Cinco Ranch is fired up for this year.

The Cougar have been building momentum heading into this year. They have one of the best returning players in the district in junior point guard Prince Jones -Bynum and a vast array of lengthy players that can get up and down the court.

Despite a young squad the Cougars have jumped out to an 11-2 start to the year and that continued on Friday, as they won two games in the Katy ISD Tournament, beating Foster in their first game of the day before overcoming Klein in a thriller 68-61 as the Cougars came out on top in a back and forth matchup. It was a physical, chippy game, but one that the Cougars thrived in and they loved playing in that type of environment.

“It was amazing the way out team came together and fought fonight,” Jones-Bynum said. “We needed a game like that, it’s really going to show the level that we have to play at. It was such a fun atmosphere.”

Cinco led most of the way but was tested throughout by Klein. The Cougars jumped out to a 21-12 lead after one quarter and led 35-26 at half, but Klein came roaring back in the third quarter to trim Cinco’s lead to 46-44. Cinco though executed down the stretch and found a way to hold on for the win with strong defense and clutch baskets down the stretch.

“The guys gained some really valuable by playing in a game like this,” said Cinco Ranch head coach Neil King. “We only have one returning letterman so these guys are learning how to play at the highest level of high school basketball in the state of Texas. The competition is great in the Katy ISD Tournament and being able to play all these guys is a great test. I was proud of the way they came out tonight in their second game of the day and the effort they had.”

Jones-Bynum led the way with 24 points while Noah Pearce had 13, Dylan Jones-Bynum had eight and Kellen LeCronier had seven. Cinco spread the ball around and everyone contributed offensively and defensively. The Cougars will hope to use that same formula to have success in district play, which starts next week. Cinco believes they have a real shot to compete with anyone in District 19-6A, but knows they have to keep building and getting better day by day.

“We’re on the right path,” LeCronier said. “We just have to keep doing what we’ve been doing, coming in every day and trying to get better. These guys aren’t going to be satisfied and we know we aren’t going to become the best team overnight but if we keep grinding every day I think we can play with anybody. We’re going to be ready.”