Tiger sophomores win district title

The Mountain Home Tiger sophomores captured the District III 4A Sophomore Boys basketball Tournament last week.

Tigers 44

Knights 41

The Mountain Home Tiger sophomores held Bishop Kelly to just two first-quarter points on their way to a 44-41 win over the Knights in the semi-finals of the District III 4A Sophomore Boys Basketball Tournament in Lloyd Schiller Gymnasium on Feb. 23.

The Tigers shot out to a 16-2 lead after a quarter and led 24-17 at the half. The Tigers were up 37-27 heading into the fourth and held off a fourth-quarter rally by the Knights for the win.

Tyler Wright led the Tigers in scoring with 12 points. Colton Zamora added eight points, Brent Sexauer scored seven, Mert Baysal six, Ricky Castillo four, Anthony Barbosa three, and J.T. Cristobal and Justin Connolly both scored two points.

Tigers 53

Kuna 46

The Tigers faced Kuna last Wednesday for the district title. The two teams had split two-point ball games during the regular season, each winning on their home court. This time, on a neutral court, the Tigers prevailed 53-46.

Mountain Home managed an 11-8 lead after a quarter and were up 17-14 at the half. They led 30-23 after three, and both teams scored 23 points in the final quarter for a 53-46 win for Mountain Home.

Tiger sophomore basketball coach Dallan Rupp was pleased with the win.

"I knew going into the game it was going to be difficult, because it was a tight game both times before, and we're glad to get the win in the championship game."

Brent Sexauer led the Tigers in scoring with 18 points. Tyler Wright added 13 points and brought down 11 rebounds, Ricky Castillo scored eight points and had three steals, Colton Zamora had six points and five boards, J.T. Cristobal had four points and four assists, Justin Connolly had two points and six rebounds and Mert Baysal also had two points.

The Tigers finished with a 17-6 overall record on a 10-game winning streak.

Coach Rupp was pleased with the way the season came together for his Tigers.

"It was a great season. We finished on a 10-game winning streak. We're happy with the way we ended the season."