Tigers avenge last year’s regional final loss
A second chance is not always promised, but when the opportunity came knocking, the Tigers were more than ready to accommodate Hightower with an answer. Remembering last year’s regional final lost to the Hurricanes left a bad taste.
Fittingly, Aaron Harrison scored a game high 25 points to lead Fort Bend Travis to its first state tournament in the school’s history by defeating Hightower 57-34 on Saturday evening in the Class 5A Region III Final at the Campbell Center.
The win avenges last year’s loss to the Hurricanes.
Aaron and twin brother Andrew Harrison are two big reasons for the Tigers deep playoff run.
“It’s a great feeling. We’re in the same spot as last year. We know how bad it hurts to lose. We came out fighting hard,” Aaron said.
Travis (35-3) used a steady controlled attack to grab an 11-6 lead after the first quarter. The approach, successful than last season’s accelerated pace that played into Hightower’s hands.
In the second quarter, Hightower pulled within two, after Danuel House drilled a 3-pointer to make the score, 15-13. But what ultimately cost the Hurricanes was the Tigers air tight defense and a game breaking 9-0 run started by point guard Aaron’s 3-point play in which Hightower never recovered from.
Travis led 24-17 at the half.
Hightower (28-8) had its work cut out, defending perhaps two of the top juniors in the nation while dealing with the inside presents of 6’7” forward Christian Crocket, who finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
“It was tough just watching it (The win over Yates, early in the season) but our team played real well,” said Crocket, who survived a vehicle accident, when a front and back tire blew out, causing the car to flip over three times and leaving Crocket to be life flighted. All, before the start of the season. Our chemistry is much better this year. This is our third year here. I’m happy we’re going to state.”
The Tigers continued to increase its lead in the second half. Success on the boards added to its credit (42-23).
House and Terrell Scruggs led the Hurricanes with 9 and 8 points respectfully.