High School Basketball Team Falls Short in Chipotle Nationals, DeMatha Boys Eyeing WCAC Title, Washington-Liberty Generals Undefeated, Paul VI Baseball’s Busy Spring Break, Centennial Senior Shines in Track Meet

Paul VI Panthers Fall Short in Chipotle Nationals Title Game

Entering Saturday, the Paul VI basketball team was riding high on a wave of success, having not lost a game since January 15. With championships at the conference and state levels under their belt, the Panthers were now eyeing the biggest title game of them all: the Chipotle Nationals, high school basketball’s closest thing to a national championship tournament.

Their opponent in the final was none other than Montverde Academy, a powerhouse from central Florida with an impressive 33-0 record. The Eagles proved to be too much for the Panthers, dominating the game from start to finish and securing a 79-63 victory.

Despite the loss, the Panthers put up a valiant effort, led by senior guard Darren Harris who finished with 16 points. Maryland commit Derik Queen and Duke signee Cooper Flagg led the way for Montverde Academy with 19 and 16 points respectively.

For the Panthers, the game marked the end of a stellar season, finishing with a record of 35-3. Over the past three years, they have amassed an impressive 97-12 record and won eight tournament titles.

“It feels good to know my teammates and I have left that kind of mark on the program,” Harris said. “We just wanted to leave Paul VI in an even better place than we found it.”

While falling short of a third postseason trophy, the Panthers can still hold their heads high after a remarkable season that saw them compete at the highest level of high school basketball.