Sendoff pep rally today, watch party planned for weekend

In honor of Jack Yates High School boys’ basketball team’s return trip to compete for another state title, the Yates band and cheerleading team will host a pep rally at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 5 in the school’s auditorium (3703 Sampson St, Houston, TX 77004). The event will highlight student-athletes’ achievements and serve as the final spirit-fest for a 23-9 team that is hoping to win it all in Austin. The team will load buses immediately following the event.

After defeating Navasota High School in the Class 3A Region III final last week, the Lions will take on the Wildcats of Kennedale (38-0) in the semi-final game Thursday in the Frank Erwin Center at the University of Texas at 3 p.m.

Items of note:

• Senior center JC Washington has committed to the University of Houston. He will be honored this afternoon as the Player of the Week.

• Senior guard Damion Lewis returns to Austin more focused than ever. He is hoping to secure his first state championship in his what will be his last opportunity to do so. On the eve of the 2012 state championship game, his grandmother – who had raised him — passed away. This season he has played every game refocused and dedicated to her.

• The team’s motto is “Do What’s Right.” This is a nod to its goal of making better grades, serving as role models and making good decisions.

• Yates competed in the State Championship in 2009, ’10, ’12, and ’13 and won the state title in 2009 and 2010.