Ponder Lions Varsity Basketball

Season Record: 40-1   District Record: 14-1
State 2A Champions
District Champs, Area Champs, Regional Qtr. Final Champs, Region 2 Champions!

District 10-2A Standings:

Lions Bring the Heat in Summer Tournaments
Krissy Boxell
   September 8, 2008

After taking the 2A State Championship title last year followed by a well-deserved break, the Lions were back in gyms across Texas this summer to participate in various tournaments and summer camps. Not only did the extra gym time help prepare the Lions for the upcoming season, it also helped prove that Ponder is still, and will always be, a force to be reckoned with.

On June 20-22, the team attended the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) Camp. At camp, they were able to perfect skills and fundamentals that will be vital this season.

On July 3, Ponder took 2nd place in the Metrocrest Tournament, losing only to Newman Smith in the championship. The Lions enjoyed great victories over Allen, Jesuit, and Plano East to end with the best finish Ponder has ever had in the tournament.

“The Metrocrest Tournament was a high note for the boys,” Head Coach Doug Boxell said. “It gave them confidence and showed that they could play against good teams.”

Ponder, as well as teams from all over the country, participated in the Great American Shootout in Denton on July 11-14. The Lions dominated, taking first place in their division for the first time ever.

The Lions mixed business with pleasure in the South Padre Island “Slam ‘n’ Jam” Shootout on July 18-20. Soaking up the rays in their free time and bringing the heat on the court, the team finished 2nd overall in the tournament. Ponder was beaten only by Brownsville Hannah in the finals.

“All of the games this summer helped us play together as a team, to know each other better and know how each other plays,” senior Isaiah Boxell said.

Currently, the team is playing in a short league with Argyle and Liberty Christian. On Sept. 25, the Lions will begin the Southlake Carroll league to get all the extra time in before the beginning of basketball season.

“Basically, we are working on getting the team’s chemistry together,” Coach Boxell said. “One of the most important things is teaching the kids to fight for each other and not just fight for themselves, building friendships that will last a lifetime.”