Smothering defense powers Mansfield Summit to back-to-back state titles — PHOTOS

When a defense holds an opponent to 28% from the field and forces 16 turnovers, a team doesn’t need any heroics from the offense to pick up a victory.

And that’s the exact advantage Mansfield Summit’s smothering defense created in the Class 5A Division II state championship. The Jaguars shot 43% from the field and defeated Beaumont United 52-40 to win back-to-back state championships Saturday at the Alamodome.

“It’s a blessing,” Mansfield Summit head coach Emund Prichett said. “I’m just happy for these kids. Happy for our program. Happy for our community. I feel like we deserve it. In my eyes, these guys are champions every single day.”

Summit (34-6), No. 7 in the state in Class 5A according to the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches, made its third state tournament appearance in four seasons. The Jaguars lost in the 5A state semifinals in 2023 to Killeen Ellison, but have been on a stellar run the past two seasons with strong defense leading the way.

“We are going to guard every single day,” Prichett said. “The kids are playing as hard as they can. Making an offensive player work. And everyone being in the right spot. It’s team defense. That’s what we do.”

Before this season, the Jags endured some roster turnover, with stars like 2025 state title game MVP Ian Sedah graduating and guard Theo Brannan transferring. But with senior Jaxon Sneed, the emergence of freshman Joseph Creal III and a flurry of players stepping up, the Jags maintained their success.

“Who is going to be in the gym every single day?” Prichett said. “I’m ready to go to work every single day.”

The title was the culmination of a long journey for Sneed, who was out last season with a meniscus injury. He was bloodied in the first half, literally giving blood and sweat to complete the goal.

“It means everything,” Sneed said of the title. “Everything is a blessing. From tearing stuff in my knee, to being a starter. And now helping out the team. That’s what we work for every day, and I’m just blessed to be here.”

Prichett said Sneed’s comeback from injury defines the resilience that’s expected within Summit basketball.

“That’s every kid that we have on our bench,” he said. “There’s kids that we might not know their name today. We didn’t know Jaxon’s name last year. And now, we know his name. We’ve got kids showing up and working hard — whatever it takes to be a teammate.”

No. 8 United (36-4) made its fourth title-game appearance since 2021 and has two championships under its belt (2021 and 2022 in 5A). The Timberwolves were the last Class 5A squad to repeat as champions prior to Summit.

Mansfield Summit’s defense leads the way

Creal was on fire in the first quarter, hitting 4-of-4 from beyond the arc as the Jaguars opened a 17-12 lead after one. United was held to three points in the second quarter, and Summit took a 21-15 lead into the half.

“I thought we did an excellent job of guarding the ball and keeping them in front,” Prichett said. “I thought we did a really good job with the big guys rebounding. ... We did an excellent job of battling the whole game. For 32 minutes.”

At that point, United was shooting 24% from the field, but started to chip away with improved offensive play. Summit, however, matched it, extending its lead to 36-29 going to the fourth quarter.

The final frame saw Creal hit his sixth 3-pointer of the contest — one shy of the UIL state record for all classifications. The Jags maintained their lead, comfortably securing the title.

Creal won the Most Valuable Player award, finishing with 20 points while hitting 6 of 10 3-pointers. Sneed added an MVP-worthy performance with 13 points, six rebounds and two assists.

“I’m excited that he played defense and rebounded the ball,” Prichett said. “... That’s my excitement. He makes 3-pointers easily. He is pretty good at that.”

Javon Ross led the Jaguars with seven rebounds and five assists and scored four points, all from the free-throw line.

Payton Jones led United with 15 points, and Ephriam Moore had seven points and a game-high 14 rebounds.

State championship game scores, final records

Class 6A Division I

North Crowley 65, San Antonio Brennan 52

[ North Crowley (35-3) Brennan (33-4) ]

Class 6A Division II

Little Elm 57, Austin Westlake 35

[ Little Elm (37-2) Westlake (32-7) ]

Class 5A Division I

Frisco Heritage 60, Beaumont West Brook 47

[ Heritage (34-2) West Brook (34-4) ]

Class 5A Division II

Mansfield Summit 52, Beaumont United 40

[ Summit (34-6) United (36-4) ]

Class 4A Division I

Dallas Kimball 62, Rosharon Crawford 42

[ Kimball (23-11) Crawford (31-7) ]

Class 4A Division II

Dallas Carter 67, La Marque 41

[ Carter (31-6) La Marque (41-2) ]

Class 3A Division I

Dallas Madison 70, Orangefield 59

[ Madison (26-12) Orangefield (35-4) ]

Class 3A Division II

Paradise 52, Palestine Westwood 51

[ Paradise (37-2) Westwood (29-3) ]

Class 2A Division I

Panhandle 61, San Augustine 58

[ Panhandle (27-6) San Augustine (23-6) ]

Class 2A Division II

Lipan 47, Ben Wheeler Martin’s Mill 34

[ Lipan (39-1) Martin’s Mill (34-5) ]

Class 1A Division I

Turkey Valley 66, Fayetteville 48

[ Valley (30-4) Fayetteville (31-7) ]

Class 1A Division II

Jayton 78, Kennard 45

[ Jayton (29-3) Kennard (27-11) ]

This story was originally published March 14, 2026 at 2:54 PM.

Charles Baggarly

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

(909)758-6249

Charles Baggarly is a high school sports editor and reporter for the Fort Worth Star Telegram. He graduated from TCU in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and served as TCU 360’s sports editor. Connect with Charles on Twitter or via email.