This past Thursday and Friday, December 12-13th, the boys hosted the Lytle Pirate Invitational and took second place finishing 3-1 overall for the tournament. The pirates started the tournament with a loss to Crystal City 75-73. The game was full of missed layups and free throws that cost us the win at the end of regulation. After the game with our 5th loss of the season by 3 points or less, and all five games coming down to the last ten seconds. I told the boys enough was enough, and it was time to learn how to finish close games. Something finally clicked and the boys won the next three games by playing a tenacious press defense and out running our opponents on the offensive side of the ball. Seniors John Martinez and Robert Ibarra led the young pirates in scoring, rebounds, and steals with both of them earning 1st team all tournament. Robert Ibarra averaged 22 pts and 5 steals per game, while John Martinez averaged 18 points and 12 rebounds per game. Robert Ibarra is now 94 points away from the 1,000 career point total. The countdown has officially started!!!
Tournament Game Scores:
Lytle 73-Crystal City 75
Lytle 70- Hays ISD-Johnson 66
Lytle 69-Poteet 67
Lytle 96-Stockdale 90
The Pirates are now 7-8 on the season and travel tomorrow to face an undefeated La Pryor team at 7: 30 pm.
I would like to say thanks to our staff, student body, and administration that cheered our boys all tournament long. It was a great atmosphere once again. Special thanks to Lori Wilson, Ada Tapia, Coach Bippert, and Coach RT who were behind the scenes running different areas of the tournament from the clock to the concession stand and so on. The tournament wouldn't be possible without this crew who have volunteered the last 3 years with running the tournament. Also thank you to the new hype man of pirates basketball, Mr. Macat, his energy and creativity on the mic was entertaining all tournament. Finally, THANK YOU to Mrs. Criswell who was the glue behind the tournament as she managed her time between testing, Uil theatre, admin duties, and being on the floor during the tournament to show our boys support. Great Job Mrs. Criswell!!!