As far as emotions go, normally stoic Hays Rebel head coach Matt Sandoval let loose a wild ear-to-ear grin Tuesday as the final buzzer sounded at Bales Gym.

After four-plus years of waiting, Sandoval finally watched his Rebels lock a playoff berth via a 65-53 win over the Del Valle Cardinals. It marked the first time since the 2014-15 campaign Hays has reached the postseason.

It was a moment Sandoval always felt was within reach, even during times of struggle. Fueling it all was the team’s...