San Antonio Brandeis (22-2, 10-1) has been one of the state's top teams throughout the 2019-2020 high school boys basketball season, but it almost took a step back on Friday. That's because the Broncos trailed for the majority of the first three quarters. It ultimately rode a late 24-7 run to a 66-61 victory against UIL 28-6A district rival San Antonio Brennan (16-9, 7-4) at Northside Sports Gym.
VYPE Player of the Game Kyle Schaefer heated up in the fourth quarter, with his four three-pointers wrapping up his co-team high 18-point performance.
"My teammates just kept telling me, 'keep shooting, keep shooting'," said Schaefer. "I missed a few early, but they kept encouraging me and they finally started falling. Hit some and they started getting contagious. Everyone started scoring and we were able to come out with the win."
San Antonio Brennan led by four points in the first quarter, six points in the second and five points in the third, so San Antonio Brandeis definitely needed other big individual outings from Andrew Lazinbat (18 points), Tanner Brown (10 points) and Ty Fontenot (10 points). They came in handy when they battled Norman Beckford (14 of his 28 points in the final period) and Joey Guerrero (11 points).
With seven games to go in district play, San Antonio Brandeis and San Antonio Warren (20-4, 10-1) remain as the co-leaders of the UIL 28-6A pack. The outright title is still up for grabs, but the Broncos' thrilling victory against a playoff contender on Friday puts them one step closer. Now, they turn their attention to games against third-place Helotes O'Connor (17-7, 9-2) on January 28th and the Warriors on February 4th.
"Just keep it up," Lazinbat said. "Keep the momentum going and keep winning."
For more sports coverage, follow Thomas (@Texan8thGen) and VYPE (@VYPESATX) on Twitter.
Looking to get more involved? Check out ShopVYPE for fresh gear that supports local schools and the VYPE U Ambassador Program. To sign up for the VYPE U Program, apply at VYPEU.com.