Over the Christmas break, December 22, 2022 – January 5, 2023, the boys traveled to Ft. Worth, TX to compete in the Whataburger Invitational. Our Division was made up of state-ranked opponents from 2A-4A. The Pirates started off the tournament with a bang. They beat #1 ranked LaPoynor in 2A 67-66. The game was back and forth with several lead changes, but in the 4th quarter, down by two, Senior Malakai Castro hit a three pointer with 9.8 seconds left on the clock to take the lead. The gym erupted at his made shot from the top of the key area. With only 9.8 seconds, the Pirates played amazing defense to hold on to the lead and supply the first big upset of the tournament. After the big win, the boys advanced to the winner's bracket and faced three State basketball powerhouses, all in the 4A Division. The boys played hard, losing two in regulation and losing a third game in overtime. Although the boys went 1-3 overall, they got to compete against the best teams in the State to prepare them for a District Championship and Playoff run. They had four days of playing basketball, team building, and hanging out as a team, which brought them closer as a team. Senior Jordan Balderaz led the team in offense, averaging 23.8 points and 14.4 rebounds during the tournament. Jordan showed up and showed out receiving some interest from various colleges and will be meeting with them in the next week or so. Senior Malakai Castro hit the game winner in Game One and averaged 10 points a game. Malakai was also given the duty of defending the best player on each team we faced. The kid had a great tournament showing as well.
Game one score: Lytle 67 – Lapoynor 66
Game two score: Tyler Chapel Hill 74 – Lytle 59
Game three score: Decatur 57 – Lytle 52, lost in OT
Game four score: Seminole 55 – Lytle 38
The Pirates are still ranked 11th in the State by TABC, and #10 in the State by GASO with a season record of 17-6. The boys will face Jourdanton on Friday, January 6, 2022 at Jourdanton High School. Hope to see you there.
See photos in Google album: Varsity Boys Basketball at Whatabuger Invitational Tournament