Tigers Punch Ticket to the SHIP!

Silsbee Tigers vs Canyon Randall Raiders

THE RETROGRADE

Jared Harris gets things going for Silsbee as a minute rolls off the clock. The game started with a really good competitive back-and-forth action. KJ Thomas of Canyon Randall had a nasty crossover that got the entire crowd on their feet as he finished with a nice touch to tie the game up at 6 a piece. Silbee’s largest lead of the quarter was 4-points but was quickly erased by a 4-0 run by Randall. The Raiders would go on to take a 1-point lead but Silsbee would go on to tie the game back up by free throws from freshman Payton Jones. Jared Harris with a steal and a two-handed flush to close out the first quarter in favor of the Tigers 16-14 over the Raiders. The second quarter of basketball started with Silsbee going on a 5-point run and increasing their lead to a 7-point deficit. Just as quickly as the Tigers went on that run, the Randall Raiders answered back quickly to erase the deficit. Both teams would exchange runs throughout the second quarter. They even exchanged leads at one point. Silsbee would eventually increase its lead to the largest of the half going up 8 points, but Randall's 2-minute drill brought them right back into the game and Silsbee would close out the quarter 35-34. In the third quarter the Raiders came out draining two big three-pointers that got their momentum going, and their crowd extra rowdy. They would take their biggest lead of the game by going up by 5 points in the game. Silsbee would take a trip to the foul line going 1 for 2 grabbing the offensive rebound and putting back for an easy bucket to cut the lead to 2 and a quick timeout by Coach Sigler to get his squad to settle down. They would come out of the timeout with a big steal by Harris and he throws it down with a two-handed flush to tie the game back up. As both teams would go back-and-forth for most of the duration of the quarter Sislbee was able to close out the quarter with two big forced turnovers and capitalized with easy buckets to go up 54-51 to end the quarter. Before we give our fourth-quarter synopsis let me say this matchup has been like a crazy heavy-weight bout. Blows upon Blows! Pretty much sums up the fourth quarter of this game. Neither team was ready to go home as they would exchange play after play. Talk about having grit on the big stage. That is exactly what we have seen in this matchup. Silsbee resilience on the defensive side of the ball just turned out to be a little too much for Randall. Silsbee kept on dancing into the UIL 4A State Championship Game with a 75-68 victory over the Raiders.  “Woo” in my Ric Flair voice! Talk about an epic state semifinal matchup. Silsbee and Canyon Randall gave us a show. 

TOP PLAYERS

Jared Harris

6’5” Sr. | Silsbee

(Memphis)

The University of Memphis signee had it on his mind in this semifinal matchup. You name it he did it. Displayed his ability to blow by opponents and his athleticism. He got his teammates involved in the game. He had quick hands defensively. He scored both inside and out in the game. He finished the game with 21 points, 4 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 assists.

Lamarcus Botley Jr.

5’10” Sr. | Silsbee

(Hardin Simmons-Football)

More than just an athlete on the football field. He is one of the best on-ball defenders in the state. He was suffocating his opponent defensively. On the offensive side of the ball, he hit some big shots and got out in the transition quickly for easy layups. He finished the game with 23 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 assists.

Payton Jones

5’11” Fr. | Silsbee

The freshman had some moments throughout the game that had the visiting section saying come on he's a freshman don’t let him do that to y’all. He displayed quickness with the ball in his hands and he was pesky on the defensive end of the ball as well. He finished the game with 9 points, 2 steals, and 2 assists.

Drelon Miller

6’2” Sr. | Silsbee

(Colorado-Football)

Drelon is a bruiser on the floor and he showcased his football strength throughout the game as he was moving around opponents with ease. His toughness on the defensive side and his tenacity to clean house on the glass make this 5-star WR a problem on the court. He finished the game with 12 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 assists. 

Devin Baccas

6’3” Sr. | Canyon Randall

Devin is a strong slashing wing that made it tough at times for his opponents. He also plays with a great motor. Although he fouled out the game, his presence was felt every minute he was on the floor. He finished the game with 16 points and 6 rebounds.

Tayesen Combs

6’2” Jr. | Canyon Randall

Tay was a big shot-maker for the Raiders. He hit some big-time trey balls that were momentum changers and led to his team going on a run. It will be interesting to see his progress throughout the summer and if he can lead his team back to San Antonio next year. He finished the game with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals.

KJ Thomas

6’1” Sr. | Canyon Randall

(UTEP)

The University of Texas at El Paso signee had some splashes throughout the game. He just couldn’t get his shot to fall at a high percentage. It was easy to see with his feel and the way the game just came to him naturally that he is a no-brainer for the NCAA D1 level. He ended the game with 19 points and 3 assists. 

To view the boxscore from the game click here Silsbee vs Randle.pdf

Article written by: Geoffrey Day

[Ball So Hard: Owner/National Scout]

March 8, 2024