Hoop Dreams: Seniors look to lead Carter boys basketball team to first state championship

When the Carter High School boys basketball team takes on Seminole High School in San Antonio on Friday in the state tournament semifinals, five seniors will be leading the way.

These Carter seniors watched from the bench two years ago when the team lost in the playoffs to Lincoln, who then went on to win the state tournament. After that game, the Carter players pledged to do everything possible to earn the school its first state basketball championship.

“We’ve always been known as the underdog, so I feel like right now, especially since this school has never won state in basketball, we have the drive to get that more than anybody,” said Dante Stearns, a senior who plays center and power forward.

“We’re tough. We practice like we play, and I think that will pay off,” added Kyle Hill, a senior who plays shooting guard.

Coach Lyndon Love said he believes the team has the ability to win state thanks to the leaderships of the senior players, which also includes Dylan Arnette, Malek Butler and Anthony Turner.

“These players do a great job of leading on and off the court,” he said. “Winning state is something they always talk about doing, and I believe in their ability.”

Tipoff for the playoff game is at 1:30 p.m. at the San Antonio Alamodome.