Central Catholic wins two close games in 2-5A tourney

Central Catholic (24-7) exacted its revenge on St. Anthony Saturday at Alamo Convocation Center for ending their 20-game winning streak three days earlier. The Buttons prevailed 84-83 over the Yellowjackets (21-11) in the finals of the TAPPS District 2-5A Tournament.

St. Anthony had defeated Central Catholic 71-68 Wednesday.

Central Catholic, No. 6 in the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Large Private School state rankings, built a 46-32 halftime lead. However, the young Yellowjackets rung up 51 points in the second half to make it a close game.

Junior guard Jaime Nava led the Buttons with 15 points. P.J. Escobar and Tony Lewis contributed 14 points apiece. Danny Kellum popped in 11 points. Senior wing Chris Paz scored nine.

Freshman Isiah Saenz led St. Anthony with 24 points.

The Buttons defeated Antonian (25-13) 65-61 in the semifinals Saturday morning to reach the championship game.

The teams were tied 13-13 after a quarter. Central Catholic opened a 45-39 lead over the next two quarters. Antonian outscored the Buttons 14-8 in the fourth quarter to force overtime.

Kellum led the Buttons with 17 points. Escobar contributed 15 points and Lewis produced 14. Senior Matt Wetesnik added nine.

Alec Boggess (21 points) and Logan Huff (20) were the top scorers for the Apaches.

Central Catholic, the top seed from 2-5A, will play next in the TAPPS state tournament area round next weekend against the sixth-place finisher from District 1. The winner will advance to the state semifinals.