Dons roll past Rebels, join AISD logjam at top of 3-5A

Friday night set up exactly the kind of late-season drama District 3-5A boys basketball has promised all winter. Three Amarillo ISD programs sat near the top, and by the end of the evening, nothing had changed in the standings — at least not on paper. The path to that familiar logjam, however, could not have looked more different for the teams involved.

Palo Duro made sure there was no suspense at McKenzie Court. Hosting Tascosa with a chance to pull even with the Rebels and idle Amarillo High, the Dons delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, overwhelming Tascosa 80-47. The result created a three-way tie atop the district standings and officially punched postseason tickets for all three AISD schools, thanks to Lubbock Monterey’s win over Lubbock Cooper earlier in the night.

What stood out most was how quickly Palo Duro flipped the script from the first meeting between the teams. In the earlier matchup at Tascosa, the Dons struggled to find rhythm and let the game slip away. This time, urgency was evident from the opening tip. Palo Duro sprinted to a double-digit lead before Tascosa could settle in, fueled by sharp ball movement and confident perimeter shooting.

The Dons’ outside touch proved decisive. Palo Duro knocked down 10 three-pointers, spreading the floor and forcing the Rebels into constant defensive rotations. Multiple players contributed from deep over the first three quarters, allowing the lead to grow steadily and preventing Tascosa from building any momentum. By halftime, Palo Duro had already opened a commanding advantage, and the second half became an exercise in control rather than survival.

Cuda Clayton anchored the offensive effort with a game-high 24 points, showing poise and consistency as the lead expanded. His first-half scoring helped Palo Duro establish separation, and he continued to punish defensive lapses as the Rebels tried to claw back. DeJuan Flenory provided a spark off the bench, drilling three shots from beyond the arc and scoring 16 points, including a strong stretch in the third quarter that effectively ended any comeback hopes.

Balance defined Palo Duro’s night. Cheston Mitchell chipped in 13 points, while Deuce Reese added 12, underscoring how difficult the Dons were to defend when everyone stayed engaged and played within the game plan. The ball rarely stuck, and defensive pressure led to clean looks in transition.

For Tascosa, the night never quite came together. LaDarius Godbolt finished with 20 points, but his impact was muted early as he went scoreless in the opening quarter. Without early production from their leading scorer, the Rebels were constantly playing uphill. Defensive breakdowns and cold shooting made the margin feel even larger than the scoreboard suggested.

In a district race defined by thin margins, Palo Duro’s statement win served notice. The standings may show a three-way tie, but Friday night made it clear that momentum, confidence, and execution will ultimately decide how this race finishes — and the Dons look ready for whatever comes next.