stepped up in clutch moments and a coaching staff focused on building a strong foundation, this season became one of grit, resilience, and promise for the future.
Key Contributors Who Carried the Torch
The success of the Panthers this season was built on the shoulders of several standout athletes whose consistency and leadership helped push the team forward.
Leading the way was Evan Jackson, a multifaceted offensive threat who could score at all three levels. His court vision and decision-making made him the heartbeat of the Panthers’ offense. Whether it was a clutch bucket or a perfectly timed assist, Evan showed up every day ready to lead by example. His work ethic became the standard for the rest of the team.
Right alongside him was AJ Brooks, whose intensity on defense and high energy at the guard position gave the Panthers their identity on the other side of the court. AJ’s hustle plays, tenacious defense, and ability to make smart decisions under pressure made him the team’s emotional engine—he was the kind of player who could spark momentum just by diving for a loose ball or locking down the opposing team's top scorer.
Stone Theil brought another layer of toughness to the team. His unselfishness and willingness to sacrifice his body, especially in defensive rotations where he took charges and disrupted plays, were critical. Add to that his ability to heat up from beyond the arc, and he became a player that opposing teams had to respect on both ends.
Tristan Brown played with a blend of intelligence and intensity that made him a cornerstone of the team’s success. In the paint, he battled for rebounds, controlled the glass, and limited second-chance opportunities for opponents. His calm presence under pressure and consistent execution of the game plan provided the team with a steadying force during critical moments.
A Season of Growth, Grit, and Guts
Coach Avery described this season as a “really good one,” despite facing adversity, including a rough week when illness swept through the team. The flu sidelined several key players, leading to two tough losses that could have gone the other way had the team been at full strength. Still, the Panthers refused to let those setbacks define their season.
One game stood out as a turning point: the matchup against Prince of Peace. While details of the game were kept brief, the energy and determination displayed during that contest helped solidify the team’s belief in its potential. It became a rallying point for the group and helped refocus the team’s goals.
Rising Stars and Expanding Roles
Player development was a major theme throughout the season. Two names that stood out in this area were Tristan Brown and Colton Garrett. Both players grew significantly as the season progressed, embracing larger responsibilities and playing critical roles on both ends of the court. Tristan, in particular, elevated his presence as the season went on, becoming not just a force in the paint but also a leader by example.
The ability of these players to step up midseason showed the strength of the team’s depth and the effectiveness of the program’s developmental approach.
Championship-Level Responses to Adversity
Whether it was injuries, illness, or close defeats, the Panthers responded to every challenge in a way Coach Avery described as “championship manner.” After each setback, the team showed up the next day ready to watch film, correct mistakes, and improve. That dedication to getting better—even when things weren’t going their way—became a defining characteristic of this year’s squad.
“They always came in ready to get better,” Coach Avery said, highlighting a level of maturity and professionalism that bodes well for future seasons.
Seniors Set the Standard
This year’s senior class left a lasting impression on the program, not just with their performance but with their leadership, coachability, and team-first mentality.
“This senior class brought great energy every day. They were very coachable, but most importantly, they were a fun team to coach,” Coach Avery said. Their understanding of their roles and willingness to put the team above themselves laid the groundwork for the strong chemistry that carried the Panthers through the ups and downs of the season.
The lessons and values these seniors instilled in the younger players will echo in the locker room for years to come.
A Promising Future on the Horizon
With three of five starters returning next season, Coach Avery is already excited about the potential of next year’s team. He sees this core group as the foundation of something special and is eager to build around them.
“It’s going to be a fun group to watch and coach,” he said.
But Coach Avery is not just relying on talent—he has a clear vision for what needs to improve this offseason. The focus will be on defensive toughness and developing a more consistent offensive flow. By sharpening their team defense and working on executing under pressure, the Panthers aim to become an even more dangerous unit next winter.
Where to Find the Numbers
For those who want to dig into the stats and follow along with the team’s journey, Pantego Christian Academy’s basketball stats can be found on MaxPreps, the go-to platform for high school sports coverage.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 basketball season for Pantego Christian Academy was a showcase of leadership, perseverance, and emerging talent. From standout performances to team-first mentality, this group of athletes embraced every opportunity to grow. Under Coach Jae Avery’s guidance, they turned obstacles into learning experiences and laid the foundation for a program built on excellence.
As the team heads into the offseason with clear goals and a strong returning core, the message is clear: the Panthers are just getting started. With continued dedication to defense, offensive rhythm, and culture-building, Pantego Christian is poised to make even bigger waves next season.
If the 2025 campaign proved anything, it’s that with the right mindset, hard work, and unity, a good season can be the start of something truly great.
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