Basketball season finishes at playoffs

As basketball season is coming to a close, that only means one thing, state playoffs.

Both the boys and girls teams made a hard fought effort while they were in the playoffs but unfortunately all good things must come to an end, resulting in both teams coming short of winning the state championship.

“The main cause would probably be the refs,” senior Damian Willis said. “We were frustrated going against the calls. I feel like we could’ve gone all the way.”

The Lady Tigers began their playoff run against White House Tuesday Feb. 17 and defeated them 65 to 52. They finished their season losing to Mansfield Lake Ridge 58-48.

“Nobody’s shots were falling,” senior Laken Edwards said. “There was a lot of fouling. I fouled out, Jallisa fouled out. We just were playing really sloppy.”

The Lady Tigers have had a very good season. They were ranked 8th in the state and removed Longview from their #1 ranked position beating them at home by more than 20. They also had four all-region shooters which included Seniors Chanell Hayes, Jalissa Trotter, sophomore Grace Brooks, and junior Jessica Emerson. They also tied for the district championship with Longview.

“I feel like they all stepped up and came through when we really needed them,” Hayes said. “I’m just really proud of them for the accomplishments they made this year as a young team.”

The guys team began their playoff run Feb. 24 against Luffkin High School. Despite a good seeding for a young team, they lost to Lufkin High in the first round of the playoffs 63-53.

“I had higher expectations than the first round, i thought we would’ve gone further,” senior Malik Gailes said. “But you know, it is what it is. We tried and did our best.”

The boys finished in second place and have a bright future. With the team only having two seniors, there will be many more current sophomores and juniors returning to play for them next year.

“My expectations are very high for the team [next year],” junior Jaylen Rhone said. “I don’t care if we’re little, if we don’t have size. It’s all about heart, who wants it the most, who’s going to fight for it, who’s going to compete for the win and I believe we’ve got 10 guys that are going to compete and not be scared of size and will come out and play every Tuesday and Friday.”

Despite this being the end, the two teams have grown together, made many positive memories, and are already looking forward to next season.

“I feel like we got better throughout the season,” Trotter said. “ We became closer, more of a family, and I’m just proud of them.”