TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple Tem-Cat basketball program officially put the wraps on a memorable 2025-26 campaign, gathering players, coaches, and families to honor individual and team achievements across all three levels. From hard-nosed defensive stops to academic excellence, the evening celebrated the dedication that defines Tem-Cat basketball.

Varsity Squad Anchored by All-District Standouts

The varsity team anchored the evening, highlighting a group that combined athletic grit with stellar classroom performance.

Junior guard/forward Tierney Perkins took home the coveted Team MVP honors. Perkins was a force to be reckoned with all season, a fact mirrored by her selection to the District 12-6A First Team All-District roster. Joining her in the headline awards were Avery Perez, named Offensive Player of the Year for her scoring prowess, and Kendall Tate, who took home Defensive Player of the Year honors for anchoring the Tem-Cat press.

The program also recognized the intangibles that build winning cultures. Mariah Dixon was named Most Improved after making massive leaps throughout the district schedule. The Tem-Cat Heart Award went to Jessie Johnson for her leadership and spirit, while Maciah Morgan rightfully earned the title of Ms. Hustle. Johnson, Morgan, and Tate were also recognized on the grander stage, earning District 12-6A Honorable Mention nods.

Proving they get it done in both jerseys and backpacks, the varsity team saw seven players named to the Academic All-District team: Tierney Perkins, Maciah Morgan, Kendall Tate, Mariah Dixon, Jazeaeh Canady, Aliyah Paul, and Ja'Mariah Wilson.

Junior Varsity and Freshman Teams Flash Bright Future

The future of Temple basketball is undeniably bright, as evidenced by the stellar development of the sub-varsity programs this winter.

Junior Varsity Excellence

The JV squad celebrated a competitive year of growth and chemistry. Eowyn Bristol was named the Junior Varsity MVP after a dominant season operating as the team's engine.

Offensive Player of the Year: Cy'Khiah White
Defensive Player of the Year: Ava Anderson
Most Improved: Jazale Mose & Elysia Cortez
Tem-Cat Heart Award: Ava Anderson & Emmy Flores

Freshman Fight

The freshman team showed that the pipeline is full of talent, bringing high energy and relentless work ethic to the court every night. Kyleigh Juarez walked away with the Freshman MVP trophy after leading the young squad through a rigorous schedule.

Offensive Player of the Year: Catherine Dunklin
Defensive Player of the Year: Saniya Blunson
Most Improved: Hayden Williams
Tem-Cat Heart Award: Sha'Kyhria Freeman

"Every single one of these young women contributed to the culture we are building here," the coaching staff noted following the ceremony. "From the varsity leaders who set the standard, to the freshmen who brought the energy every day, this season laid a phenomenal foundation for what's to come."

With a haul of all-district honors, a packed academic showcase, and a young core hungry for more, the Tem-Cats head into the offseason with plenty of momentum and a very bright future ahead.