Photo by Demarius ScottH.W. Byers’ Mandarian Euell puts two points in the basket for the Lions in District 1A playoffs against Blue Mountain High School.
Byers crowned 1A District champs
H.W. Byers Lions season has been nothing short of outstanding. As the state gets ready for the postseason, the Lions have built a level of success in the entire 1A District.
Lions coach Fred Stafford’s squad went into the district tournament as the number one seed in the bracket. The Lions faced the Blue Mountain Cougars for the district championship Friday, Feb. 10.
The Lions dominated on both sides of the court, cruising past the Cougars to a final of 60-37.
Lion Michael James finished as the top scorer with 22 points.
Mandarins Euell scored 14 points, and Jabari Wright brought nine points to the nets
Chris Isom Jr. scored five points, Omarrious Johnson and Vincent Talley hit the rim with four points, and Jaylen Glover added two points.
“The guys came out focused and took care of business on the defensive end of the floor,” said Stafford. “Our defensive pressure transitioned into easy baskets.”
The mindset added to the Lions as they head into the 1A District 3 playoff game.
“Our mindset, same as our season goal, is to make it back to state tournament and win the Gold Ball,” Stafford said.