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It’s playoff time and the West Oso Bears are back again in familiar territory

Posted at 6:10 PM, Feb 28, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-28 19:39:56-05

Five area boys high school basketball teams are still alive in the state playoffs heading into Friday’s games.

The West Oso Bears are back again, returning to familiar territory.

And when you consider their amazing success over the years, the numbers are staggering.

They’ve notched 45 district titles. Thirty-one regional tournament appearances. And of course, the state championship in 2011.

They are coming off that wild regional quarterfinal victory over Kingsville Tuesday which stamped their ticket to the Class 4A Regional tournament for a fourth consecutive season.

The Bears will face Liberty Hill in the semifinals Friday night at Texas A&M-Kingsville.

The streaking Bears are red-hot with 18 straight victories.

“We bring in the right coaches and get the right mindset and carrying on that tradition,” guard Craig Clemons said. “It means a lot to keep that school name.

“The talent is amazing. We have had tremendous growth since the beginning of the season. And we want to be the best we can be. Just all-around talent, everyone is good, everyone is the best they can be, everyone is playing their role and that’s what we are taught to do by Coach Jackson and Coach Davis.”

The Bears’ past success ensures they get the best effort from their opponents, according to point guard Brian Luis.

“We are just trying to stay consistent and we know hereat Oso we always have a target on our back,” Luis said. “We just have to come out at practice and try our hardest every day in hopes of getting to the regional tournament.”

Luis said a strong effort from the Bears’ defense will be key if they hope to keep advancing in the tournament.

“We practice a lot of defense, so I feel defense is a key factor in going far,” he said. “And, our scorers are really great too.”