The Brentwood Christian School boys basketball team nearly hit the 30-win mark this season and reached the state tournament for the second straight season.

The Bears, who finished 28-9 this year, lost to Grace Prep, 51-36, in the TAPPS 5A semifinal, an unfortunate end to an incredible season which featured a district championship and standout performances throughout the roster.

“Our team culture was built on trust, hard work, and perseverance,” said head coach Dustin Karrer. “No matter the challenge, these guys never backed down.”

The Bears went undefeated in district with a win over Brighter Horizons, 82-53, on senior night on Jan. 30. With the win, BCS received a bye going into district tournament, and made quick work of Grace Community, 70-43, followed by a victory over Bishop Dunne, 64-53, to clinch the district title and advance to the postseason.

“Winning is hard,” Karrer said. “Doing it consistently is even harder. That is what this group of guys is about.”

Next, the boys won against Grapevine Faith, 78-53, to advance on to the regional final. Despite being down most of the game, a 21-3 fourth quarter explosion secured a win over Lubbock Trinity and a spot in the state tournament.

When BCS advanced to the state semis, the team was unfortunately without the services of junior point guard Marcus Zelee, falling to a Grace Prep team which has been the state runner-up the previous two seasons.

For BCS, the team will lose three of its most decorated seniors in Blake Petty, Jake Elvin and Coleston Allen. Petty scored over 1,300 points for the Bears and was a two-time all district and all-state performer, Elvin was known for his high IQ and leadership, while Allen was part of over 100 victories as a four-year player for the program.

“I'm really proud of this team and all the work they put into this season,” Karrer said. “The seniors will be greatly missed because of their leadership and work ethic.”

The team also loses student operations manager Bolu Bayo-Ajayi, whose work ethic and intentionality on the bench will be sorely missed.

Even with the losses, BCS figures to return a strong team next year.

Zelee led with 16.6 points per game as well as 5.7 assists; he was district MVP and all-state for a second straight year. Junior newcomer Bryant Herring led the team with average of 10 boards per game, earning first-team all district, and juniors Zach Czerlinsky, Caleb Catron, Luke Weed and Nathaniel Hernandez will return, as well.