EXHIBIT 5






                  [SILVER, FREEDMAN & TAFF, L.L.P. LETTERHEAD]



                                 March 22, 2000



The Board of Directors
CBCT Bancshares, Inc.
312 Main Street
Smithville, Texas 78957-2035

         Re:      Registration Statement
                  Under the Securities Act of 1933

Gentlemen:

         This opinion is rendered in connection with the Registration  Statement
to be filed on Form SB-2 with the Securities and Exchange  Commission  under the
Securities  Act of 1933 relating to  the 304,175 shares  of Common Stock of CBCT
Bancshares,  Inc. (the  "Company"),  par value $.01 per share, to be issued.  As
counsel,  we have reviewed the Articles of Incorporation of the Company and such
other  documents as we have deemed  appropriate for the purpose of this opinion.
We are rendering this opinion as of the time the Registration Statement referred
to above becomes effective.

         Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the shares of Common
Stock of the Company covered by the aforesaid  Registration Statement will, when
sold, be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock of
the Company.


                                       Very truly yours,

                                       /s/ Silver, Freedman & Taff, L.L.P.

                                       SILVER, FREEDMAN & TAFF, L.L.P.