February 2026
By Ashlynn Loza-Mondragon, Staff Reporter, and Giselle Rosas-Verdines, Translation Editor
The gym at Kipp Austin Collegiate was alive with memories and applause as the Boys Basketball Seniors recognized their final home game on January 16 against Idea Pflugerville.
The evening began with a ceremony honoring all the team’s seniors who have demonstrated their dedication as well as responsibility over the years. Along with gift baskets and a poster to commemorate this special occasion, they came out one by one with their families. While photos were being taken, parents gathered around the gym. Years of diligent efforts have proven their contributions and attempts to be an important part of this team. When questioned about the feelings he held over the departure of this senior class, Coach Anthony Martin remarked, “No doubt, there will always be emotions associated with each graduating class. This group is particular since I began coaching the Junior Varsity Team during their freshman year, and now, as their Varsity Coach, I have witnessed major achievements and growth. At least five of them have shared this journey, making it more than just an annual departure of individuals. There are definitely emotions, however we aspire to progress from this point, and these seniors have indeed established an example for expanding this program.”
It was now time for the eagerly awaited game as the bittersweet moment came to an end. Supportive families, students, teachers, and many others gathered around the gym in hopes of taking this win home. The game ultimately started when Brandon Vasquez hit away the ball, sparking a spirited game that filled the room with excitement. Frankie Guerrero successfully made a steal and hit a 2-pointer. With the Cardinals in the lead, they immediately began scoring points left and right. As many more came around just seconds away, the audience cheered with thrill.
At last, the Cardinals beat Idea Pflugerville 64-34, taking a 30-point advantage and giving everyone an unforgettable time. Considering this is their final home game, their perseverance and hard work have been evident throughout their time on this team. This last home game not only puts the season to an end, it honors the contributions these seniors have made.
A few questions were asked with Royce James, one of the Captains of the Varsity Team, regarding this departure.
From your viewpoint, how has the team progressed since your freshman year of high school?
“I feel like the sense of community and the overall betterment of our team has changed for the better over the years. With every passing year, this team has continued to build stronger, more skilled athletes, both physically and mentally. Because of that growth, I’d say the thing that has changed the most is our attitudes and mindset. We’ve developed a stronger desire to win, to compete at a high level, and to truly be the best version of ourselves every time we step on the court.”
What lessons or impacts would you carry onwards from being a part of this team?
“The thing I would carry with me the most are Coach Martins ‘words of the year’. Every year, Coach Martin would come up with a single word that we were expected to implement not only into our game, but also into our everyday lives. Last year, his word was ‘confidence’, and we showed this by not doubting our abilities and trusting ourselves to play with quality and purpose. This year, our word is ‘discipline’, and we continue to implement this into our performance by making better decisions, playing with a cool head, and staying patient. All of this allows us to play with fidelity and stay focused on our goals. “
How has being a part of this program shaped you in any way?
“Being a part of the boys basketball team has taught me to never give up when things get hard. I know it may sound generic, but keeping this mentality has pushed not only me, but our entire team to be the best at what we do. My teammates and coaches have also shown me the importance of being a leader and leading by example. As captain of the team, I hold the role and responsibility of teaching my teammates what it truly means to represent the school as a student-athlete, both on and off the court.
What were your emotions during senior night, given that it was the final home game of your last season at Kipp Austin Collegiate?
“Senior night was most definitely a night to remember. I truly enjoyed the four years I served as an athlete at this school, and I appreciate every single teammate and coach I’ve had over the years. Although it’s sad to say that it was the last game of my season, it’s also exciting to know that it’s only the beginning for the upcoming players. I’m confident they will continue to dominate the competition and create another one of many titles for this school.”
Beginning as freshmen and now leaving together as a team, they have made a significant influence on this school. Martin said, “Usually, there’s not that many people who make it all together, but this year we have five,” in response to a question on what makes this senior class special and how they’ve set an example for the future players, “They have demonstrated loyalty and camaraderie to this program, demonstrating what can happen when people truly work together. They’ve created something here that has room to grow, and perhaps we can surpass last year’s performance. They have, in a way, contributed to the development of this program’s legacy.
When the lights go out in the gym, the years invested in early practices and late home games will ultimately settle off with recognition and appreciation that these seniors earned. This final home game highlights not only the team’s victory, but also the jerseys that are soon to be removed. As many more seasons continue, they leave a responsibility for the next year’s team to carry out.
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