The Nixon boys basketball team made it known early on this season they would be a squad to be reckoned with, picking up big non conference victories, after an off-season devoted to getting the taste of last years loss in the playoffs out of their mouths.

A little over a year ago the stage was all set for two regional quarterfinal match-ups involving nothing but Laredo teams. Sadly for Nixon they would fall in the area round, denying themselves a rematch with United.

"It was a little embarrassing because we were the only team out of the four that wasn't there and this year we wanted to do it and we did." (Carlos Hughes, Nixon Forward)

The mustangs devoted themselves to a grueling off-season of practice, wanting to prove that loss was a fluke. After wins over both United and Alexander, they entered the first season of play in district 31-4A and proceeded to sweep through the regular season. In the playoffs it has been like shooting fish in a barrel as Nixon has advanced to the regional tournament for the first time since 2005.

"I can't even explain it. The hard work has paid off and we've dreamed about this." (Ricky Arana, Nixon Point Guard)

"Among ourselves we did have high expectations and I’m glad we could accomplish what we have been accomplishing." (Pete Solis Jr., Nixon Head Coach)

“It's a real great feeling having all these wins with your teammates and it's an honor to be on this team."

These friends on and off the court are excited knowing they will remember these moments the rest of their lives.

"20 years from now we can come back and remember everything we went through and all those wins. It feels great."

"It's a great feeling to know we have that one more memory to add to our album that we can basically come back to years from now and remember the good moments that we've gone through together." (Rolando Bustamante, Nixon Post)

The Mustangs view this as more than just themselves but are happy to be adding to the legacy of basketball success at Nixon.

“NHS right here, this is our tradition and that's what pushes us forward to work harder."

"What we're trying to do is just keep up the Nixon tradition for everyone that has been here in the past. Now we just need to continue with that and keep it going."

The Nixon Mustangs will face quite possibly their toughest team of the season tomorrow as they take on the 16th ranked Alamo Heights Mules at the San Antonio Blossom Center. That game is scheduled to tip off at 8 pm.