VERIBEST, TX — The Veribest boys basketball team made a big statement Tuesday with a 67-56 win at home over No. 16-ranked Water Valley.
The win shook up the District 11-1A standings as Water Valley was handed its first loss in district play, while Veribest jumped into second place.
Veribest trailed by four points heading into the fourth quarter before catching fire and outscoring the Wildcats 27-12 down the stretch.
“It was a huge win for us,” Veribest head coach Miles Romine said. “Water Valley’s a great team, and they have been for a really long time. But I’ve been preaching to my boys all season how good they could be if we put it all together. I’ve been preaching we can beat anybody we come against, and it culminated last night against Water Valley.”
Veribest improved to 20-6 overall and 4-2 in district, while Water Valley fell to 10-3, 4-1.
The Falcons were led by junior Sterling Salvato, who scored 23 points. Senior Bryce Martin added 14 points.
Veribest withstood a strong effort from Water Valley junior Branson Lacy, who poured in 31 points, including 24 after halftime.
Veribest dropped a couple heartbreakers to start off district play — 35-34 against Garden City and 58-54 in overtime to Robert Lee.
The Falcons have reeled off four wins since then, and they’re now right in the mix for a playoff spot or possibly even a district title.
“I really believe we can beat anybody we go up against if we play like we’re capable of,” Romine said. “That being said, our district is tough. You can’t take a night off ever. You’ve got to bring your A game every single game.”
Veribest missed the playoffs by one spot last year with a fifth-place finish in district.
Romine said he has good senior leadership, along with some promising young players like sophomores Lorenzo Hight and Tucker Martin, which has helped the program take the next step.
“I knew that we should be good this year, and we’re still pretty young,” Romine said. “I had two freshmen starting for me last year, and they’re starters again this year. … We got a lot of experience last year that’s helped a lot this year.”
Veribest will host Garden City in its next game Tuesday, Jan. 27, to begin the second half of district play.
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