Prestonwood Christian Academy’s (PCA) Boys Varsity Basketball team secured the TAPPS 5A 2012-2013 State Championship Saturday night when the Lions defeated Fort Worth Nolan High School in overtime with a final score of 71-66.

The victory on Saturday night earned the Lions back-to-back state titles. Senior Julius Randle was named tournament MVP and three PCA Seniors, Randle, Marquan Botley and Chas Taylor, were named to the TAPPS 5A All-Tournament team. 

The team defeated John Paul II in the state semi-final game with a final score of 55-48, with Randle contributing 40 of the 55 points coupled with 17 rebounds. During the State Championship game, Randle had 34 points, 20 rebounds and six steals.  Botley had 10 points and five assists while fighting through a shoulder injury he sustained just before halftime. Taylor contributed 12 points. It was a team effort according to Head Boys Varsity Basketball Coach Chris Mayberry

“It was a great feeling to end it the way we did after all that has happened,” stated Randle. “It has been a great four years at PCA, and I could not ask for a better environment or people around me. I am so happy that I was a part of Prestonwood Christian Academy.”

The Lions landed in the semi-finals following a hard fought season. Early on, the team had a setback when Randle, one of the nation’s top recruits, went down with a broken foot during the Thanksgiving Hoopfest. 

“The Lions fought adversity all season," stated Mayberry. "I am very proud of this team and our three seniors who ended their high school careers with a second consecutive championship. I am grateful that Julius was able to finish healthy, and I had the privilege to coach him a few more games.”

The team stepped up and ended their district season with a record of 5-7, which placed them into the playoffs as the fourth seed. There was, however, one key change during their last district game of the regular season -- Randle returned. This was a shot in the arm for the team that maintained complete composure throughout a season of ups and downs. 

“It means the world to win a State Championship my senior year," said Botley. "PCA has supported us through so much, and I really just wanted to win one more time for the PCA community and my teammates. My years at Prestonwood have been incredible. I have been surrounded by great people that I love, and I would not want to go anywhere else.”