St. Michael’s Dominates, Eyes Rival TMI Rematch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Michael's handled SA Central Catholic from start to finish in the TAPPS 6A Regional Round, showcasing poise, balance, and defensive discipline. Now, a highly anticipated semifinal matchup with rival TMI awaits.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3514016,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/Screen-Shot-2026-02-21-at-11.18.11-PM-crop-1097x720-1771737545.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/Screen-Shot-2026-02-21-at-11.18.11-PM-crop-1097x720-1771737545.png?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3514016" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">St. Michael's Rolls, Sets Up TMI Showdown</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Michael's hosted SA Central Catholic in the TAPPS 6A Regional Round, and from the opening tip, it was clear the Warriors were locked in. This wasn't just a playoff win; this was a statement.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warriors led wire-to-wire in a performance that reflected a team with championship-level focus. Composed. Connected. Intentional. They looked every bit like a group preparing for another deep postseason run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a balanced, experienced, and well-coached squad. Coach Cooper Land has spent the entire season building toward this moment, and his team played with the urgency of a group that understands what's at stake in the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After winning the opening tip, St. Michael's flowed immediately into its trademark motion offense, a disciplined, read-and-react system that often runs through senior forward Jayden Buchuman (“JB”). Buchuman wasted no time establishing himself on the interior, scoring through contact and finishing efficiently around the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He was joined by junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2252899' first='Sun' last='Jinkal'], who was dynamic in both the half-court and in transition. Jinkal attacked gaps, created advantages, and kept the defense rotating. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2984003' first='Narayan' last='Varma'] added early offense with smooth mid-range pull-ups, showing confidence beyond his years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But what separated St. Michael's wasn't just shot-making it was defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warriors were elite on the defensive end. Constant communication. Physicality through screens. Strong closeouts. Clean defensive rebounding. They dictated tempo and limited second chances. Before Central Catholic could settle in, they found themselves trailing by double digits.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To their credit, Central Catholic responded.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='2732612' first='Tristan' last='Garza'] and Jaydon Garcia sparked a push midway through the second quarter. They knocked down timely threes, attacked downhill, and drew contact to cut the lead to six. The Buttons increased defensive pressure and disrupted St. Michael's offensive rhythm for a brief stretch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But championship-caliber teams respond, and St. Michael's did exactly that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jinkal elevated his aggression, delivering high-level finishes and finding Buchuman and senior [player_tooltip player_id='2574827' first='Nolan' last='Barkley'] for easy scores. On the defensive end, senior Will Gasink<strong> </strong>and freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2984182' first='Nico' last='Cajas'] provided energy plays, steals, deflections, and transition opportunities that swung momentum back decisively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The exclamation point came when Buchuman soared for a two-handed put-back dunk that brought the gym to its feet and effectively ended any doubt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>By halftime, St. Michael's had stretched the lead to 39–18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second half was controlled and professional. No lapses. No loss of focus. Just execution.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was a total team effort, balanced scoring, defensive discipline, and composure throughout. What stood out most was the business-like approach. There was no over-celebrating a regional win. The Warriors understand the bigger picture.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And that picture now includes a semifinal showdown with rival TMI.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The two programs will meet for the third time this season next Friday in Waco. Their last matchup ended on a buzzer-beater twin by TMI that still lingers. That loss hasn't been forgotten.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What awaits is a clash between two TAPPS titans — programs with history, toughness, and championship aspirations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If today's performance was any indication, St. Michael's looks prepared.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Focused. Connected. Dangerous. And next week, all eyes will be on Waco.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->