AUSTIN (KXAN) – Before the season started for LBJ high school boys basketball, the Jaguars were crystal clear on their goal. That led to a group decision that kept the group focused throughout the year.
“We were planning on making it to the Alamo before the season even started, so we just started breaking down to it,” said Jaguars senior guard Ja Shawn Waters.
To end every practice for the entirety of the season, the Jaguars have broken down as a team by saying “1, 2, 3, Alamo!” The state championship games are played in San Antonio at the Alamodome — the ultimate goal for LBJ.
“The kids made it up, I didn’t,” said longtime LBJ head coach Freddie Roland. “That’s all we’re focusing on is the Alamo. It’s pretty neat.”
Roland said at first he didn’t know what they were doing with the breakdown, but now he joins in.
The Jags are now one win from reaching San Antonio as they have the state semifinal Tuesday night against Washington. Their hunger has only grown.
“It’s an eat or be eaten mentality,” said Jaguars junior forward Antione Baker. “We come out there with a mentality that we’re the best team in Texas. If you’re in the way, we got to roll you over.”
Roland has been the coach for nearly 30 years at LBJ with immense success. The influence from his coaching in Central Texas and beyond is undeniable.
He has never won a state championship with the Jaguars, however. Finishing the job for their coach is a big focus for LBJ players.
“It’s very important,” Waters said. “This could be his last year so we want to go out with a bang for him.”
“I tell the [team to] focus,” Roland said. “Focus on your everything. Your classes. Your family. Just don’t do anything to turn in a different direction.”
LBJ and Washington play at 7 p.m. Tuesday in College Station. The winner will play Friday night at 7 p.m. in the state championship game.
