Cydney Ervin took a pass from Amara Smith and scored with one second remaining in Lehman’s thrilling 71-69 comeback win over Smithson Valley. Lehman trailed 57-48 heading to the fourth quarter. (Photo by Judy Cooper)
From STAFF REPORTS
The Lehman girls basketball team wanted to prove that it just wasn’t a team that could pull off an occasional big victory – like it did over the holiday break against Hays.
The Lady Lobos want to show they are legitimate playoff contenders. They did exactly that when they went on the road and knocked off defending District 27-4A champions Smithson Valley 71-69 Friday night.
Lehman improved its district record to 2-3 and now sits in fourth place, which would indeed qualify the Lady Lobos for the playoffs if the district season ended today.
“We have put all the extra work in necessary to put ourselves in this position,” said Lehman head coach Jamie Coy. “We’ve taken all the steps we need to and now we’re ready to push toward the playoffs. That is definitely our goal.”
Lehman’s win at Smithson Valley didn’t come easy.
The Lady Rangers led 57-48 heading into the fourth quarter before Lehman went on a huge surge.
Cydney Ervin, Amara Smith and Emma Martinez all hit 3-pointers to help Lehman get back in the game.
Lehman tied the score and had the ball with 10 seconds left when Smithson Valley’s full-court press came up just short of deflecting Smith’s pass to Ervin. That left Ervin all alone under the basket for the game-winning layup with a second remaining.
“We never stopped believing we could win,” Coy said. “We are a team that emphasizes every possession, every rebound and every steal, and that’s why we never believe we are out of a game – even if we’re down by nine or 10 points heading into the final quarter.”
Smith led Lehman with 21 points, including eight in the fourth quarter, Ervin added 19 for the game and 10 in the fourth quarter, and Oliva Marzullo was the only other Lady Lobo in double-figures in scoring for the game with 10 points.
“We’re a team now that doesn’t just put an emphasis on beating Hays, every game is a must-win for us,” Coy said. “Every team is a team to beat. That’s how you make the playoffs.”
Lehman hosts Alamo Heights Friday night in another key 27-4A matchup. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
