Tigers finish basketball season at Regional Finals

By Melissa McCaghren

Editor

The Slaton Tigers saw their impressive 2025 playoff season come to a halt just shy of the State rounds when they lost 45-49 to Wichita Falls City View Friday evening (Feb. 28) at the Moody Center in Abilene Christian University.

The team finishes its season as Regional Finalists, having defeated Canadian 57-49 in Bi-District, Alpine 69-52 in Area, and Holliday 53-43 in overtime at Regional Semifinals.

The team had a 28-7 record overall and were 12-2 in District, and were Co-District Champions with Shallowater.

Coach Colton Stegall said the team fought hard in the close loss.

“Our team continued to battle and play tough every possession. This game was a back and forth game and a very physical battle. I am proud of how our boys competed,” he said. 

“We were led in scoring by Daniel Payne with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Braeshon Kennard had eight points and 11 rebounds, Matthew Perez also played a great game with seven points and 10 rebounds.”

While the loss ends the Tigers’ quest for a State title, Stegall said the season was “Definitely one to remember.”

“We improved every day and learned how to handle adversity the right way and how to respond to it. We became the toughest team in the area with how we fight for each other,” he said.

For more information, including more photos of the Regional Semifinal and Final games and a booster page honoring the 2025 Regional Finalist Tigers, please read the Thursday edition of The Slatonite.