News Summary

Chapin High School’s basketball program has had an incredible season, receiving multiple accolades despite recently suffering a tough defeat in the regional championship. Senior center Jayden Leverett earned MVP honors and is set to play at Vanderbilt, while Coach Tevin Caldwell received significant recognition for his leadership. Despite the heartbreak after a close loss to Birdville, the team’s spirit remains high, and they look forward to a promising future.

Chapin High School Basketball Program Shines Bright but Faces Heartbreak

In the vibrant community of Chapin, the local high school basketball program is basking in the spotlight after receiving two prestigious honors, showcasing hard work, dedication, and sheer talent. The boys’ basketball team has carved a niche for itself this season, and while they recently faced a heartbreaking defeat in the regional championship, the accomplishments are still worth celebrating.

MVP Honors for Jayden Leverett

Leading the charge for Chapin was the standout senior center, Jayden Leverett. This towering player, standing tall at an impressive 6-foot-11, has had quite the season, earning the title of Most Valuable Player by the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) as a part of Class 5A’s Super Elite Team. On top of this tremendous accolade, Leverett was also recognized as the Player of the Year by the El Paso Times for the 2024-25 season. He has not only dazzled fans with his skills on the court but has also secured his future, signing to play college basketball at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Head Coach’s Recognition

It’s not just the players who are getting the recognition this season. Tevin Caldwell, who took the reins as head coach for Chapin, also received notable honors. He has been named the Region 4 Coach of the Year in Class 5A by the THSCA, completing his first year with a remarkable record of 35-2. Under his leadership, Chapin found itself consistently ranked among the top ten teams in Texas, a feat that speaks volumes about the hard work put in by both the players and the coaching staff. Caldwell, a former player at Americas High School and UTEP, also earned the title of Coach of the Year from the El Paso Times.

A Tough End to a Stellar Season

Sadly, the celebration of achievements was shadowed by a defeat in the Class 5A regional championship against Birdville, a game played on February 28, 2025. Chapin’s hopes for a state championship ended with a close score of 49-41. This was the third consecutive year that the Chapin Huskies have found themselves in this challenging position, with their other losses in recent years also coming in the same championship game. Throughout the season, the team had only one other loss, which occurred back in December against Killeen Ellison, where they narrowly lost 59-55.

The championship game was anything but one-sided. The teams battled fiercely, even trading leads and remaining in a deadlock at a score of 12-12 after the first quarter, and 35-35 after the third. Leverett managed to contribute significantly with 18 points, while his teammate, Savion Jordan, added 13 points to the scoreboard. On the opposing side, Birdville’s Trent Bowers and Tasshir Pina Warren were instrumental in carrying their team forward, each hitting crucial three-pointers that paved the way for their late-game scoring surge, ultimately sealing Chapin’s fate.

Bright Future Ahead

Despite the heart-wrenching loss, Coach Caldwell expressed his overwhelming pride in the team’s effort throughout the season, highlighting the dedication and resilience they exhibited. With two major honors in the books and a talented roster filled with drive, players like Leverett and Jordan remain optimistic about the future. The lessons learned and the skills honed this season are sure to serve them well in the years to come.

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