Grady's playoff hopes still alive

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  • Grady's Gunnar Rivas knocks down a jumper during district action in Grady last week.
    Grady's Gunnar Rivas knocks down a jumper during district action in Grady last week.
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GARDEN CITY – Grady’s varsity boys basketball team continues to have an up and down district season with a Friday loss to Garden City and a Tuesday victory over Klondike.

Against Garden City, the Wildcats started off strong taking a 21-17 lead by halftime.

The Wildcats increased their advantage to 35-25 after the third quarter but Garden City exploded offensively in the final eight minutes to tie the game at 42-42 and force overtime.

The Wildcats experienced a fourth quarter hangover and could not find its rhythm giving the Bearkats a 53-48 victory.

Jackson Welch led all scorers with 22 points and Brendan Pelletier added 13.

Gunnar Rivas finished the game with six points followed b Logan Aaron with five points and Cooper Sims had two.

“We played well for the first three quarters, but could not score in the fourth. We had a 10 point lead going into the fourth and things just did not go our way,” stated Grady coach Chris Short. “Our kids never quit, they worked hard, but things just did not work out. We have three huge games left on our schedule and must win all three to have a shot at the playoffs.”

Once of those games occurred Tuesday against Klondike.

The Wildcats wasted no time in taking a 19-4 lead and cruised to a 30-16 halftime advantage.

Klondike managed to outscore Grady in the second half but the Wildcats fast start propelled them to the 59-50 win.

Welch was high point for Grady with 19 while Pelletier and Sims tossed in 15 points each.

Blaise Warren helped out with five points while Aaron scored three and Franki Jimenez added two.

“This was a huge win for us to stay in the hunt for the playoffs. We now have two games left and we control our own destiny,” said Short. “I was very proud of all the players for stepping up for the big game against Klondike. This was a must win and they all came out ready to play.”

Grady’s record is now 3-5 in district and 10-19 overall.

Next on the schedule for Grady is a match-up with Midland TLCA on Friday at 5 pm at Midland TLCA.

Grady will finish the district season with a 6 pm contest against Sands on Tuesday.