The Granbury Pirates basketball team made some history this season.
And judging from the All-District 7-4A honors from the league’s coaches, it could be just the beginning.
Sophomore forward Nick Doughty was named Co-Newcomer of the Year by the district’s coaches. He shared the award with Spencer Franklin of district champion Trimble Tech.
Doughty is one of seven Pirates to be lauded. Senior forward Brandon Fichter and sophomore guard Clay Brawner were selected for the first team, junior guard Jacob Taylor was placed on the second team, and senior guards Jimmy Hodges and Collin McCann joined junior forward Kevin Hennard as honorable mentions.
The Pirates reached a bidistrict game for the first time since the 1999-2000 season under coach David Breazeale, finishing fourth in a tough district. Trimble Tech spent much time in the state rankings, and the district’s third-place team, Arlington Heights, advanced to the state tournament.
“We got four underclassmen in there, and any coach likes that,” said Breazeale.
“And that’s coming from a pretty good district.”
On Doughty, formerly an outside player, Breazeale said, “He surprised us. We just didn’t let him play outside at all, and he did great.
“He’s hard guard. He’s really good at finishing around the rim.”
Doughty was a difference-maker in several of the Pirates’ wins this season as they finished 17-15, losing 74-46 to Waco University in bidistrict.
Fichter moved to Granbury from Grand Prairie prior to the football season and instantly became a force in both football and basketball. Breazeale noted several times during the season what a plus it was having Fichter come into the program.
Brawner’s brightest moment of the season was a yeoman effort. He scored a career-high 24 points, making seven 3-pointers, but the Pirates lost 50-44 at Aledo, a game that could have been detrimental to their playoff hopes had they not come back a week and a half later to upset O.D. Wyatt 62-58 to clinch the postseason.
“One of the perks of winning is you get more recognition, and these kids deserve it,” said Breazeale.
“Now it’s time to move forward.”
Senior Kendrick Salone of Wyatt was named the district MVP, Aledo junior Taylor Johnson received Offensive MVP honors, Heights senior Justin Hemphill was tabbed Defensive MVP, and Wendell Ivory of Trimble Tech was named Coach of the Year.
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All-District 7-4A Boys Basketball Team
Granbury honors
Co-Newcomer of the Year
Nick Doughty, soph.
First Team
Brandon Fichter, sr.; Clay Brawner, soph.
Second Team
Jacob Taylor, jr.
Honorable Mention
Jimmy Hodges, sr.; Collin McCann, sr.; Kevin Hennard, jr.