Seven Lakes put up every ounce of fight they had.

The Spartans had already had a successful season, making it to the regional tournament for the first time since 2013 and had overcome injuries and other obstacles.

But Seven Lakes wanted more, a trip to the regional finals, a trip to the state tournament, they were hungry for it all.

Unfortunately for the Spartans, it wasn’t meant to be. Seven Lakes ran into one of the hottest teams in region III in Pearland, owners of a 15-game win streak, and the Oilers outlasted the Spartans 39-37 as Seven Lakes season came to an end in the regional semifinal round.

“This group loved each other,” said Seven Lakes head coach Angela Spurlock. “When kids truly like each other and love each other, then the adversity that comes with athletics is easier to handle. This team got tested and their ability to overcome adversity and handle the few losses and setbacks they had was tremendous. Their chemistry and belief in one another is the reason we got this far.”

Pearland got off to a tremendous start and went on an 8-0 run to start the game. Seven Lakes sophomore guard attempted to get the Spartans going, scoring all six of the teams points in the first quarter, but Pearland still led 14-6 heading into the second quarter.

The Spartans had an answer in the second, going on an 8-0 run of their own and trimming he Pearland lead to two and remained close trailing 22-20 at half.

“There were 16 teams out of 245 took the court to play and represent 6A basketball across the state of Texas. To say that we are in that elite company is a testament to the kind of players I coach,” Spurlock said. “They had such a desire to reach and accomplish the highest levels of basketball. They aren’t just great players, they’re great people. I’m just so proud, not just of the play and the winning, but of the opportunity to get to coach them. They’re tremendous.”

Pearland started to pull away in the second half. The Oilers rebounded and kept increasing their lead to 32-23 at the end of the third quarter and it was too much for the Spartans to overcome.

Seven Lakes whittled away in the fourth quarter, trimming the Pearland lead to eight, then five, then with under a second left in the game, two. But it wasn’t enough in the end.

“We did everything we could today, and it meant a lot to even be here,” said senior Summer Halphen. “I’ve been dreaming of this my whole life. I’m sad we didn’t get further, but it just means to much to me to be able to experience this.”

Seven Lakes will return a talented core next year with a number of sophomores gaining an extra year of experience.

“Its time now to take a few days off, maybe a week or two and let these kids process what they’ve accomplished,” Spurlock said. “From there, the sophomore class will be handed the baton. It’s a really beautiful, accomplished baton and they’ll learn how to lead. Coming to the regional tournament this year sets the bar high.”

Class 6A Regional Semifinal

Pearland 39, Seven Lakes 37

Points: (SL) Justice Carlton 15, KK Tucker 8, Summer Halphen 6, Lenore Hudspeth 6, Shea McFarland 2; (P) Rylee Grays 12, Aryelle Stevens 11, Paige Bonner 6, Nyah Hardy 4, Ashlynn Patrick 4, Kayla Phillips 2

Halftime: Pearland 22-20; 3-pointers: (SL) Tucker 2, Halphen 2, Carlton; Records: Seven Lakes 33-7; Pearland 28-9