Basketball Game Preview: Tom Bean Tomcats vs. Celeste Blue Devils

Tom Bean and Celeste are an even 5-5 against one another since January of 2021, but not for long. The two teams will compete for holiday cheer at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.

On Tuesday, Tom Bean was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap as they fell 48-42 to Whitewright. While losing is never fun, the Tomcats can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Texas basketball rankings (they are ranked 1089th, while the Tigers are ranked 478th).

Kami Poole

Steals

12/16/25 vs Whitewright	6
12/09/25 @ Blue Ridge	3
12/05/25 vs Trinity Christian Academy	7
12/05/25 @ Fannindel	4
12/04/25 vs Non Varsity Tournament Opponent	6
+ 8 more games

Even though the team lost, they still had their share of impressive performances. One of the best came from Kami Poole, who posted nine points in addition to six rebounds and six steals. Poole is crushing it when it comes to steals: she's grabbed at least two every time she's taken the court this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Addison Porter, who earned eight points.

Meanwhile, Celeste lost to Honey Grove on the road by a 54-35 margin on Tuesday.

Celeste's loss was their seventh straight on the road dating back to last season, which dropped their record down to 8-7. As for Tom Bean, their record now sits at 5-8.

Tom Bean came up short against Celeste in their previous matchup back in January, falling 42-30. Can the Tomcats avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.