The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

WHILE he’s disappointed that his Pasadena Faith Saints men’s basketball team didn’t repeat as the 2021 Texas A1 State champions, Theo Knowles is grateful to have been named to the All-Tournament team and was invited to play in the All-Star game.

The Saints finished fourth in the tournament in Dallas, Texas, after losing the last two of their three games to get eliminated from the prestigious tournament for high school basketball players.

“I think we did pretty good. Some of the players played in the tournament for the first time because our team was a little different from last year,” Knowles said.

“But I think we all played excellent. We were just out-ran by some of the teams because we didn’t execute as well as we should have defensively. I picked up about two fouls in the first quarter and so I had to be cautious the rest of the game.”

Knowles managed to finish with 19 points, but it wasn’t enough to propel his team to victory as they made their exit in the tournament, which attracted about 40 teams divided into various divisions.

“It was a good experience,” said Knowles, who noted that they had to follow the strict protocol procedures in order to play in the tournament, which was limited to the amount of fans in the stands.

Despite their loss, Knowles, along with their centre, Andrew Paniagua, were invited to return to Dallas in April for the All- Star game. “I felt like I gave it my all,” said Knowles, who also produced 16 points in their tournament opener before he dropped in 10 in their second game and their first loss.

“I just didn’t have enough to get us over the hump in the last game. They just out-ran us, but I think my performance was pretty good. We just fell short.”

With his high school career just about over, Knowles said he’s looking forward to the next step, which is to secure a scholarship to play at the junior college or prep-college, whichever one he is afforded the opportunity.

“I was disappointed that we didn’t get to go further in the tournament, but I was glad when they told me that I was selected for the All-Star game,” Knowles said. “I know I put in the work and I played to the best of my ability, so it was an accomplishment for me being selected to the All- Star game. I hope I can go there and continue to perform before the coaches.”

As he waits to see where he will end up in school, Knowles said he will continue to work on his game as he gets ready to participate in some of the AAU Tournaments on the agenda for this summer.

“I just want to play professional basketball, take my talent somewhere,” he pointed out.

“If I end up overseas, it would be just as good. But I want to see what happens at the next level in college.”

Knowles, a 19-year-old 5-foot, 11-inch guard, is the son of Charlene and Harvey Knowles Sr.

He’s hoping to return home this week during spring break to spend some time with his family and friends.

He left Temple Christian where he starred for the Suns basketball team in grade 11 for Houston, Texas, to continue his high school career at the Faith Christian Academy.