Last season, East Bay High's boys basketball team experienced a dream season, claiming the program's first winning record in 38 years and reaching the postseason for the first time since 1968.
This year, the Indians want their intentions known throughout Hillsborough County.
"We want to hang a (championship) banner," said third-year coach Billy Teeden.
On Monday night, senior forward Dario Duque and the Indians showed how they plan to make that happen, as Duque led the way with 19 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks in an 83-56 win over Riverview in a Class 7A-District 8 game.
After leading by seven entering the fourth quarter, East Bay (3-0, 2-0) outscored Riverview (1-1, 1-1) 33-13 over the final eight minutes for the win.
"Our mindset is to play every game like it's our last," said Duque, who started the fourth-quarter run with a behind-the-back crossover at midcourt, followed by a one-handed dunk over two Riverview players.
Riverview's Jamal Evans had a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Todd Flournoy added 18 points.
East Bay reached the state playoffs last season as a district runner-up before being eliminated in the region semifinals by Durant.
"(That) proved we can play with the rest of (the county)," Duque said.
"I told them I want them to have (a district title)," Teeden said. "We have to take it one game at a time."
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