OTHELLO — After an 0-20 conclusion to their 2024-25 season, the Othello Huskies (9-13) earned their first playoff win in years over East Valley on Wednesday evening. The matchup was a nailbiter throughout as the two teams traded blows, but the Huskies pulled ahead to win 81-75. 

“I think the biggest team strength was coming off of a 0-20 season then coming back and working our butts off to get here where we’re at right now,” said Huskies senior Trey Tovar. 

The matchup was a shootout from tipoff with the Huskies taking the lead by four at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter remained even closer as Othello outscored East Valley by one to go into halftime at 39-34.  

East Valley closed the gap in the third quarter and eventually took a two-point lead, but the Huskies rallied to remain just ahead on the scoreboard at 61-57. The Red Devils continued to lay into the Huskies and kept most of the quarter within one point, but Othello gained enough momentum to seal the deal and gain a district playoff victory.  

Othello sophomore LJ Nunez led the Huskies offensively as he scored 29 points Wednesday. Trey Tovar followed with 14 points, 12 of which were made from the three-point line, and Quade Gonzalez and Luis Farias were not too far behind, scoring 10 points each.  

The Huskies scored six three-pointers in Wednesday’s matchup, which Nunez said contributed alongside their ability to box out the opposition in securing the victory. He felt good about earning his first playoff victory with Othello in his career, and was excited about the team earning their first playoff game in years. 

“It was amazing, dude,” he said. “We haven’t done that since, I think ’84 when they won state, so it’s a blessing to do it with these guys.” 

Huskies Head Coach Juan Garcia, who had the cooler dumped on him after the game, said he was proud of how hard the team worked against East Valley. He saw how tired his players were towards the end of a very physical game and in spite of that, they rallied to pull out a victory. 

“I can’t even explain it, I’m so happy, man,” said Garcia. “I just told them in the back, ‘You guys did something special tonight; this hasn’t happened, at least from what I can remember, in 20 years. You guys did something tonight, and let’s keep it going.’” 

The leadership from the seniors on the court was on full display throughout Wednesday’s game as they kept the Huskies motivated to fight and get into the next round. The coach said this, along with the great offensive efforts from Nunez, kept the energy high. 

“LJ’s our engine,” said Garcia. “We ride off of him, we go off of whatever he does, so he was a big part of that.” 

One of the biggest takeaways for Othello as they exited their first round of districts was how aggressive and physical they have to be to find postseason success. As they move forward, the coach said he wants the guys to be more aggressive on defense to stay competitive. 

Garcia said he is proud of how hard Othello’s team has worked all season after their struggles last season. 

“Last year was a very tough year and then to get to the point where we’re at now, it’s been an amazing year and you want to continue it,” he said. “You want to keep it going until you can’t anymore. I’m so proud of these guys.” 

The Huskies are working hard to be ready for the second round of district playoffs this weekend. Coaches and players alike said they are excited to get back to the court and continue their run. 

“We’re just going to keep practicing, working hard and getting ready for each game,” said Tovar. 

The Huskies are heading on the road Saturday to face Prosser (10-12) in the second round of districts at 6 p.m. at Prosser High School.  

EVLY: 18-16-23-18: 75 

OTHL: 22-17-22-20: 81 

    LJ Nunez, a sophomore from Othello, jumps up to complete a layup against East Valley in the first round of the district tournament.
  

    Othello senior Josh Lawson aims to make a free throw to keep the team ahead of East Valley Wednesday evening in the district playoffs.
  

    Quade Gonzalez, an OHS senior, aims for three during the district play-in game against East Valley Wednesday.
  

    Senior player Luis Farias Villanueva from the Huskies drives toward the lane against an East Valley defender Wednesday.
  

    OHS senior Syrus Peppinger puts pressure on the East Valley defense as he pushes toward the net during the district play in game Wednesday.