TLCA's Best District Start in Five Years Marked by Tempo, Brotherhood

SAN ANGELO, TX-- The last time the TLCA Eagles started district play 5-0, they went 12-0 and won District 8-1A in the 2013-14 campaign.

They hadn't done that since realignment moved the charter school to Class 3A in Wall's district at the 2014-2016 realignment. They had some good starts with 3-2 marks in the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons and a 4-1 mark in 2016-17.

After Tuesday's 42-38 win over Ballinger, that's exactly where the Eagles are -- 5-0.

"I think they just play hard night in and night out," head coach Kent Sherrill said. "We always have great practices. The kids come to work and I think they've bought into our system. So, I think it's just a good work ethic, a good environment and I'm proud of these kids."

While there is a sort of underdog feel for TLCA athletics, Sherrill doesn't feel that's what has sparked the run for the Eagles. Rather, it was how his team responded when he told the team his expectation of them which Sherrill feels has helped the Eagles fly high this season.

"At the first of the season, we told the kids we had expectations," Sherrill continued. "And our expectations are to put ourselves in a position to win every game. If we do that, I think we have a chance to win every game. Our ultimate goal is to win a district title."

Last year, TLCA struggled, going 4-7 in District 4-3A with a 15-14 record overall in Sherrill's first year. Embracing the process, the Eagles took it on themselves to create a bond with each other over the summer and in the offseason. That bond has turned into a family-type feeling for the TLCA players.

"The family started ever since we [first] came together," said sophomore point guard Jevon Everitt. "But starting in the summer and a little bit of this year, we've been getting together more often and being with each other more often."

Being committed to each other made it easier to buy in when Sherrill laid out his expectations for this season. In fact, the response was immediate.

"We want to make a name for ourselves," said senior Isaac Gonzales. "We're not done. We still have a little bit to go and we're not stopping till it's over."

While they're confident, TLCA knows the big task no. 12-ranked Wall will bring this Friday. The win against Ballinger adds to TLCA's confidence of winning close games against tough opponents.

"Ballinger is a real good team. They're real athletic," Sherrill said. "We just found a way to win. We got down early and they came to the bench with a positive attitude. They said 'You know, we can do this.' [They] played a better second quarter, they played a decent third quarter and found a way to win in the fourth.

The Hawks, who have never lost to TLCA, hold a clear size advantage over the Eagles. But TLCA will hope their up-tempo offense, which is averaging 65.8 points per game in district, and a defense allowing 38 points in district games can counteract Wall's dominant stature.

"I'm confident because the kids, no matter the situation, no matter the circumstance, they don't quit. They continue to fight," Sherrill said. "I think as long as we continue to do that, we'll have a chance. You look at it on paper, they're ranked like no. 12 in the state, they outsize us, they have a good coaching staff and they have good kids. But there's a reason you play the game and we feel good about our chances."

TLCA primarily feels their speed, with Everitt and Gonzales running the offense, can be just what they need to pick up a win that has eluded them since moving to 3A.

"Speed is a big thing in basketball," Everitt said. "Our speed and the way we push the ball in a game, it's faster compared to other teams. Wall is a big team. It's gonna be a big challenge Friday night."

But TLCA feels they're up to the challenge and are ready for Friday.

"I'm ready. I hope they're ready. It's gonna be a good game. I hope everyone's there," Gonzales said.

TLCA and no. 12 Wall are set for an 8:00 p.m. tipoff at Wall High School.