Basketball finished winter break with an above-average six wins in eight games. Although students were absent from school, the team still played multiple district games and participated in the Dallas Independent School District Holiday Invitational. To start off winter break, the Eagles fell to an impressive Jesuit (19-3) team 58-42 on the road, which would be the last district game before the invitational.

Dallas ISD Invitational

Prosper finished with a superb 4-1 record, picking up wins against North Dallas, Hillcrest, Seguin and Lincoln. The boys outscored all four of these opponents by a combined 252-183 score. Their only loss was at the hands of Frisco Liberty by a final of 68-61. Nonetheless, this was a quality showing for the team in the invitational.

The break finally wrapped up with two district games against McKinney Boyd and Plano West. Prosper had no difficulty with these opponents, as they defeated Boyd 61-43 and Plano West 78-68. The Eagles were led in both games by the scoring of newcomer Mondo Battle, who had 19 points against Boyd and 17 against Plano West. Overall, there seemed to be more players like sophomore Grant Shaw and junior Ammon Allan stepping their play up along with the newcomer. If more players continue to produce each game, the Eagles will turn from a good basketball team to a great basketball team.

District play

In their first game coming back from break Tuesday, Prosper faced another test in the Allen Eagles (23-2). The boys were unable to pass this assessment as they were purely over matched 90-74 despite 20 points from star Josh Davis and 16 points from Ammon Allen. By allowing 90 points, the defense seemed to be the obvious reason for the loss.

Friday, Prosper went up against yet another district opponent, the Plano Wildcats (10-10). After trailing at the halftime, Prosper controlled most of the second half to guide themselves to a 57-53 district win. Josh Davis had 18 points while Mondo Battle stepped up once again with 15. Even though Plano is far from the toughest district opponent the Eagles will play this season, a district wins are important no matter who they are against.

Looking ahead to this week

Speaking of district wins, the team will look to obtain two more this week in games against McKinney at home and Plano East on the road. McKinney sits at an average 8-7 record with only playing 15 games, which is less than most teams. The Lions will be fresh off their Friday night 66-44 rout over cross-town foe McKinney Boyd. As for Plano East, the team has struggled significantly, having lost their last four games coming into this week. Despite the struggles, they have come up with wins against familiar schools Highland Park and Garland Naaman Forest.

This upcoming week possesses two games the Eagles should – and need to – win if they would like to be a playoff team once again. With opponents like Allen in the district, it is important for Prosper to reign victorious in district games they should win.