For the first time in program history, the Tompkins Falcons ended the regular season as district champs.

With a 26-8 overall record — 12-2 in district — Tompkins claimed the District 19-6A crown that had eluded the Falcons for a couple years.

Tompkins’ season included big wins over district rival Morton Ranch and Duncanville in the McDonalds Invitational Tournament to take home the tournament championship trophy.

Tompkins, ranked 16th in the state, is led by senior guard and Oklahoma signee, Jamal Bieniemy, and talented senior guard, CJ Washington.

Bieniemy finished the district season with an average of 17.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.1 assists while Washington had a district average of 16.6 points and 5 rebounds per game.

The two senior guards have been a part of Tompkins since the program’s first ever game when they were freshmen.

Now, the two are trying to lead their talented team that includes guard Eden Holt and shooting guards Emmanuel White and Kristian Sjolund to the program’s first ever playoff victory after back to back years of Bi-District exits.

“We are experienced and locked and loaded for the playoffs to started. We know what we need to do to win, so we just have to go out and play hard as a team to leave with the win,” Bieniemy said.

“We’ve been watching film and practicing hard. I believe we have a good shot to contend for state this year. This is my last year of high school, so I know I am going to go all out for my brothers on the team.”

Tompkins had their ups and downs throughout the regular season, but now it’s playoff time, which means win or go home.

Tompkins have been hungry to get back to playoffs since last year’s quick exit. They want to show that they are not just a regular season team, but they are state contenders too.

“I am very excited for the playoffs. I have been waiting for this day all year. This is my last ride with my brothers, so we got to finish with something to remember,” Washington said.

“I am getting my body right and my mind focus in practice, so I’ll be ready for the game. It been a fun season playing with my brothers that I grew up with, and I just can’t wait for the playoff game to get start with them.”

Throughout the season the Falcons have been seen as a state championship caliber team, but now it is time for them to be put to the test to truly see what kind of team they are.

Tompkins will start its playoff journey against Ridge Point High School on Monday at Alief Taylor.

The lights are getting brighter and the stage is getting bigger for Tompkins and they are coming in with a chip on their shoulder to finally make it pass the Bi-District round and get their first playoff win.

Will this be the year Tompkins finally break through the barrier and make a push for state?

Keion Cage is a student at Tompkins HS and a member of the VYPE U Ambassador Program. To learn more about how you can become a VYPE U Ambassador, visit VYPEU.com