FAYETTEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL - With another strong finish last season the Lions look to next year with high hopes.  They ended up 27-9, and 12-0 in district last year losing to Brookeland in the fourth round of the playoffs.  With a lot coming back from last years team the Lions are excited for this coming season, but not as excited as #STBA to cover this program.

11/14 vs. Mumford, W 43-40

Fayetteville opened the season with a close battle against Mumford. The Lions stayed composed late in the game and executed when it mattered most. A strong defensive stand in the final moments secured the narrow victory. Both of these teams are always in the fight in March, such a good opening night game.

11/18 @ Wharton, W 62-57

On the road at Wharton, Fayetteville picked up another tough early-season win. The Lions relied on balanced scoring and solid rebounding to stay in control. Key baskets late in the game helped them hold off a Wharton comeback.

11/20 @ Port Aransas, L 59-53 (Tournament)

Fayetteville opened tournament play with a competitive matchup against Port Aransas. The Lions battled throughout the game but struggled to get over the hump in the closing minutes. Despite the loss, the team showed flashes of strong offensive play.

11/20 vs. Huckabay, L 49-42 (Tournament)

Later in the tournament, Fayetteville faced a tough Huckabay squad. The Lions kept the game close with disciplined defense but had trouble finding consistent offense. Huckabay pulled away late to hand Fayetteville another narrow loss.

11/21 vs. Bullard, W 68-61 (Tournament)

Fayetteville bounced back with a strong win over Bullard. The Lions found their rhythm offensively and controlled the tempo for most of the game. Their ability to score in transition helped seal the victory.

11/22 vs. Lipan, L 84-67 (Tournament)

The Lions ran into a high-powered Lipan team in another tournament matchup. Fayetteville fought hard but struggled to slow down Lipan’s offense. Despite the loss, the game provided valuable experience against elite competition.

12/2 @ Weimar, W 66-36

Fayetteville returned to non-tournament play with a dominant road win at Weimar. The Lions controlled the boards and dictated the pace throughout the game. Their strong defensive effort helped create a comfortable lead.

12/4 vs. Brazos Christian, W 52-34 (Tournament)

Back in tournament action, Fayetteville delivered a strong defensive performance against Brazos Christian. The Lions limited scoring opportunities and capitalized on turnovers. Their disciplined play carried them to a convincing win.

12/4 vs. Thorndale, W 69-55 (Tournament)

Later that day, Fayetteville faced Thorndale and continued their strong play. The Lions shot the ball efficiently and maintained control throughout the game. Their balanced attack helped secure the victory.

12/5 vs. Somerville, W 73-58 (Tournament)

Fayetteville stayed hot in tournament play with another impressive win. The Lions pushed the pace and created scoring opportunities in transition. Their offensive rhythm proved too much for Somerville.

12/5 vs. Flatonia, W 65-48 (Tournament)

The Lions closed out the tournament with a solid win over Flatonia. Fayetteville controlled the game from the opening tip and never let the lead slip away. Their strong finish capped off a successful weekend.

12/9 vs. Cypress Christian, W 70-47

Fayetteville continued its momentum with a dominant performance against Cypress Christian. The Lions’ defense created multiple scoring opportunities. Their aggressive play led to another comfortable victory.

12/11 vs. Lexington, L 68-62 (Tournament)

In tournament action, Fayetteville faced a tough Lexington squad. The Lions battled hard but struggled to contain Lexington’s offense late in the game. The close loss highlighted areas the team needed to improve.

12/12 vs. Hearne, L 76-67 (Tournament)

Fayetteville played another competitive contest against Hearne. The Lions stayed within striking distance but couldn’t slow down Hearne’s scoring runs. The loss served as another learning moment for the team.

12/13 vs. Rogers, W 88-53 (Tournament)

The Lions responded with an explosive performance against Rogers. Fayetteville found its offensive rhythm and never looked back. Their fast pace led to a dominant win.

12/13 vs. Tenaha, W 81-36 (Tournament)

Fayetteville finished the tournament on a high note with a decisive win over Tenaha. The Lions controlled both ends of the court from start to finish. Their defensive pressure fueled another big victory.

12/16 @ Hempstead, W 80-49

On the road at Hempstead, Fayetteville delivered another strong showing. The Lions pushed the tempo and capitalized on scoring opportunities. Their balanced offense led to a comfortable win.

12/19 @ Cuero, W 66-62

Cuero provided a tough test for Fayetteville in a close matchup. The Lions kept their composure during a tight finish. Key baskets down the stretch secured the four-point victory.

12/30 vs. Burton, W 72-57

Fayetteville wrapped up the year with a solid win over Burton. The Lions controlled the pace and executed well offensively. Their strong finish helped build momentum heading into district play.

1/2 @ Dime Box, W 85-43 (District)

Fayetteville opened district play in dominant fashion against Dime Box. The Lions pushed the tempo and controlled the boards throughout the game. Their strong start set the tone for district competition.

1/6 vs. North Zulch, W 94-49 (District)

Back at home, Fayetteville continued its impressive district run. The Lions’ offense was firing on all cylinders as they built a commanding lead. Their defense limited North Zulch’s scoring chances.

1/9 vs. Buckholts, W 93-34 (District)

Fayetteville delivered another dominant performance against Buckholts. The Lions forced turnovers and turned them into easy points. Their aggressive play resulted in a huge victory.

1/13 vs. Richards, L 77-70 (District)

Richards handed Fayetteville its first district loss in a competitive matchup. The Lions battled throughout the game but couldn’t overcome a late scoring run. Despite the setback, Fayetteville remained confident moving forward.

1/16 @ Iola, W 76-50

Fayetteville bounced back with a strong road win at Iola. The Lions regained their rhythm offensively and controlled the tempo. Their defense played a major role in the victory.

1/20 vs. Calvert, W 91-61 (District)

The Lions returned to district play with an impressive win over Calvert. Fayetteville’s offense was clicking from the start. Their consistent scoring helped them pull away comfortably.

1/23 @ Round Top-Carmine, W 100-43 (District)

Fayetteville delivered one of its most explosive performances of the season. The Lions surpassed the 100-point mark with an outstanding offensive display. Their relentless pace overwhelmed Round Top-Carmine.

1/27 vs. Dime Box, W 93-52 (District)

Facing Dime Box again, Fayetteville controlled the game from start to finish. The Lions’ defense created multiple transition opportunities. Their strong play resulted in another convincing win.

1/30 @ North Zulch, W 84-19 (District)

On the road at North Zulch, Fayetteville produced one of its best defensive games. The Lions limited scoring opportunities and dominated the boards. Their defensive pressure led to a massive victory.

2/3 vs. Buckholts, W 120-25 (District)

Super interesting story here as Fayetteville has broken a national record with 40 made threes in a game.  In fact, they only attempted threes, and did not take a single two point attempt all game.  They were 40/98 from three, shooting 29% from the left corner, 49% from the left wing, 23% from the top of the key, 42% from the right wing, and 50% from the right corner.  Coach Diggs talked about how they had an opportunity to set a record, and that opportunity does not present itself often.  All seven of his players that played hit at least one three, had two players make thirteen, and another that made ten.  Not one foul or jump ball was called all game.

2/6 @ Richards, W 67-65 (District)

In a rematch with Richards, Fayetteville earned redemption in a tight contest. The Lions executed well in the closing moments of the game. A clutch finish secured the narrow two-point victory.

2/13 @ Calvert, W 68-44 (District)

Fayetteville continued its strong district run with a solid road win at Calvert. The Lions controlled the tempo and played disciplined defense. Their balanced attack led to another comfortable victory.

2/17 vs. Round Top-Carmine, W 94-36 (District)

The Lions closed district play with another dominant performance. Fayetteville pushed the pace and built a large early lead. Their strong finish capped off an impressive district season.

2/24 vs. Waelder, W 96-50 (Playoff Game)

Fayetteville opened the playoffs with a commanding win over Waelder. The Lions controlled both ends of the court from the start. Their strong offense and defense led to a decisive victory.

2/27 vs. D'Hanis, W 80-43 (Playoff Game)

The Lions continued their postseason run with another convincing performance. Fayetteville’s defense forced turnovers and created scoring opportunities. Their balanced scoring carried them to a comfortable win.

3/3 vs. Wells, W 80-74 (Playoff Game)

Wells pushed Fayetteville in one of the toughest playoff battles of the season. The Lions stayed composed despite the pressure and continued to execute offensively. Their resilience in the closing minutes secured the hard-fought victory.

3/6 vs. Brookeland, W 73-56 (Playoff Game)

Brookeland started the game on top as 6’5 senior Zack Beatty scored the opening points off a sideline out of bounds play. Both teams struggled to get their offenses going early, with several turnovers from both Brookeland and Fayetteville. #2 Kole Schmitt for the Lions attacked the basket to tie the score at 2-2. Brookeland scored on their opening possession but then had to wait nearly five minutes before finding the basket again, finally scoring with about three minutes left in the first quarter. With 50 seconds remaining in the quarter, Brookeland called a timeout looking for some offensive adjustments as the Lions’ defense had held them to just four points in seven minutes. Brookeland responded well out of the timeout, scoring on their next two possessions to close the quarter with the score at 14-9. Fayetteville continued to make Brookeland work for every shot, forcing tough and contested looks from the outside. Brookeland eventually caught fire, knocking down three straight three-pointers and then securing a four-point play a few possessions later to tie the game at 29. Fayetteville answered quickly, getting just as hot and closing the half on a 9-0 run. The Lions came out in the second half continuing to apply heavy defensive pressure. Fayetteville forced turnover after turnover, turning those mistakes into easy transition opportunities on the other end. By the end of the third quarter the Lions had built a comfortable lead, heading into the fourth quarter up 61-44. With about four minutes left in the game, the wheels fell off.  Fayetteville had finally broken Brookeland, securing their spot in the State Semifinal game.  

3/9 vs. Huckabay, W 71-67 (Playoff Game)

The Indians started the game off hot with a score on the opening possession, followed by a charge that led to another bucket at the rim. All of the early momentum was with Huckabay… which lasted about 30 seconds. Fayetteville quickly responded with a tough mid-range make, followed by a corner three to bring the score to 5-4. A Lion steal led to a deep paint touch and a kick-out three in transition, and Kasen Kocian of Fayetteville did this twice in the early part of the first quarter. That quick run forced Huckabay to call a timeout to try and reclaim some of their early momentum. Out of the timeout, the Indians responded with a three from the top of the key to settle things down. The game stayed close throughout, with both teams showing why they had made such deep playoff runs. Each possession felt important as two talented and well-coached teams battled back and forth. Fayetteville’s unselfish offensive style ultimately began to wear Huckabay down over time. By the end of the third quarter, Fayetteville had built a ten-point lead and looked to be in control. Huckabay increased the pace in the fourth quarter, getting the ball across half court much quicker and looking more comfortable offensively. Still, Fayetteville continued to make timely plays when it mattered most. Jack Schley ultimately sealed the game with a steal and an and-one that pushed the lead to a point of no return. There is a lot of respect for both programs involved. Huckabay, led by Kia McCarty, had a tremendous season and proved once again why they are one of the premier small-school programs in Texas. Fayetteville moves on, and we look forward to continuing our coverage of the Lions as their playoff run continues.