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The Hornet basketball team played a pair of remarkable, exciting postseason games, winning the first and losing the second.
A heartbreaking 33-31 loss March 1 to Mansfield Legacy brought the memorable 2009-10 season to an end.
Before that regional quarterfinal match, the Area game was played where Azle (27-5) and Fort Worth Trimble Tech squared off – in more ways then one. Eventually, the Hornets agreed to play the Bulldogs at Thomas Coliseum in Haltom City Feb. 26. Azle won, 72-71, repelling a late Tech charge. Coach Eddy Prather said, “We led the entire game and were up by 16 points once. But with three minutes left, they took a one-point lead.”
However, the Hornets immediately answered, getting the ball to veteran post Joe Richards who scored 32 points and was unstoppable. “They didn’t have an answer for Joe,” Prather said. “I’m proud of him.” Tech got the last shot, but the effort fell well short. There was no love lost between the two squads, especially after the game. Kellen Myers scored 12 points and Drew Charles and Dillon Bagwell got 10 each. The win gave AHS two-thirds of their goal: win three postseason games and reach the regional tournament. Azle’s road block to that goal was Mansfield Legacy, a team that, like the Hornets, took great pride in its defense. And that showed at Fort Worth’s Wilkerson-Greines gym as each team thwarted the other. AHS led most of the game and by as many as six – 18-12 – with 55 seconds left in the first half. The Broncos got it to 18-14 at the break, but Charles nailed a three early in the third to boost the Azle lead to 21-16. The Hornets led by three with five minutes left, 28-25. The game was tied at 31 with 40 seconds remaining then free throws edged Legacy ahead 32-31. Azle had the last shot and Legacy had fouls to give, whittling down the clock. With six seconds left, Prather said the plan to have Charles either shoot or penetrate worked. But that Bronco defense was tight and the ball did not go. The season ended. Prather said, “This was two great defensive teams. Every point was critical.” Myers hit crucial threes to lead with 12 points. All five Azle losses came to playoff teams, Prather said. He also lauded AHS’ impressive, vocal crowds. |
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