Gruver’s Jalin Conyers (0) goes over Sundown defenders for a bucket during a Region I-2A final at the Texan Dome in Levelland on Saturday. [Mackenzie Teal/ Press Pass Sports]
LEVELLAND— It was never close.
Gruver kicked off 13-0 run in the first quarter and flat blew by Sundown 66-42 during the Region I-2A championship at the Texan Dome at South Plains College.
On a day where the Lady Hounds won their first ever title, the Gruver (31-5) boys team added to the fun by punching its second straight ticket to the UIL Class 2A state tournament, as well as making the program’s 10th appearance.
“This means everything to me,” said Brittan East, who is in his first season as the Gruver head coach. “It feels weird since it was a 24 point win. Last year when I was at McLean we played in the regional final and came up short. Just to have another opportunity, and with this group of guys, they are so fun, it’s just awesome.
Unlike Friday night’s shooting struggles from the floor, the Greyhounds caught fire, opening the game up on a 19-6 run. Gruver expanded that lead to 28-13 by halftime, while shooting an impressive 48 percent from the field in the first two quarters.
For the game, Gruver shot 50 percent, and were a superb 5-of-12 from beyond the arc.
Senior standout and University of Oklahoma commit Jalin Conyers didn’t have any show stealing dunks, however, the talented forward out matched the Roughnecks with a game-high 27 points to go with 17 rebounds for his fourth straight double-double of the playoffs.
Conyers, who won a 2A state title at West Texas High in 2018, is now 18-1 in his last 19 playoff games.
“I think that shows what kind of teammates I’ve had,” said Conyers, who will make his third straight trip to the Alamodome. “It’s been a blessing, and I can’t wait to get back down there. This might be my last time playing basketball so I’m going to do all I can to end on a high-note.”
Carter Armes was 5-of-10 from the field as well as 3-of-6 from downtown for 13 points, adding three assists.
The Greyhounds defense limited Sundown (18-15) to 32 percent shooting, forcing 18 turnovers, while outrebounding the Roughnecks 32-20.
Gruver 19 30 55 66
Sundown 6 13 28 42
G— Jalin Conyers 27, Carter Armes 13. S— Gus Davis 9, Michael Ojeda 9. Records: Gruver 31-5; Sundown 14-12.