Community Champions: Coronado boys basketball advances to area round

The Coronado boys basketball team felt many emotions after beating Midland High 69-64 in the first round of the 6A state playoffs Tuesday. But they felt one in particular.

“It’s more of a relief than anything,” said senior forward Edgar Gandara. “You know, you wait four years to be a senior on this team. And you’re named one of the captains, and it’s just all this hard work. And it accumulates into a bi-district trophy, and it just means a lot.”

Senior guard Ayaan Sohail came up huge for the T-Birds in the victory over Midland, scoring 35 points and connecting on all 18 of his free throws.

He says the team has been getting better each and every week, and they are a long way removed from the team that started this season just 1-5.

“As a team I think we’ve progressed really well throughout the season, especially since we’ve had a lot of injuries,” said Sohail. “I think the biggest thing was leadership. Our senior leadership has done really well. So, that’s been helping us throughout the season, especially now.”

The Thunderbirds are now preparing for a showdown Friday in Seminole against one of the best teams in Texas. The North Crowley Panthers, from Fort Worth, will enter Friday’s matchup with a 33-3 record and are ranked third in the state in the 6A coaches poll.

“They have a really good point guard. We’ve been watching some film on them,” said Sohail. “Hopefully we can push the ball on them, get some ‘and ones’ and get to the free throw line. So, that’s the plan.”

In addition to Coronado, Americas also advanced to the area round in 6A.

The four teams who advanced in 5A were Eastlake, Eastwood, Hanks, and Parkland.

Meanwhile, Clint also moved on in the 4A playoffs while Van Horn was victorious in the 2A playoffs.