Returning Finalists

This list and description is meant to recognize the top tier returning competitors and give an honest and humbling account of each one. This list is in reverse order of how they all ranked at TFA state 2018 and the descriptions are based on things that I hear constantly in the congress community (they don’t necessarily reflect my views).

6. Evan Finley- 2019 Bellaire HS (13th place at state)

I can’t say much about who Evan Finley was before state, considering not many people including me knew much about him. His most memorable achievement in the state circuit this year was making it to semis at the Plano West tournament but that is it making it obvious why he is somewhat unknown. I honestly think that he could do even better in individual speaking events but he still preforms great at congress. He is truly proof that you can’t predict every finalist, and seeing that he didn’t get last (or close to it) I wouldn’t be surprised if he finals again next year.

5.Ian McPhearson- 2019 The Woodlands HS (12th place at state)

Just like Evan, Ian was a pretty unknown competitor on the Texas Circuit until State. This is mainly because he was a PF debater until the beginning of this year. Also because he never really competed or did well until the second half of the year, and it was mainly at tournaments in the outskirts of the Huston circuit, when big names were not attending. Never the less, he is a good speaker and an excellent over all debater making him a person who definitely benefited from the pool of policy Judges this year in congress. He still seems like someone who is still adjusting to the event, especially in state finals, but that is to be expected from juniors who make it to state finals in the event that they have been doing for only a year. Ultimately he will definitely be someone to look out for.

4.Hunter Brown-2019 Spring Woods HS (8th place at state)

Hunter has been pretty well known for some time, but he really never became a state wide name until this year. Hunter is an excellent speaker and his need to show off earned him 74 points in congress which is the most out of any person, which explains why everyone was surprised that he didn’t rank higher. Still despite his massive point collection in congress, many people still see him as more of an extemper, and I for one have to agree. Also it is possible that he didn’t care much about TFA this year, just like many possible champions did do to last years cheating allegations, but regardless of whether he cared or not, his finals performance was not his best. So his performance this year makes him a huge contender for a top 3 spot next year.

3.Jeremiah Williams- 2019 Klein Oaks HS (7th place at state)

Many people didn’t take him seriously for the vast majority of the year, he was often seen as a Rene Otero want to be, who thinks he is better then he really is after getting 5th in the senate last year, but he surprised everyone, possibly even himself, because very few people who even win senate, make it to finals in the house the next year, and he locked in a top 8 spot. Regardless he grew as an over all debater since dropping UT semis and he learned the rules of “The Congress Game” by playing precedence at state to get in the most speeches out of probably everyone at the competition. He will definitely be a threat next year.

2.Faizan Asif- 2020 7 Lakes HS (5th place at state)

Faizan was the baby of Finals and the competitive portion of his team. He was probably the most underestimated competitor in the entire tournament. Even though he has been doing great all year, he was looked over for being just a sophomore, and because of his nonthreatening personality . He actually passed his teams leader in congress, 3rd in the nation Jun-Yong Kim. Also just like Jun, his very down to earth character gives him one of the best speaking voices in the state, maybe even the nation, it also makes him very likable in the circuit, gaining him alliances. Still he is no champion, 5th still means growth is needed, my only negative comment is he spends to much time on clash and not enough time on analysis, which in my opinion is where he fell short at state. Still he is definitely someone who will continue to wow us next year for sure.

1.Sahaj Singh- 2019 Carrol Sen. HS (State Champion)

Where to start? Last year Sahaj was a good debater getting him to semis as a sophomore, but his unconventional speaking voice caused him to drop hard, but he didn’t let it stop him. He is often revered as “The Master of The Subtle Spread” and I can vouch for that, but this year he made it his own, winning him state. Though I personally don’t like his style, he makes it work. Really the only negative thing I could say is he needs to build consistency. From my experience competing with him, he is a humble, friendly guy, and as long as he keeps this up, I wouldn’t be surprised if he is a two year state champion or even a national winner.

Hopefully this gives you an idea of what to expect as far as growth next year from these finalists. Also feel free to comment below what you think about these outstanding competitors, and congratulations returning finalists.