By KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
SAN MARCOS — San Perlita’s historic season came to an end Friday night with a 76-61 loss to Hearne in the Region IV-2A boys basketball tournament.
The Trojans could not overcome the size and play of Javayeron Bailey and Jalen Gonzales, who each netted 16 points in the win.
The Eagles advanced to face the winner of the game between Thorndale and Port Aransas.
“This was the most physical team we have faced this year,” San Perlita coach Nataniel Garza said. “They were physical and had size, and we knew that coming into tonight. They are one of the top teams in the state, but we were confident coming into this ballgame.”
The Trojans fell behind quick, 10-3, during the opening minutes of the first quarter. The Eagles managed to push the ball and established a strong inside game led by Tyquez Tindle, who finished with 11 points.
Throughout the playoffs, the Trojans shot well from the floor, but on Friday night the shots weren’t falling, putting them in a bind early.
“Although our shots did not fall, that doesn’t take away from the season we had. The kids gave it everything they had,” Garza said.
San Perlita managed to cut the lead to three, 21-18, at the end of the first quarter. But the third quarter is where the Eagles pulled away, outscoring the Trojans 28-19. Hearne held a double-digit lead for the rest of the night and led by as many as 15 points.
Tige Johnson led the way for the Trojans with 20 points. Noah Olivarez finished with 10 points, and James Herrera added eight points.
The Trojans end the year with a 28-10 record, a second straight district title, and a bi-district and area titles.
The Trojans return Johnson, James Herrera, Jake Howell and EJ Nieto to next year’s roster. San Perlita will lose five seniors to graduation.