Jordan defied expectations every step of the way this year.

The Warriors came into their first 6A season ready to prove anyone who doubted them wrong and did just that, finishing second in District 19-6A and winning games at every step of the way from non district to district to playoffs where they proved themselves among the best in the state.

But that run was stopped on Friday, as the Warriors fell to Beaumont United 54-39, as the Warriors season came to an end in the Class 6A Region III Semifinals, as a shorthanded Warriors team did all it could, but couldn’t find a way to move on once again.

“It was just a special experience, a special year all around,” said senior shooting guard Misaias Herrera. “When I got here three years I didn’t have any idea what to expect but it’s been a heck of a ride. I enjoyed every single moment here and this run we went on this year, it just meant a lot and I couldn’t ask for more.”

The Warriors did a great job staying in it early in the game against the back-to-back state champions in Beaumont United, matching them basket for basket in the first quarter and staying within one point into late in the quarter when United went up by 21-17.

The Timberwolves started to open things up in the second quarter, locking down on Jordan defensively and continuing to put up points on offense, the Warriors fought but United grew its lead to 35-22 at half.

“We knew they we’re one of the top teams we’d ever seen coming in and we just fought” said senior forward Trevor Martz. “But it was amazing, when you’re a kid you dream about playing in this environment. The lights, the crowds, coming out here and being a part of this was a surreal moment.”

United pulled away in the second half to seal the win, but the Warriors never gave an inch and fought every possession until the end, even with being shorthanded.

“They just fought today,” said Jordan head coach Charlie Jones. “They could have quit when they got down 15, they could have quit when they got down 20, but none of those guys quit. They kept playing, they gave it everything and I’m just so proud of them for that and I’m so happy they got to be a part of this tournament and play in this atmosphere.”

It’s been a meteoric rise for the Warriors, as Jones and this year’s seniors went from starting the program three years ago to being in the regional tournament this year, the seniors meant everything to the program and Jones knows what they have meant to growing this program. Jordan graduates eight players from this year’s team, but will still bring back lots of talent for next year.

“If it wasn’t for those guys there’s no regional tournament trip, our program would not be where it is right now,” Jones said. “We talk all the time about how much they’ve meant because if it wasn’t for these seniors, there’s no telling where this program would be right now. We’ve had our ups and downs, our battles and our fights but through it all we love each other. I love each and every one of those guys and I know they’re going to be successful in life, just like they were successful here.”

Class 6A Regional Semifinal

Beaumont United 54, Jordan 39

Points: (J) Jaden Holt 7, Isiah Tchokonte 6, Tyler France 6, Misaias Herrera 6, Trevor Martz 6, Rayan Fadika 4, Quinn Ford 2, Jude Oluokun 2; (BU) Kayde Dotson 15, Wesley Yates 14, Trealyn Porchia 12, Weston Davis 4, Clarence Payia 2, Daniel Williams 2, Ashton Henry 2

Halftime: Beaumont United 35-22; 3-Pointers: (J) Herrera 2, Holt; (BU) Dotson 3, Yates 2; Records; Jordan: 28-9; Beaumont United: 34-1;