SAN ANGELO – Competing in the playoffs for the first time since 2015, the Bangs Dragons captured their first bi-district championship since 2014 with a 52-49 triumph over the Ozona Lions Tuesday night at Angelo State University.

The Dragons (18-14), the top seed from District 8 in the Class 2A Division I Region I bracket, will next face Seagraves (13-11), a 67-61 winner over Wink (18-12) Tuesday night, in area round action later this week.

Jayden Robinson and Braxton Wommack led the charge for Bangs with 18 points apiece, trailed by six from Ryan Alqorum, four each from Brennan Mendieta and Heath McLaughlin, and two points from Kason Klutts.

Ozona (6-16) received 21 points from Christian Villarreal and 14 from Leo Blanco.

Trailing 34-31 late in the third period, Bangs reeled off nine consecutive points to move in front for good, 40-34, with just over six minutes left in the contest.

Robinson brought the Dragons within a bucket, 34-34, then Mendieta drained a three-pointer just before the third quarter ended to give Bangs a 36-34 lead. A three-pointer from Robinson, who later added a free throw, pushed the Dragons in front, 40-36.

Bangs’ lead peaked at seven points, 45-38, on a three-pointer by Wommack, but Ozona crept back within a bucket, 51-49, with 15 seconds remaining.

Mendieta sank a free throw at that point, and Ozona missed a tying three-point attempt at the buzzer, to send the Dragons to the second round.

Bangs owned advantages after each quarter, 11-10 through one frame and 22-21 at the break.

Prior to Tuesday, the Dragons’ last postseason win occurred Feb. 18, 2014 in a 49-42 opening-round decision over Reagan County. ***

Other Class 2A Boys Basketball Playoff Scores

Goldthwaite 87, Sabinal 45

Eldorado 70, Coleman 43