By RAUL GARCIA JR  | The Alamo News

The Lions jumped to an early lead at the start of the first quarter in their first round playoff contest with Covenant Prepatory.

It all started with a corner jump shot that burned through the net after RJ Garza pulled the trigger from beyond the three point line.

The Lions (35-3), (7-1) would go on to win 79-45 at Juan Diego Academy in Mission.

Covenant Prepatory had their hands full on both ends of the court scrambling to find a way to score and contain William Ashley. Ashley contested their shots and had two block shots in the first quarter. He put up some easy buckets and connected from the free throw line.

The Lions also forced Covenant Prepatory to make early costly turnovers that fuled the Lions’ momentum pushing their early lead to10-4.

A Covenant Prepatory score was matched by the Lions who responded with putting points on the board.

Aaron Valdez made a quick pass to Eathan Gonzalez who streaked into the lane and  finished inside on a contested layup.

The Gonzalez score turned into an 14-0 run in less than a minute as the Lions tightened their deffensive grip forcing quick turnovers and turning them into four straight three point buckets.

The first of a barrage of three pointers coming from Christian Landon from the top of the key, and the next two from Valdez. He connected from the corner and the second from the wing off the backboard.

Landon followed up with another three to lift the Lions to a 24-4 lead.

And a 20 point lead quickly turned into a 30 point lead in the second quarter when the Lions put their offense into high gear in the second quater.

In the huddle of the Covenant Prepatory the team listened to their coach saying we can come back, but we have to win this quarter.

The Lions had a recipe for success with their full court press that lifted them to a  34-4 lead heading into the half.

It was easy as 1-2-3.

Turnover, outlet pass and score for the Lions.

Valdez, Landon, and Gonzalez each finished fast breaks after forcing Covenant Prepatory turnovers.

Covenant Prepatory also turned the ball over on a travel, double dribble and backcourt violations that the Lions capitalized on way to a 46-16 halftime lead.

In the second half Covenant Prepatory would make a run and scored 11 points in the third quarter, but the Lions scored 12 to maintain their lead before running away with the win in the fourth quarter to defeat Covenant Prepatory 79-45.

Scoring for the Lions were Aaron Valdez, 20; Trey Ashely, 19;
Ethan Gonzalez, 19; Christian Landon, 19.

Scoring for Covenant Prep was Tye Leatherman, 15; Jay Williams, 12; and Josh Kennedy, 10.

Next up the Lions collide with Cornerstone San Angelo  on the road in San Antonio on Tuesday, Feb 20, at 6:30 p.m.