Momentum Meets Opportunity
Recapping Holy Cross’s District Title, Previewing their Area Championship Matchup
Launch the media gallery 1 playerFor the first time since the 2015-16 season, Holy Cross basketball stands alone at the top of its district, and now, the focus shifts towards what comes next.
The Knights finished the regular season 22-9 overall and 11-1 in TAPPS 4A District 5, securing the outright district title after posting identical 11-1 district records in back-to-back seasons. This year, consistency turned into a district title.
Holy Cross closed the regular season by winning nine of its final ten games, earning a first-round playoff bye and entering the postseason playing its best basketball of the year. That late surge reflected a team that has grown into its identity: Balanced, experienced, and composed.
That balance starts with senior leadership. Guard Dominic Valle led the Knights in scoring at 12.1 points per game, providing steady scoring and veteran presence throughout the year. Sophomores Gabriel Ramirez (11.6 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game) and Steven Roberts (11.4 points per game, 4.6 rebounds per game) also provided consistent production, while senior guard Steve Hernandez (9.7 points per game, 2.9 assists per game) helped manage tempo and create offensive opportunities. Senior guards Josiah Marin (8.8 points per game) and Tino Sanchez (5.7 points per game, 2.4 assists per game) rounded out a rotation that could score from multiple spots, but what made the district run even more impressive was how several players elevated their production when it mattered most.
During district play, Steven Roberts raised his scoring to 14.5 points per game, leading the Knights offensively in their 11-1 run. Steve Hernandez increased his average to 12.2 points per game, while Josiah Marin added 11.3 points per game against district opponents. The numbers reflect a team that didn't just stay consistent; it improved as competition intensified. That growth helped Holy Cross separate itself in District 5 and secure the program's first outright title in a decade.
Holy Cross advances to the Area Championship round to face the St. Francis Episcopal Wolves (16-17, 6-4), a program with a recent state pedigree. St. Francis reached the Area round after winning in the Bi-District round, while Holy Cross earned its spot with a bye as district champions.
Although St. Francis enters with a 16-17 overall record, the program has been one of TAPPS’ most consistent postseason contenders in recent years. The Wolves won the TAPPS 4A State Championship last season after capturing the TAPPS 3A State Championship the year before and finishing as state runner-ups the season prior.
In last year’s playoff run, St. Francis defeated Holy Cross 68-45 in the regional round on its way to the state title. However, this year’s matchup features a different roster dynamic. Of the 13 players on the Wolves' championship team last year, seven seniors graduated, and two additional players departed, leaving just four returning underclassmen from that core. While the championship culture remains, the personnel is different.
For Holy Cross, this Area matchup presents both opportunity and redemption. The Knights enter the postseason playing their best basketball of the season. They’ve shown they can score in balance, rebound effectively, and elevate their production in meaningful games. Now they look to carry that momentum into a playoff setting against a familiar opponent.
Momentum brought Holy Cross a district championship. Opportunity now stands in front of them in the Area round. That opportunity will come on February 17th at 6:30 pm when the Holy Cross Knights host the St. Francis Wolves.
Photos Courtesy of Everett Quintana
