Middle School Basketball Pushes Students to be their best

By Melvin Jones | January 18, 2026

On a cold Thursday evening in January, the Canyon Middle School Boys Basketball team plays their 2nd home game of the season, as they took on their rivals in Spring Branch. This 7th grade battle brought out a packed stands, as parents and students from both schools came for the battle at Canyon.

In the state of Texas, if high school sports are the king, then middle school sports are the prince. Parents and supporters alike come out for middle school sports more than a small college, and basketball (along with football) leads the way.

“I think it helps them academically. I think Texas really cares about the kids, so its keeps them focused on their academics.” said Pamela Escobedo, Head Cheer coach at Canyon.

Middle school basketball rules are different than even high school. Seven minute quarters run the game (but may be eight if agreed upon by both school) , with about a five minute halftime, only two referees, and with only the two refs, some of the calls are missed more than in most game. But, the premise of the game stays the same, and it gets the middle schoolers ready for what will be when they get into high school.

There are also postseason opportunities in middle school basketball, something that many other states don’t have, and it is a huge thing for middle schools to proclaim themselves as a champion. For the Jaguars of Canyon, getting to a District Tournament to be classified as 7th grade District Champions is the goal.

The support from parents and administrators doesn’t stop there. While many high schools rely on booster clubs and sponsorships to generate income, middle schools athletics have to go beyond just that. While booster club and sponsorships bring enough income to get the teams by, having that extra in concessions helps out as well, as it brings extra money for game-day meals, camps, and tournaments fees that teams occur during the season (Sidenote: This author’s wife currently serves as the Secretary on the Jaguar Cheer Board).

But it’s all about the result, and both 7th Grade “A” and “B” teams played their best games of the season, sweeping the night against Spring Branch, including a 46-12 domination during the “B” game.

The Jaguars 8th Grade “A” and “B” teams will host Danville on January 22nd, meanwhile, the 7th Grade “A” and “B” teams will be on the road at Danville on the same day.