George West boy’s basketball team’s season ended with a thud last Friday night in Pleasanton.  The Longhorns were facing San Antonio Hawkins; the Wolf Pack represented District 29AA as the runner-up.  The story of the game is simple to tell, the Horns couldn’t get the ball to fall in for them from the opening tip.  Hawkins didn’t have much trouble scoring, especially in the second half.  GW’s players, though struggling to make shots, were fighting and competing the entire contest.  The Horns were taking charges, playing defense and setting screens to get the open shots we wanted…nothing would go in!  That, unfortunately played directly into the hands of Hawkins as a running/transition team.  The second half was especially unkind to the Longhorns, as GW was only down 2 points at the half and 5 points midway through the 3^rd quarter.  The Horns wouldn’t score again, zero points in the 4^th quarter.  The outcome was very disappointing to our players, coaches and fans, but thank you all so much for your support in being there.  There was a FANTASTIC crowd at the game early, loud during the game, and many stayed after to console the boys after the loss.  Your support is very much appreciated! 

 

GW ends its season with a 22-9 record.  Of those nine losses, seven teams made the state playoffs, three of which will be playing to make their respective regional tournaments in class 3A and 2A.  This year’s seniors have made their 3^rd straight trip to the playoffs; with an18-15 record in 2004-05 (Quarterfinalists), 27-9 record in 2005-06 (Area Finalists), and this year’s District Championship, 22-9 (Area Finalists).  These young men have sacrificed a lot and worked very hard to accomplish many of their goals.  Each member of the TEAM has a different role and helps the team in different ways.  The seniors for the Longhorns: #5 James Stroleny, #10 Jordan Taylor, #11 Clifton De Leon, #21 Austin Tavarez, #23 Jordan Tindol, #25 Tracy Mixon, and #32 Benny Addison.  Juniors:  #1 Tres De La Garza, #15 Travis Locke, #20 Colton Gaither, and #35 Travis Pease.  The Sophomores: #30 Lucas Rannefeld, #34 Travis Walker, #40 Dustin White, #45 Marcus Miller, #50 Michael Blevins, #54 Oscar Martinez, and #55 Donovan Grimes. 

 

Taft and Refugio, the other teams representing District 31AA, have also wrapped up their seasons.  Refugio suffered a heartbreaking 1 point loss to Premont in the Bi-District round.  Taft defeated Freer in Bi-District, but was eliminated from the playoffs by Poth in the Area Round on Saturday.  The following Longhorns received All-District Honors as voted for by the coaches in District 31AA:

 

SUPERLATIVES:

 

Jordan Taylor, Sr.           District MVP (Unanimous)

Tracy Mixon, Sr.            Defensive MVP

 

1^st Team All District:

 

James Stroleny, Sr.       Unanimous Pick

Benny Addison, Sr.        Unanimous Pick

Travis Locke, Jr.             Unanimous Pick

 

 

Honorable Mention All District

 

Clifton De Leon, Sr.

Colton Gaither, Jr.

Oscar Martinez, So.

Lucas Rannefeld, So.

 

Again, as coaches we can’t say enough about the kids and support from the parents, fans, administration and community.  Please take the opportunity to shake these young men’s hand or pat them on the back for all they have done when you get the chance.  We had a fun season and it truly is an honor to coach George West kids!  Thanks again!