By KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
TAFT — For the first time since the 1996-97 season, the San Perlita Trojans are heading to the regional tournament after a gut-check 70-65 win over Flatonia on Tuesday night.
The Trojans will play Hearne at 6 p.m. Friday in the Class 2A regional tournament in San Marcos.
San Perlita junior Tige Johnson continued his strong play with a team-high 22 points, and senior Noah Olivarez gutted out 16 points.
“There are a lot of mixed emotions,” San Perlita coach Nataniel Garza said.
The Trojans lost the past two years in the area round. Now that they are past that elusive third round, they have etched their names into team basketball history.
“First it’s excitement, then it’s disbelief. We did a lot of reflecting on how last year we lost in the third round, and how much we wanted to win and get past the third round.” Garza said. “I’m so proud of these kids and how hard they work. It’s all about them.”
All night, the Trojans had to fend off a scrappy Bulldogs squad. San Perlita led by as many as 19 points but let the lead slip away.
The Trojans led 46-36 at the half, but Flatonia roared back with a 7-0 run and trailed 46-43.
For every shot Flatonia had, San Perlita had an answer. Olivarez hit back-to-back 3s to start the fourth quarter and help spark a late run.
After Flatonia tied the game at 62, the Trojans answered with a quick four points that helped push them ahead for good.
“This feels great to get over the hump,” Olivarez said. “I’m speechless right now, and to be able to do this with my guys. That was a tough team. Coach wanted us to go out and rebound, and to keep up the intensity. We are all emotional right now. It’s just an amazing feeling.”
Four Trojans finished in double figures. Along with Johnson and Olivarez, Julian Herrera scored 15 points and EJ Nieto added 10.
“This means so much to us,” senior Bryan Herrera said. “This is something that we all wanted after losing in the second round, and being able to do this with my brother and cousin, it’s an amazing thing to be a part of.”