2025 UIL State Championship Finals: Top Performers (2)

The Texas UIL State Championship Finals delivered everything high school basketball fans could hope for, intensity, drama, and standout performances from the state's top prospects. With championship glory on the line, athletes from across Texas stepped up under the bright lights, showcasing their skill, poise, and ability to perform in high-pressure moments.    [player_tooltip player_id='1358200' first='Jak' last='Kinder'] poured in 19 points, showcasing a textbook shooting form from top to bottom. His range extended well beyond the arc, whether off the catch or the dribble, even converting pull-up threes in transition while absorbing contact. He proved why he's one of the most feared shooters in the state, moving precisely around screens to create open looks. If given even a brief window to see the basket, he made defenders pay, utilizing one of the quickest shot releases around.     6'5”, [player_tooltip player_id='2618943' first='Archer' last='Schneider'] was a dynamic scorer who took whatever the defense gave him, Schneider displayed smooth pivot footwork, keen defensive reads, and adaptable offensive instincts. If defenders sagged off, he confidently pulled up for a jumper; if they pressed up, he exploded past them. His ability to spot holes, exploit weaknesses, and find different ways to score made him a constant threat. Whether pulling up from deep in triple-threat position or attacking the rim with an aggressive low drive, he was in complete control offensively.     A skilled freshman with a rare blend of size, skill, and versatility, Taylor made an impact on both ends of the floor. He established deep post position early, making it easy for guards to find him with entry passes. His ability to seal off defenders created clear scoring opportunities, whether on drop-offs or lobs. Around the rim, he utilized his length to finish over defenders with touch, while also serving as a high-post threat who could score, facilitate, and control the game from the elbow. Defensively, his shot-blocking ability was evident from the start, using his height, wingspan, and timing to alter and reject shots.     [player_tooltip player_id='2807348' first='Kanyon' last='Taylor'] was constantly engaged, making himself a part of every possession by running the floor tirelessly. His long, wiry frame gave him the ability to shoot over defenders and effectively contest or block jump shots. A dangerous lob threat in transition and from the dunker's spot, he showed great instincts in knowing when to cut backdoor or duck in for an easy finish.     A standout dribble penetrator, McCormick played with explosive speed, whether in transition, in short bursts, or off his first step. He consistently put pressure on the rim early, forcing defenses to collapse. Once he got hot, he scored in bunches, wearing down opponents by creating constant rotations. His ability to draw defenders allowed him to kick out to open teammates on the perimeter, step back for a shot, or stop on a dime for a pull-up three.     [player_tooltip player_id='2375089' first='Darius' last='Steed']'s tremendous size immediately became a factor on both ends of the court. Defensively, he clogged the lane, making it difficult for opponents to get clean looks at the rim. Offensively, he used his strength to pick and seal his man, creating easy scoring opportunities and mismatches. He excelled at playing vertically, keeping his hands high to disrupt shots and block his opponent's view of the basket, forcing stops. On the boards, he tracked the ball well, securing rebounds firmly and rarely allowing second-chance opportunities. Steed's hands were reliable, making him an effective target for entry passes while maintaining control and finishing strong. Off the ball, [player_tooltip player_id='2375089' first='Darius' last='Steed'] was highly active, moving swiftly and setting deceptive screens, often slipping to the basket for easy scores.     [player_tooltip player_id='2556233' first='6'2' last='']” [player_tooltip player_id='2809402' first='Case' last='Lambert'] proved to be a lethal spot-up shooter, particularly from the right corner, where he drained multiple threes in the first quarter. His ability to stretch the floor, relocate, and knock down timely shots made him a major weapon. Reading the game well, he positioned himself perfectly and capitalized on defensive breakdowns, often scoring without needing to put the ball on the floor. His sharpshooting played a crucial role in shifting the momentum and extending the lead.

The Texas UIL State Championship Finals delivered everything high school basketball fans could hope for, intensity, drama, and standout performances from the state's top prospects. With championship glory on the line, athletes from across Texas stepped up under the bright lights, showcasing their skill, poise, and ability to perform in high-pressure moments.