Tekoa Academy went a step further in its pursuit of a boys basketball state championship in Texas Christian Athletic League.

A year after finishing third, the Cougars tried to take home their first title in TCAL Class 2A, but District 2-2A rival School of the Woods from Houston instead took a 68-51 win Saturday at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. Tekoa finished the season 21-9.

“I am so proud of their hard work and dedication this season,” Cougars coach Melvin Sostand said. “We literally never gave up and kept fighting until the end. Special thanks to our fans, parents, student body, educators, administration, Port Arthur community as well as to Dr. Paula Richardson for making this season a success. I also want to thank my coaching staff: Landon Ardoin, Jacolby Cooper and Andonnia Lowe for their tireless efforts and support.”

Jailan Ardoin led the Cougars with 16 points, six rebounds and two assists. Robert Scott had 13 points and four rebounds, Lesley Harmanson had five points and six rebounds, Kevin Laday scored six points, and three others rounded out Tekoa’s scoring.

Scott, Ardoin and Harmanson were named first-team all-state players. Darryl Prevost, Troy Angelle and Laday were placed on the second team.

Tekoa, the No. 2 seed in the 2A bracket, beat School of the Woods earlier this month, but the Houston-based team won the district title.