SAN ANTONIO — Warriors senior point guard AB Lozoya stands at 5-foot-2. But don’t judge him by his small frame as the speedy and quick-handed athlete defines the odds in a game that is judged by height and strength.
Over the past four years, Lozoya played with heart and never let the doubters get to his head.
In the regional quarterfinals against Corpus Christ London, he scored a career high 40 points that sent the Warriors to the Region IV-3A tournament where against Marion in the semifinals he only scored three points in a thrilling 37-35 victory.
The next day against San Antonio Cole with a trip to the state final four on the line, Lozoya showed just how much heart he has as he delivered a 34-point outburst in a 80-66 rout of the Cougars.
“It was great playing for Coach Cipriano,” Lozoya said on Thursday after the Warriors’ loss to Mount Vernon in the Class 3A state semifinals. “It was a great ride playing with this team. I know in a few years these boys will be back.”
Lozoya, who was a four-year member of the varsity squad, won a district title each of his four years and reached the state tournament in his final two years.
In the final minutes against Mount Vernon on Thursday, Lozoya fouled out late but only after pumping in 20 points, pulling down three rebounds, nailing four 3-pointers and recording six steals. Afterward, he received a hand shake and high praise from Tigers head coach Joe Thomas.
“He told me he loved the way I played and that I was an excellent player,” said Lozoya of Thomas. “It means a lot to receive praise from another coach because I know when people first see me they don’t think much, so it’s special to hear that from other coaches.”
