Hurricanes overpower former nemesis West Oso for Region IV title

Sam Houston dominated Corpus Christi West Oso from the outset Saturday afternoon to advance to the state tournament for the first time since 2005 and sixth time in the program’s storied history.

The Hurricanes (27-9), No. 6 in the final Texas Association of Basketball Coaches state poll, established a commanding 23-6 lead early in the Class 3A Region IV championship game at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi. Their lead reached 20 points in the third quarter, and Sam Houston cruised to a 72-46 victory.

The Bears eliminated Sam Houston in the regional semifinals in 2011 and 2012.

Sam Houston had a 27-8 advantage after eight minutes and led 35-22 at the half. The Bears outscored the Hurricanes 14-8 in the second quarter.

West Oso could get no closer. After the lead reached 20 late in the third quarter, the Bears scored the next four points, but were unable to build on the momentum.

All four classes were represented among Sam Houston’s leading scorers for a team that starts one senior, one junior, two sophomores and a freshman.

Senior Jordon Harris produced a game-high 31 points to lead Sam Houston. Harris scored 17 points in the first half.

Junior post Devin Allen contributed 14 points. Sophomore Robert Christian, who is becoming a more consistent scorer in the post season, finished with 14 points. Freshman guard Jawon Anderson added eight points.

 The margin of victory actually was typical of the Hurricanes’ postseason run. In the five games, Sam Houston has averaged 71.8 points and limited opponents to a 49.0 average. It has won each of those games by 16 or more points.

Sam Houston’s opponent will be No. 1-ranked Dallas Madison (29-3) at 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the state semifinals. No. 2 Kennedale (28-0) and No. 3 Houston Yates (23-6) will play in the other semifinal. The championship game will take place 10 a.m. Saturday.