Campus Game Review: Lions Come From Behind to earn a Huge Win
An unexpected finish to what looked to be a blowout loss in the first half, landed the San Antonio Christian Lions the second place spot in the TAPPS 6A District 3 to head into the playoffs.
The tough team from Central Catholic came out of the box hot Monday night, not missing many shots, and playing stellar defense. The Lions could not get the shots to fall, and the score began to separate. The Buttons took the first quarter with a 22-12 lead. Not letting up, Central Catholic continued to dominate in the second quarter sending the teams to half time with a score of 37-25.
The ten minute half time talk must have spurred something inside the Lions, because right of the gate the Lions began to score, and score a lot in the third quarter. Junior, Marc Eyman for the Lions scored 13 points alone in the quarter and the defense was able to finally against some stops against the Buttons. Freshman Isaac McCrea was a huge addition for the Lions in this quarter, earning them many steals and some huge rebounds.
The fourth quarter remained extremely competitive and full of big shots and big defense for both teams. With a one point lead by the Buttons to the start the quarter, the Lions knew they needed to not only win the game, but win by 8 points in order to secure that 2nd place spot. Having previously lost to Central earlier in the season by 7, this was the only shot to earn that first round bye for the TAPPS Basketball Playoff Bracket. Lions Coach, John Valenzuela knew the number he needed to get to, but as the clock began to count down to 10 seconds it wasn't looking like a big enough margin- the Lions were only up by 3....
Central Catholic not prepared to take the "L" on the night dropped one (of many on the night) 3 to send the game to Overtime with a score of 65-65. Coach Val knew he had his chance, and told the boys the game plan- to win by 8. The 4 minutes of overtime was just what they needed. The Lions walked away on Senior Night with a Win and by 9 points, earning them that second place spot.
The final score of the great matchup was 80-71 with Lion standout players being Marc Eyman with 30 points, Eli Pritz with 25, and freshman Isaac McCrea with a huge freshman performance when it was most needed. Central Catholic outstanding players of the game goes to Julian Sanchez with 18 points and Joshua Devora who had 29 points on the night! Great game by both local teams!
By Bradley Collier
In State & Out of State signings for SACS D1 Offered Athletes
Morgan Schield is headed to Southern Methodist University, where she will join the swimming team. Morgan has been with the Lions the past two State Championship years, and is looking to help lead the Lions to another title this February. Morgan has collected a gold medal for every State race she has competed in! She already looks to be continuing that winning streak, having finished first in almost every race so far this season. The State meet will be her final opportunity to continue to build up those gold medals!
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Louis Cloud, one of the top players in the Nation, was offered by many top tennis programs in the country. Ultimately, Louis decided to take his talents to the University of Tennessee. Louis earned two state championship medals in Boy's Doubles his freshman and sophomore years. Unfortunately, Louis was unable to participate in the State Tournament his junior year as it was cancelled due to COVID-19. We will be excited to watch Louis pursue his last State Championship this coming spring.
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Abigail Craig will be traveling to High Point University to continue her Track & Field career. Abigail's brother is also on the High Point University Track & Field team, and the duo will be back together again. Abigail was a huge contributor to the State Runner-up title in 2018, and even more so on the State Championship team in 2019. Earning a gold medal in almost every single event she competed in, the hardware was heavy. Abigail was part of two gold medal relays, a 2-time defending champion in Pole Vault, and she ran away with the open 100 & 200 meter races in 2019. Unfortunately, what the Lions expected to be a Championship Repeat in 2020, wasn't able to happen due to COVID-19. However, Abigail looks to defend those state championship this upcoming track season.
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The ceremony is always held during lunch on the Lion's campus. Coach Parrott has set it up this way he said, "so other student-athletes are certain to be there to partake in such a special high-level accomplishment." He hopes it encourages them to continue working hard, and one day they too can sit on that stage and sign that paper.
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