McKinney Christian boys chase redemption in TAPPS 4A state tournament

After last year's heartbreaking loss, the Mustangs return to the semifinals with a veteran core, top ranking, and a culture built on trust and love.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 1:40am

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The McKinney Christian boys basketball team is back in the TAPPS 4A state tournament, determined to win the championship after falling just short last year. Led by a veteran core, the Mustangs have been ranked No. 1 all season and credit their success to a culture of hard work, trust, and brotherly love. They face a familiar opponent in Lubbock Christian, who defeated them by 3 points in last year's semifinals, giving the Mustangs extra motivation to get redemption.

Why it matters

McKinney Christian's run to the state tournament showcases the power of a tight-knit team culture and the drive for redemption after a heartbreaking loss. As one of the top programs in the TAPPS 4A division, their quest for a championship resonates with the local community and highlights the competitive spirit of high school basketball in Texas.

The details

Under head coach Fonzo Martinez, the Mustangs have lost just 3 games over the last 2 seasons and have been ranked No. 1 in TAPPS 4A all year. The team credits their success to unselfish play, celebrating each other's accomplishments, and the trust they have built with their coaches. However, their eyes are set on the state title, which has eluded them after falling to Lubbock Christian by 3 points in last year's semifinals.

  • The Mustangs are preparing for the TAPPS 4A state tournament in 2026.
  • Last year, McKinney Christian lost to Lubbock Christian by 3 points in the state semifinals.

The players

Diego Landin

A forward for the McKinney Christian Mustangs basketball team.

Leonardo Jimenez Soto

A guard for the McKinney Christian Mustangs basketball team.

Elias Guadamuz

A guard for the McKinney Christian Mustangs basketball team.

Fonzo Martinez

The head coach of the McKinney Christian Mustangs basketball team.

Lubbock Christian

The opponent that defeated McKinney Christian in last year's state semifinals.

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What they’re saying

“We know we haven't reached our goal yet. That's the state championship. We are not satisfied yet until we get our championship.”

— Diego Landin, Forward

“There's not really a secret. All the work we do on and off the court...and us as teammates are together.”

— Leonardo Jimenez Soto, Guard

“The culture is just hard work. Giving your best is the standard. Everything is just a plus. You got to give it all you have while still being smart.”

— Elias Guadamuz, Guard

“They share the ball really well; they celebrate each other's success. I think the biggest thing has been the trust they've had within each other and even with us as coaches.”

— Fonzo Martinez, Head Coach

“I think it's going to be a really tough game. Two teams that are going to play really hard. It's probably going to come down to the last few minutes like it did last year.”

— Fonzo Martinez, Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.