Delhi High may have earned its first post-season bid in eight years after defeating Turlock Christian High 66-54 on Saturday. The Hawks faced the Eagles in Pitman High’s gym for TC’s homecoming but it was Delhi who settled in and made the court theirs with a combination of speed and pressure.

“It was a good win,” Delhi’s head coach Eugene Drummond said.

Delhi jumped out to a huge lead after scoring 21 first quarter points—an offensive effort spearheaded by junior Nick Hernandez. With a wide open court to work with and the perimeter shooting of senior Antonio Gonzalez drawing attention, Hernandez scored a season’s high 28 points.

Freshman Jose Cruz and junior Erick Serrato also got in on the action, notching 11 and 10 points, respectively. By halftime Delhi led 34-31.

“We’re playing really well right now,” Drummond said.

The Hawks continued their speedy attack in the third quarter with traps and steals being converted into turnover points, a Delhi specialty. With a press and run attack, Delhi limited TC to only seven third quarter points before providing the game with a bookend 21 fourth quarter points.

“Our goal was to go 500 in league and be competitive,” Drummond said. “Then we beat Mariposa for the first time ever on the road and now we might be in the playoffs, so it’s been a good season for the guys.”

Delhi will compete in the CIF SJS Division IV playoffs unless both Sonora High and Bear River High win their final game of the season. If Delhi does advance, their opponent will be revealed later today.

Despite Saturday’s loss, TC will also make a post-season appearance. The Eagles will compete in the CIF SJS Division VI playoffs and their opponent will also be revealed later today.