By KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
ALICE — All week, San Perlita coach Nataniel Garza had a special feeling.
After his team’s drumming of Benavides earlier this week, it was the same song, different verse for the Trojans.
Four Trojans scored in double figures — led by a game-high 21 points from junior Tige Johnson and senior Julian Herrera’s 17 points — en route to a 99-58 thrashing of Yorktown in their Class 2A area-round playoff game Friday night.
“Throughout the week, there was just a lot of positivity with the team,” Garza said. “I don’t think I have seen them this focused all year and coming into tonight I had complete confidence in them, and they came out on a mission tonight and got it done.”
The Trojans will meet the winner of the Premont-Flatonia game. San Perlita is back in familiar territory, as Garza has the Trojans in the regional quarterfinal round for a third straight year.
“The kids are tired of hearing about us being done in the third round,” Garza said. “We came out blazing tonight, and I’m proud of the way these boys are playing. At one point tonight I sat back and was amazed on just how well they all played together.”
Much like Monday, junior sharpshooter EJ Nieto got the fireworks going with a 3-pointer that set the tone for the night. The Trojans raced out to a 26-7 lead after the first quarter and kept the foot on the gas throughout.
“We feel it right from the tipoff,” Herrera said. “We have been playing with a high level of intensity, and it has shown these last few games. Right now we are back to where we want to be. Last year hurt, and we are ready to get back to work and get over the hump.”
Bryan Herrera hit four 3s and finished with 15 points. Along with a strong performance from the starting five, Gabriel Lopez and Eli Terry provided a spark off the bench. Lopez finished with nine points, and Terry scored five points.
“We are all hungry, we are hungry to win and get back to the third round,” Johnson said. “When guys come in and make plays it just makes us even more dangerous, and on this team anyone can score and have a big night.”