YHS varsity boys basketball edge alumni 53-52 in charity game

By Mark Lube on Wednesday, December 27, 2023
  • Yoakum High School boys basketball alumni, varsity players, and coaches. The alumni game was won by the varsity team in overtime on Tuesday, Dec. 19 in Yoakum. Contributed photo.
    Yoakum High School boys basketball alumni, varsity players, and coaches. The alumni game was won by the varsity team in overtime on Tuesday, Dec. 19 in Yoakum. Contributed photo.
  • Pictured at left are Yoakum High School boys basketball coaching staff with some of the donations for families in need. Contributed photo.
    Pictured at left are Yoakum High School boys basketball coaching staff with some of the donations for families in need. Contributed photo.

    The Yoakum Bulldogs Varsity Boys Basketball Team held an Alumni Game on Dec. 19. Proceeds from the game went to several families in Yoakum.

    Bulldogs Head Coach Roderick Taylor said $485 in cash was collected as well as $700 worth of clothes and toys, and more was provided to 25 families.

    “Christmas is about sacrifice and giving back,” he said.

    The 2023-24 varsity team edged the alumni 53-52 in overtime.

    With just a few seconds left and trailing 52-51, Zachary Taylor of the varsity team was fouled and went to the free-throw line, hitting a pair of free throws.

    The varsity led 15- 12 after the first quarter and outscored the alumni 11-9 in the second quarter for a 26-21 halftime lead.

    The alumni were able to get within 36-33 after the third quarter and went on a 12-9 run in the fourth to force overtime.

    X'zavier Barnett led the varsity with 20 points. Gage Harrison deposited 16 with Jamar Hopkins hitting three triples and totaling 10 points.

    For the alumni, current Assistant Coach Trevontae Heights scored two dozen points and hit two triples while Phillip Washington scored 15 points on five threes.

    A 12 9 12 12 7 52

    V 15 11 10 9 8 53

    Alumni: Trevontae Hights 24 3pt-2, Phillip Washington 15 3pt-5, Todrick Hights 6, Blake McCracken 3 3pt-1, William Markert 2, Maurice Harrison 2.

    Varsity: X’Zavier Barnett 20, Gage Harrison 16, Jamar Hopkins 10 3pt-3, Zachary Taylor 7.