TYLER, Texas — Cumberland Academy's boys basketball team was struggling to find their footing in the beginning of the season. Then, in the beginning of February, things turned around for them.
They got a revenge win over Brownsboro, then added two more district wins to their resume by beating Van and then Lindale. The final win over Lindale gave them a playoff berth chance.
This was the Knights first year under the coaching of Devin Anderson and Jabari Omowale.
"When I first looked at this team's film, I noticed that they weren't very competitive," Omowale said. However, after their most recent success they've shown grit and determination. "
Anderson said the teammates' biggest strength is that they don't quit.
"I tell them to take it one game at a time and every game is going to be a dog fight," Anderson said.
On Wednesday night, they secured a 74-65 win over Lindale on their home court.
PJ Mckenzie was the leading scorer with 23 points.
"It felt amazing since I never had a dub in district because this is my first year playing," Mckenzie said.
On the other hand, Whitmore is a four-year starter and four-year letterman, so the experience has helped him.
"Great team win, we knew what was at stake and we just wanted to come in extremely focused," Whitmore said.