Trinidad edges Abbott, 58-55, in Regional Quarterfinal
By Michael V. Hannigan
CORSICANA -- The Trinidad Trojans only led the Abbott Panthers for three minutes and 26 seconds during Tuesday night's Regional Quarterfinal game, but they were in front when it counted.
Trinidad nipped Abbott in the end, 58-55, thanks to a 7-0 run in the last 18 seconds of the game.
"It seemed like we were behind the whole time, didn't it," said Coach Brian Martin. "How about those kids? I never feel like I am going to lose with them. They give you 110 percent, I love every one of them."
Down by four points with just 18 seconds remaining, Trinidad's Julius Stevenson hit a long three-pointer and Coach Martin called a timeout. Stevenson then forced an Abbott turnover out of bounds.
On the inbounds play, Umonte Grant found Montez Shofner under the basket with 14 seconds left for a layup and what would be the game-winning points.
Grant finished the scoring in the final seconds with a steal and a layup to seal the win.
The Trojans struggled on offense early and were down by double digits in the first quarter, but Kwon Womack hit three straight three-pointers to close out the first quarter and keep Trinidad within striking distance.
The Trojans were led by Julius Stevenson with 26 points, 10 of which came in the pivotal fourth quarter.
Kwon Womack added 14 points, including his 3 threes, Umonte Grant had 11, Kacey Womack had 3, and Montez Shofner and Colton Clark each had 2.
No. 18 Trinidad will now face No. 3 Calvert 8 p.m. Friday, March 4, at De Valle High School in the Regional Semifinal.
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