No. 2 Tatum Eagles Capture Balanced State Championship Performance Texas HS Basketball State Championship

In their fifth appearance in the state championship, the Tatum Eagles Win their first state title under head coach Brett Carr by a score of 84-49

Tatum's Jordan Chambers (15) dribbles against the Jefferson Bulldogs on Feb. 28, 2025. / Wayne Grubbs

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - Defense wins championships.

It is the final week of Texas high school basketball and the No. 2 Tatum Eagles (31-2) wrap up the morning session of day two of the Texas UIL boys' basketball state championships against the surprise Columbus Cardinals (17-2).

The Eagles clinched their spot in the state title game on Tuesday after a thrilling 77-38 rout over Iowa Park, marking their 22nd game this year that they have won by more than 20 points.

Tatum features a high-octane offense on the year scoring more than 55 points a contest in their 23 games. The Eagles' balanced and effective play has been a key factor in their achievements. For instance, in their regional final, they secured a decisive 69-53 victory over Liberty-Eylau High School.

For the Cardinals, they are led by the most decorated Texas high school athlete in dual-sport star, senior Grayson Rigdon.

This marks a second straight appearance to the Alamodome for Rigdon as he won the state championship with Benjamin last year. The three-star Arizona State football commit does it all for the Cardinal basketball team, averaging 36 points per game, eight rebounds, and four assists per contest.

Each team is playing their best basketball of the season as the Eagles are sporting a 17-game winning streak while the Cardinals have won 13 straight after a 20-point ousting in their semifinal game.

Both teams have showcased resilience and skill throughout the tournament, setting the stage for a thrilling championship game. Tatum's strong defense and momentum contrast with Columbus's explosive offense and determination. Fans can anticipate an exciting matchup as these two teams vie for the state title.

After day one of the UIL championships, four champions were crowned as the Jayton Jaybirds went back-to-back to win the state title. Martin's Mill, Waco-Meyer, and Perrin-Whitt also hoisted their championship trophies on Thursday.

TX-3A Division III Bracket

#2 Tatum Eagles (31-2) v Columbus Cardinals (17-2); UIL TX-3A-I state, live recap:

Columbus Starters: Grayson Rigdon, RJ Carruthers, Camdon Pritchford, Braylon Fischer, Brody Tribe

Tatum Starters: BRADLEY, JACORIE, Luke Sigler, Jordan Chambers, Cooper Whiteus, Cayden Tatum

FINAL SCORE: TATUM EAGLES WIN THE TX-3A-II STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, 84-49

The Eagles are sharing the ball so well to set up their teammates with the extra pass to get a better shot. Tatum now has 17 assists on 32 field goals.

4Q: 5:24 : TATUM : 71-41

Sigler gets another bucket at the rim and Bradley gets a nice floater to keep the Cardinals fully out of reach.

Rigdon starts the fourth with another three point bucket.

FOURTH PERIOD

END OF THE THIRD QUARTER: TATUM IN FULL CONTROL WITH 25 POINT LEAD - 61-36

Rigdon throws up a prayer at the end of the third from 35 feet and draws a foul. Missed the FT for the 4-point play.

3Q: 3:06 : TATUM : 57-31

Camdon Pitchford for Columbus drops his second three point shot.

3Q : 4:08 : TATUM : 57-27

Out of the timeout, Cooper Whiteus gets the 3 ball to follow. Rigdon follows it up with a 3 of his own.

3Q: 5:24: TATUM: 52-24

Grayson Rigdon steps in front of an Eagle pass for the steal and goes coast-to-coast for the layup. Rigdon leads the Cardinals with 12 points.

THIRD PERIOD

Halftime Scoring Leaders: Tatum - Jacori Bradley 18 points, Luke Sigler 17 points. Columbus: Grayson Rigdon 9 points

HALFTIME SCORE: TATUM LEADS 50-19 OVER COLUMBUS

Another three point bomb for the Eagles and Sigler. Half way to 100.

Luke Sigler adds yet another fast break layup for the Eagles now has 14 points.

Columbus turnover leads a wide open fast break layup on the other end by Bradley.

2Q: 4:50: Tatum: 36-15

Columbus on a mini 5-0 run but still trailing by 21.

Tatum in full control of this one shooting better than 50 percent from the field as Columbus is 5-17 overall from the field.

End of FIRST PERIOD: TATUM LEADS 28-8

Bradley leads the way with 16 points for the Eagles.

1Q: 1:21: Tatum: 17-6

Columbus is in jeopardy of losing control of the game as Tatum defensively is just having their way with the Cardinals. Tatum currently on a 19-2 to open this game wide open. (1Q: :15, 26-8)

Off a missed free throw, Eagles regain possession and Luke Sigler gets in the act.

Jacori Bradley is feeling it for the Eagles with 11 points.

1Q: 2:07: Tatum: 12-6

Tatum starting to open up with some comfort offensively. Back to back buckets lead to 5-0 run and a Columbus timeout.

Columbus takes early from two trips to the line by Braylon Fischer.

In less than a minute of action, Tatum's size already looks like it could be a problem

We are live.

FIRST PERIOD

Live update will go here once game is tipped.