TMI Survives St. Michael’s in TAPPS 6A Thriller

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two TAPPS 6A heavyweights delivered a playoff-level classic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3454250,"width":"813px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.522390749361766","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/Screen-Shot-2026-01-29-at-9.02.47-PM-crop-648x426-1769742283.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/Screen-Shot-2026-01-29-at-9.02.47-PM-crop-648x426-1769742283.png?w=647" alt="" class="wp-image-3454250" style="aspect-ratio:1.522390749361766;width:813px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Michael's and TMI entered this matchup as two of the premier programs in TAPPS 6A boys basketball, and with both residing in the same Central Texas district, the stakes were already high. What followed on St. Michael's home floor was a postseason-caliber battle, one that lived up to the billing and then some. While TMI escaped with a dramatic buzzer-beater, St. Michael's sent a clear message with a relentless, disciplined comeback that underscored just how thin the margin is between these two contenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>TMI established control early behind the lights-out shooting of senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2428188' first='Chase' last='Hill']</strong>, who drilled his first three attempts from deep and ignited an offensive rhythm that spread throughout the lineup. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1500800' first='Elijah' last='Williams']</strong> joined the surge, scoring at all three levels—off the dribble, from the arc, and through contact in the paint. That duo was supported by poised point guard play from <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2454453' first='Jaden' last='Flemons']</strong> and the physical interior presence of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1778922' first='Corbin' last='Crocker']</strong>, whose rebounding and rim protection set a physical tone. TMI quickly built a double-digit lead by playing with pace, purpose, and confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Michael's weathered the early storm behind the leadership of senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2445867' first='Jayden' last='Buchunam']</strong>, who refused to let the game slip away. Buchanan battled inside against TMI's size, controlled the glass, and relentlessly attacked the rim, earning trips to the free-throw line that steadied his team. Junior <strong>Sun Jinkal</strong> added tough, timely baskets and strong perimeter defense, while senior guard <strong>Will Gasink</strong> contributed with sharp passing, defensive pressure, and fearless finishes at the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second quarter marked a shift. St. Michael's found its rhythm through collective effort, with Buchunam and Jinkal continuing to pressure the paint and score in the midrange. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2574827' first='Nolan' last='Barkley']</strong> provided rugged interior play, drawing fouls and creating second-chance opportunities. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2984003' first='Narayan' last='Varma']</strong> delivered a valuable spark, knocking down key shots and defending with discipline. Still, TMI refused to yield ground. Williams attacked relentlessly, Crocker cleaned up the glass, Flemons pushed the tempo, and senior <strong>Andre Huggins</strong> buried timely three-pointers to keep the Panthers in front heading into halftime.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second half opened much like the first, with Williams carving his way downhill for quality finishes, supported by Hill, Flemons, and Crocker on both ends. But St. Michael's defense began to clamp down. Gasink jumped passing lanes for steals that turned into points, while Buchunam elevated his play, trading blows with Williams and battling for every rebound. The third quarter, however, belonged to <strong>Sun Jinkal</strong>, who attacked off the bounce, knocked down his midrange jumper, and finished through contact for multiple and-one opportunities. Barkley continued to produce inside, and the quarter ended with a Gasink steal and a momentum-shifting three from Buchunam, giving St. Michael's a four-point edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The final quarter unfolded like a heavyweight bout. Crocker hauled in crucial rebounds and challenged everything at the rim. Williams and Buchunam went blow-for-blow, exchanging acrobatic finishes, blocks, and hustle plays. St. Michael's briefly surged ahead behind Jinkal's shot-making, Gasink's defensive plays, and Buchunam's relentless interior work, building a five-point lead. But TMI responded with composure. Williams, Hill, Crocker, Flemons, and Huggins methodically chipped away, reclaiming a four-point lead with just over a minute remaining.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Michael's had one final push. Buchunam and Barkley delivered clutch baskets, and Barkley calmly knocked down key free throws. St. Michael's ended up being down two with 22 seconds left. St. Michael's executed a well-designed set from <strong>Coach Cooper Land</strong>. The ball moved crisply, cutters occupied defenders, and Gasink found daylight beyond the arc. He buried a clean three, giving St. Michael's a one-point lead with nine seconds remaining.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>TMI responded immediately. Williams launched a deep three that rimmed out, but Hill battled for the rebound, gathered, and elevated for a short jumper that dropped through the net as the buzzer sounded, an emphatic ending to an unforgettable contest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was basketball at a high level. Two disciplined, physical, and mentally tough teams trading punches for four quarters. These TAPPS 6A powerhouses will meet again, and when they do, it will feel just as big. I'll be front and center for their next matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->