The Wildcats defeated Stephenville, Early and Austin Lake Travis in pool play Saturday morning, then beat San Antonio Clark 40-19 to clinch a state berth before they lost 47-28 to Wichita Falls in the championship game of the qualifying tournament.
The state tournament is set for July 11-12 at Texas A&M in College Station.
Coach Craig Marshall said Temple’s success was a product of its 14 players’ effort: Jonathan Bane, A.J. Coulter, D’ajani Daniels, Derrick Davis, Ryheem Johnson, Marcus Jones, Itai Meki, Deleon Patterson, Ryan Powell, Tevin Reese, Lache Seastrunk, Drew Shenkir, Michael Sullivan and Matt Wells.
“They all did great,” said Marshall, who was assisted by fellow former Wildcats Gordon Marshall and Derek Marshall and Rogers product Justin Bane.
Temple defeated Stephenville 41-33, Early 40-25 and Lake Travis - last year’s Class 4A Division II champion - 30-29.
The Wildcats reached the consolation semifinals at last year’s 7-on-7 state tournament.
