Lytle Pirates Basketball Advances to Round of 32 After Bi-District Championship Win Over Northern Oaks
The Lytle Pirates are still dancing.
With a hard-fought 62-60 win over Northern Oaks on February 24, 2026, the Lytle High School boys basketball team claimed the UIL Bi-District Championship and advanced to the Round of 32 in the Texas high school basketball playoffs — a milestone moment that has brought pride and momentum to Pirate Nation.
For families, students, and longtime supporters in Lytle, Texas, this postseason run represents more than just wins on the scoreboard. It reflects months of early practices, late nights in the gym, and a team identity built on toughness, defense, and trust in one another.
A Season Built for This Moment
The Pirates closed out the regular season strong, going 3-0 over the final 10 days with decisive wins over Jourdanton, Poteet, and Dilley. The stretch pushed Lytle to a 22-11 overall record and secured second place in district — positioning them for a playoff push in the competitive Texas UIL basketball bracket.
That momentum carried into the Bi-District Playoff Game at Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, where Lytle faced Northern Oaks in a game that would test composure and grit.
The Pirates led throughout the night behind relentless defense and disciplined play. When the final minutes tightened and every possession mattered, Lytle delivered.
“The energy was all the way up, and Pirate Nation showed out on Feb. 24 as the Pirates took on Northern Oaks and battled their way to a 62-60 victory,” said Coach Vela.
The two-point margin underscored just how narrow playoff basketball can be. But Lytle’s defensive stops and timely plays sealed the win.
“The Pirates led all night by our toughness and solid defense. When it mattered most, we got stops and made winning plays!"
In Texas high school basketball, where “survive and advance” is more than a phrase — it’s reality — the Pirates did exactly that.
“Survive and advance!”
Senior Leadership and Depth Define the Pirates
This postseason run has been months in the making.
Earlier in February, the Pirates hit the road and delivered a commanding 76-49 win over the Natalia Mustangs. Senior Darrius Garcia led the charge with 26 points, while Chase Guevara added 22. Ethan Elizondo and Seth Pierce controlled the boards, setting the physical tone inside.
Rebounding and defense have been cornerstones of Lytle’s success all season. Diego Reyna and Weston Jackson created tempo with full-court pressure, while bench contributors Clayton Jopling, Antonio Castro, Jalen Rodriguez, and Lee Mills provided critical depth.
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Senior Night in Lytle honored five leaders — Lee Mills, Antonio Castro, Chase Guevara, Diego Reyna, and Darrius Garcia — players who have helped anchor the program through district play and into the postseason.
For a community like Lytle, where high school athletics serve as a gathering place and point of pride, this senior class represents more than statistics. They represent continuity, work ethic, and a shared belief that small-town teams can compete on a big stage in Texas UIL basketball.
Round of 32: Pirates vs. Pirates
Next up, Lytle will face the Poth Pirates in the Area Round — the Round of 32 — on February 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the South San Durbon Dome.
The matchup adds another layer of intrigue: Pirates versus Pirates, with a trip deeper into the Texas high school basketball playoffs on the line.
“We will take on the Poth Pirates Feb. 27 6:30 p.m. South San Durbon Dome. Thank you for all the continued support — let’s pack the dome,” said Coach Vela.
Community turnout has been a defining feature of Lytle’s postseason journey. From district play to bi-district championship action, Pirate Nation has traveled, cheered, and filled the stands.
Why This Playoff Run Matters to Lytle
In communities like Lytle, high school playoff games are more than athletic contests. They are shared experiences — grandparents sitting beside students, youth players watching their role models, and local businesses adjusting hours so families can make tipoff.
Advancing to the Round of 32 in Texas UIL basketball places Lytle High School among the top teams still competing statewide — a distinction that reinforces the strength of the program and the support system behind it.
For younger athletes in Lytle ISD, this run sets a standard. For seniors, it extends a season they’ve worked toward since October. And for the broader community, it offers a unifying moment at the height of winter sports season.
What Happens Next
Tipoff against Poth is set for 6:30 p.m. on February 27 at the South San Durbon Dome. A win would propel Lytle deeper into the Texas high school basketball playoffs and closer to regional competition.
As the Pirates prepare for the next challenge, one message has remained consistent:
Survive and advance.
For continued updates on Lytle High School basketball, Texas UIL playoff results, and community sports coverage, stay connected with My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
