KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
SAN PERLITA — The San Perlita Trojans are entering a new season, and along with the new season come new goals and expectations.
The Trojans have reached the regional quarterfinals the past two seasons and have their sights on a much deeper run.
Fourth-year coach Nataniel Garza will have three returning members from last year’s starting five. Seniors Noah Olivarez and Julian Herrera — along with junior Tige Johnson — return to the starting lineup.
The Trojans return brothers James and Bryan Herrera, a pair of sharpshooters with smooth ball-handling skills, and when teamed with junior EJ Nieto, who is poised to have a strong season, San Perlita has the pieces in play to win a second straight district title under Garza.
“It is early in the season, I love the hustle from the kids,” Garza said. “Right now, the younger kids are getting used to the speed and learning the transition from the JV level to the varsity level.”
Johnson will have a key hand in the Trojans’ success, using his experience to his advantage when it comes to helping the younger players get acclimated with the system.
“I have learned a lot about the game and teamwork since I got here to San Perlita,” Johnson said. “Coach Garza has taught me to keep working hard and to keep pushing. I was young and nervous the last two years, but all the experience I have gained, I know it will help me and my team. I will be able to tell the younger guys what to expect so they can be prepared and feed off of our energy.”
Bryan Herrera is back for his final season and, like Johnson, has plenty of big-game experience.
“It has been great these last few years,” Bryan said. “I love playing with these guys, they make it fun.”
Last year’s loss in the regional quarterfinal round to Stacy has the senior extra motivated to help the Trojans take the next step.
“Last year’s loss hurt,” Bryan said. “We are all motivated to come back and work even harder. We want another shot to get back into the playoffs, and the depth we have helps us a lot, if one of us is off, we have more than one guy that can pick us up.”
The Trojans kick off their regular season when they play host to PSJA Memorial at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at home.