The Stafford Spartans are looking for their 2nd boys’ basketball state championship in school history.
Stafford took down Iowa Colony in their 3A Regional Final game in exciting fashion, with a step-back three from Maxwell Frels to tie it, and a dominant overtime period to win it, 71-64.
Stafford is making its 8th appearance at State, winning their lone title in 1992.
“It does feel good to get to this point,” said head coach David Montano. “With the support of the community, [the team] has done a good job representing Stafford.”
Maxwell Frels, a junior guard on the team, believes the team’s chemistry has helped them make this run.
“We’re all just a bunch of guys, it’s a brotherhood,” Frels said. “On the court, we communicate, whether it’s defense or offense.”
Montano would love nothing more than to bring home a trophy for the first time in 32 years.
“Stafford’s always been known as a basketball school, so it’s nothing new,” said Montano. “It’s nice to have gotten there, a lot of things have to go your way. Getting there is one thing, but we’re trying to win.”
Stafford is 35-6 heading into their State Semifinal game against Oak Cliff Faith and Family Academy from the Dallas area, but Montano believes his early season schedule has the Spartans prepared.
Stafford had a number of impressive wins over bigger schools including teams like Cypress Ranch, Summer Creek and George Ranch.
“We tried to be battle tested for the playoffs, playing up with 5A and 6A competition,” said Montano.
They’ll have to use their experiences playing up in their semi-final game against the two-time defending state champion Friday.
