(Gonzales) — The Marion Bulldogs routed Columbus 69-25 in the UIL Class 3A Division I area round on Friday night in Gonzales.
Marion opened the game with a dominant 20-3 run in the second quarter, building a commanding 35-12 halftime lead. Seniors Travis Randle and Banji Ajasin combined for 17 of the Bulldogs’ points during that stretch. Ajasin was a force on the defensive end as well, repeatedly rejecting shots and shutting down the Cardinals in the paint.
“We’ve won a lot of games because of him,” Marion head coach Jon Allen said of Ajasin after the victory. “He makes people have to worry about where he is on the court, and it makes everybody else better. Our size has been an advantage all year long, and I really think it’s showing in the playoffs right now.”
The Bulldogs poured it on in the second half, outscoring Columbus 34-13 en route to their second 40-plus-point postseason victory. Marion routed Hondo 92-47 in the bi-district round. Randle led the way with 23 points—just one shy of his 24-point performance against Hondo. Jackson Missildine added 17 off the bench, and Ajasin finished with 12.
Marion has now won 11 straight games, improving to 28-7 overall. Ranked No. 13 in the latest Class 3A state coaches poll, the Bulldogs advance to the Region IV semifinals for a rematch with No. 3 Corpus Christi London. The Pirates defeated Marion 78-59 at the Pride of Texas tournament in December, despite Ajasin’s 25-point effort.
Tuesday night’s regional semifinal will take place at Goliad High School. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. Marion Bulldog playoff coverage begins around 5:50 p.m. on AM 1580 KWED and streams at SeguinToday.com.
(Duncanville) — The Lifegate Christian Lady Falcons captured their fifth straight state championship with a 47-37 victory over Lady Royal of Mercy Preparatory Christian Academy at the Texas Christian Athletic League Class 1A State Basketball Tournament on Saturday in Duncanville.
The Lady Falcons finished an undefeated 15-0 season. Sophomore Maegan Zurovec and junior Kylie Maples earned All-Tournament honors, while senior Sharla Maples was named Tournament MVP to cap her outstanding high school career.
The Lifegate Lady Falcons are coached by Gabe Galvan.