Category: News

The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) Spirit Team proudly represented collegiate dance excellence at the Texas Dance Educators Association (TDEA) Convention in Houston. Their performance stood out among an impressive lineup, as 32 teams showcased across all divisions, highlighting the depth and diversity of dance talent from across the state. OLLU’s presence reflected not only performance quality, but also a program rooted in national championship pedigree, bringing a high standard of excellence to the convention stage.

The Texas Dance Educators Association continues to celebrate its dedicated service to the advancement of dance education throughout the state of Texas. Each year, TDEA provides opportunities for professional growth and collaboration through a three-day convention that supports educators, students, and dance professionals alike. The event features professional workshops, technique classes, exhibits, master classes, performances, and acknowledgment dinners that promote both artistic and educational development.

In addition to cutting-edge dance curriculum, convention workshops incorporate important information related to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), the Center for the Educator Development in Fine Arts (CEDFA), and legislative breakthroughs in the area of fine arts and dance education. These sessions ensure attendees remain informed and equipped to advocate for strong, sustainable dance programs throughout Texas.

Attendees at the convention include dance and drill team instructors, school administrators, college students, future educators, professionally associated businesses and exhibitors, and All-State dance team members. Throughout the three-day event, participants share educational resources, network with peers, and establish meaningful professional and business partnerships that strengthen the future of dance education.

Among the 32 performing teams, the OLLU Spirit Team’s performance exemplified collegiate-level artistry, precision, and professionalism. With a foundation built on national championship success, the team served as a powerful example of the opportunities available beyond high school dance programs and the impact of continued training at the collegiate level.

The Texas Dance Educators Association remains committed to providing a professional learning community where innovative ideas in the field of dance are celebrated. OLLU’s participation in the TDEA Convention aligned seamlessly with this mission, reinforcing the value of excellence, education, and leadership in dance while leaving a lasting impression on attendees across all divisions.

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Our Lady of the Lake delivered one of its most resilient performances of the season, erasing a 20-point deficit to defeat LSU Alexandria in a dramatic comeback that showcased composure, toughness, and collective belief. Trailing by double digits for much of the game, the Saints refused to fold, steadily chipping away until momentum fully swung in their favor down the stretch.

The comeback reached its defining moment in the final seconds. With 2.3 seconds remaining, Mike Aiken rose and knocked down a contested, high-difficulty shot to give OLLU its first lead of the closing stretch, a clutch basket that capped the Saints relentless push and ultimately sealed the outcome. The shot punctuated the momentum OLLU had built over the final minutes and underscored the confidence the Saints played with despite the early deficit.

Jaydin Morin-Bishop led the offensive effort with 24 points on an efficient 5-of-6 shooting performance, converting all 12 of his free-throw attempts. His ability to attack the rim and consistently finish at the line kept OLLU within reach and set the stage for the late-game surge. Barack Holland provided a spark off the bench with nine points, while Davonte Durst and Arthur Celestin Jr. contributed valuable minutes during the rally.

Defensively, the Saints elevated their intensity as the game progressed, forcing 16 LSU Alexandria turnovers and contesting shots down the stretch. OLLU’s aggressiveness translated to the free-throw line, where the Saints attempted 37 shots and converted 24, using patience and poise to control the tempo during the comeback.

LSU Alexandria was paced by Jordan Decuir’s 20-point performance and shot efficiently overall, but OLLU’s persistence ultimately proved decisive. Down by as many as 20 points, the Saints stayed connected, trusted their system, and responded possession by possession until the comeback was complete.

The victory stands as a defining moment of resilience for Our Lady of the Lake, highlighted by Aiken’s late-game heroics and a team-wide commitment to fight until the final buzzer. The Saints will be back in action against Louisiana Christian Saturday at 3:00 PM CDT. It will be Youth Day at Mabee Gymnasium.

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Our Lady of the Lake men’s basketball delivered a statement victory over rival Texas A&M University–San Antonio, pulling away late for a 100–89 win powered by efficiency, balance, and poise at the free-throw line. The Saints shot 47.6 percent from the field and a sharp 45 percent from three-point range, turning a competitive matchup into a decisive result down the stretch.

Jaydin Morin-Bishop led all scorers with 24 points, showcasing a confident shooting night that included six three-pointers on nine attempts. His perimeter scoring stretched the defense early and often, giving OLLU consistent momentum. Devontae Da Costa added 15 points on an ultra-efficient 4-of-5 shooting performance while also converting six of seven free throws, helping the Saints maintain control whenever TAMUSA threatened a run.

OLLU’s frontcourt presence was steady and physical. Arthur Celestin Jr. posted 12 points and a team-high seven rebounds, while Isaiah Moore chipped in 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting. Wahkil Lopez made his impact felt defensively with four blocks to go along with eight points and six rebounds, anchoring a Saints defense that forced 18 turnovers.

Depth proved to be a major factor as the Saints reserves consistently contributed on both ends. Santiago Ochoa scored 11 points and dished out five assists, providing a steady hand off the bench, while Barack Holland added nine points and strong perimeter defense. In total, OLLU recorded 18 assists and turned defensive pressure into scoring opportunities throughout the night.

The difference came at the line and in overall execution. OLLU converted 31 of 37 free throws, capitalizing on nearly every opportunity, while also protecting the ball well enough to offset TAMUSA’s rebounding edge. With balanced scoring, timely shooting, and disciplined play in key moments, the Saints closed out their rivals and secured a convincing win that underscored their growth and confidence as a unit. The Saints will be back in action this Thursday against LSUA at home at 7:30 PM CDT.

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