The Yorktown Kitty Kat and Wildcat Varsity Basketball teams secured decisive victories over the Pettus Lady Eagles and Eagles on Friday night, January 10, in District 31-2A action. Both teams battled through early challenges but came out on top with dominant second halves.
In the girls’ game, Yorktown got off to a fast start, taking a 4-0 lead behind two free throws from senior Nina Villarreal and a basket from freshman Palyn Koopmann. However, Pettus answered with a 10-5 run to close the first quarter, taking a 10-9 lead into the second. The Kitty Kats regained control in the second quarter, going on an 11-point scoring streak. Koopmann contributed seven of those points, with Villarreal and senior Sydnie Krueger adding two apiece. Yorktown’s aggressive full-court press overwhelmed the Lady Eagles as the Kitty Kats outscored Pettus 20-9 to take a 29-19 lead into halftime.
The third quarter saw the teams trade baskets, with Yorktown edging Pettus 12-11 for a 41-30 lead heading into the final period. The Kitty Kats turned up the pressure in the fourth, as their fast break and defense took its toll. Senior Laynie Boyd led the charge, scoring six consecutive points. Yorktown outscored Pettus 18-5 in the fourth to seal a dominant 59-35 victory. Koopmann nearly posted a triple-double, finishing with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists. Villarreal added 15 points, and Boyd chipped in with 10 points and four steals. Krueger contributed eight points, eight rebounds, and four steals.
In the boys' game, the Wildcats found themselves in a tight battle early. Pettus led 12-11 after the first quarter, but Yorktown opened the second period with a 9-0 run, powered by five points from freshman Aaron Luke and contributions from seniors Sam Forbes and Ethan Fitts. The Wildcats held a 24-18 advantage at the break.
Yorktown pulled away in the third, with junior Brody Metting scoring the first five points to give the Wildcats a 29-18 lead. They led 34-26 heading into the final quarter. In the fourth, Yorktown's inside game came to the forefront as junior Ryan Knostman and Forbes combined to score eight of the Wildcats’ 10 points. Yorktown finished strong with a 44-33 win. Knostman was the standout, recording a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Forbes added eight points and 12 rebounds, while Luke also had eight points. Metting finished with seven points and eight rebounds.
The Kitty Kats are 5-2 at the halfway mark of District 31-2A play and are in a three-way tie with Port Aransas and Skidmore-Tynan. The girls’ standings are: Refugio 6-1, Yorktown 5-2, Port Aransas 5-2, Skidmore-Tynan 5-2, Kenedy 4-3, Pettus 2-5, Woodsboro 1-6, Three Rivers 0-7.
After picking up back-to-back wins, the Wildcats are now 2-3 in district play and in a three-way tie for fourth place. The boys’ standings are: Port Aransas 5-0, Kenedy 4-1, Refugio 3-2, Yorktown 2-3, Pettus 2-3, Woodsboro 2-3, Skidmore-Tynan 1-4, Three Rivers 1-4.
This week’s District 31-2A action will see Yorktown hosting Woodsboro on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, and traveling to Three Rivers on Friday, January 17, 2025.
