Llano boys basketball wins first-round game in OT
JENNIFER FIERRO • PICAYUNE STAFF
DUBLIN — The Llano High School boys basketball team made sure its first trip to the postseason in 18 years was unforgettable.
The Yellow Jackets (21-13) beat Alvarado 56-49 in overtime Feb. 18.
Next up is Kennedale, ranked No. 3 in Class 3A by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. The game is 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at Hamilton High School, 610 College in Hamilton. Llano is representing District 8-3A as the third-place team.
At 42-42 in the fourth, Llano had the last possession in regulation but was unable to score.
Head coach Aidan Callahan credited his team for its play in the four-minute extra session.
“We showed really good composure for kids who’ve never been here,” he said. “I can’t talk enough about our composure. We didn’t panic.”
Senior guard Layton Rabb, junior Jai Bhakta and sophomore guard Joey Albor took over the scoring. Bhakta converted a three-point play and had a free throw, while Rabb scored to give Llano a 49-44 lead in overtime.
Then, Albor hit a 3-pointer to give the Jackets a 52-46 lead. Senior guard Chance Ware, senior post Isaac Hutto and Bhakta converted free throws in the final 39 seconds to ice the win.
“It was a great win on the road against a great team,” Hutto said. “I’m soaking it in.”
The players credited Callahan for helping them keep their composure after regulation ended.
“Nothing is easy at this point. Everybody (in the playoffs) is good,” Callahan said. “You’re not going to run away from people.”
jfierro@thepicayune.com
TOP PLAYERS: points – Isaac Hutto 18, Layton Rabb 12, Joey Albor 11, Jai Bhakta 11
RECORD: Llano is 21-13 overall.
UP NEXT: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21, Llano vs. Kennedale at Hamilton High School, 610 College in Hamilton