Tigers win over McGregor

Following Tiger basketball’s first district victory since Feb. 18, 2020, head coach Sean Lexima couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with joy after his team beat McGregor 73-62 on Friday night at RHS Gymnasium.

“I’m not going to lie,” he said. “I almost got very emotional. Because I know they haven’t won a district game in more than two years.”

“For these seniors and how hard they work, dayin and day-out, I’m very proud of them,” he added. “It’s good for the program and it’s good for these guys.” The Blue-and-Gold went back and forth with the Bulldogs, barely holding on to a 24-23 lead at halftime.

However, as the Tigers began a full-court press against MHS in the third, the game’s momentum swung much more in their favor. Rockdale consistently hit shots and capitalized on McGregor technicals to take a 43-31 lead at the close of the third quarter, which ended with the home crowd erupting as freshman De’Andre Stephens nailed a jump shot off t he glass as time expired.

Mor e of t he same occurred in what was a high-scoring fourth quarter, where both teams scored at least 30 points each. Rockdale secured the win, 73-62.

RHS senior Chris Perez led the team in scoring with 21 points. Perez was also 12-of-17 from the free throw line. David Penny, who got the Tigers going in the first half with 10 of the team’s 24 points, ended the night with 13. Senior Robert Owens was also a leading scorer with 12.

Going into the game, McGregor had a record of 5-4 and was tied for third in District 19-3A with Cameron.

THIS WEEK— The Tigers were scheduled to travel to Lorena on Tuesday after press time, but due to the inclement weather throughout Central Texas, RISD announced via Facebook that the game has been postponed. As of Tuesday afternoon, the district has not said what day the game will be played.

The Tigers are still slated to head to Troy on Friday to face the Trojans.

THS is 2-7 in district play and are coming off a 50-39 home loss to Lexington this past Friday. RHS fell to the Bell County squad 61-45 on Jan. 10.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

If the winter weather advisory around the area is still in effect on Friday, check Reporter social media and pages affiliated with RISD for updates.