Daegu Middle High School makes history at KAIAC Championships

DAEGU, South Korea – It was a weekend to remember for Daegu Middle High School as both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams punched their tickets to the KAIAC Championship games – an achievement that hasn’t happened in more than a decade.

Even more impressive, this marks Daegu’s first KAIAC title in 12 years, and the first time ever that both programs reached the championship stage in the same season.

The girls’ team powered their way through the season with sheer grit, finishing second in the conference despite playing with the minimum number of players. Their determination stood out all tournament long, and their run to the championship game was nothing short of inspiring.

On the boys’ side, Daegu delivered a thrilling postseason performance, capturing the KAIAC Championship after repeatedly clawing back from double‑digit deficits. The team finished the regular season 7–3, with all losses coming against the league’s top two teams, before hitting their stride at exactly the right moment.

Several standout performances fueled this historic run:

• Xavier Brown put together an exceptional season, averaging 16 points, 6 rebounds, 7 steals, and 5 assists per game. He earned All‑Conference honors, a spot on the KAIAC Tournament Team, and was named Tournament MVP.
• Jude Velazquez led the Warriors offensively all year, averaging 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals per game. His scoring earned him All‑Conference Second Team, a place on the All‑Tournament Team, and the tournament’s “Top Gun” award as its leading scorer.
• Leoyadix “Deex” Lapaix anchored the inside for Daegu, pulling down 10 rebounds per game and earning All‑Tournament Team recognition for his work in the paint.

“This historic achievement is something our entire Daegu community can be proud of,” said Principal Willard Clites. “Our student-athletes demonstrated incredible resilience, teamwork, and competitive spirit throughout the season, and our coaching staffs’ dedication and leadership were instrumental in this success. Watching both programs reach the championship stage and seeing our boys bring home a title is a testament to the culture of hard work and pride that defines Daegu Middle High School.”

Congratulations to the Daegu Warriors on an unforgettable and history‑making KAIAC performance!