COPPELL:  The Varsity Boys Basketball team played Bishop Lynch on Saturday afternoon in the TAPPS Regional Playoffs held at Coppell High School.  The Cardinals and Friars met twice previously this season during district play, with JPII coming out on top in both contests, 71-59 and 79-55.  Saturday's game proved to be the most competitive of their three showdowns, and the Cardinals' closest game since their two point win over Prestonwood on January 31st.  

The Cardinals controlled the flow of the game in the first half, jumping out to a 14-8 first quarter lead, and stretching their lead to a 31-16 advantage at halftime.  The Friars refused to quit and frustrated JPII in the second half, nearly completing the comeback with a big third quarter where they outscored the Cards 18-10 and a close final quarter where they outscored the Cards 15-11.  JPII would hold on to the lead at the end, coming up with a pair of key turnovers and drawing a technical foul on Bishop Lynch in the final minute to secure the 52-49 win.  

Keys to victory for the Cardinals were advantages in transition points (8 to 0), points in the paint (30 to 12), and rebounds (28 to 20).  Senior guard Jalen Tot was the spark to the Cardinals' offense on Saturday night, scoring 21 points on 8 of 11 shooting, including 3 of 5 from deep.  Junior Jaylon Tyson had an off night while scoring but still found a way to impact the game with 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and a steal.  Senior Donavon Johnson was a monster in the paint for JPII, scoring 10 points and grabbing 4 rebounds, while adding 2 deflections and a block, while senior Nate Dominick dominated the boards, nabbing 10 rebounds and a block to go along with his 7 points and one assist.  

JPII will face Midland Christian in the TAPPS State Semi-Finals on Friday night at 8pm, held at University High School in Waco. The Mustangs earned their spot in the final four after defeating Parish Episcopal 56-43 in the Area round and then blowing out Prestonwood Christian 66-49 in the Regional round.  


JPII vs. Bishop Lynch *TAPPS Regional Playoffs* 2.22.20