Playoff-bound Texas High cruises
Texas High brought plenty of energy and a few surprises to cap off their regular season on Senior Night.
Despite their starting lineup consisting of all seniors, the Tigers had to battle with Pine Tree in the first quarter before taking over in the second and coasting to an easy 85-52 win on Tuesday night in front of a packed Tiger Center.
“I think the rotation wasn’t a normal flow at first, starting a different lineup, but we got it back together in the second quarter. We went from playing straight mantoto playing more press and got them out of their groove,” Texas High head coach Keith Jones said. “The press started creating a lot of turnovers and got our intensity going.”
After switching up the defensive scheme, Texas High forced nine turnovers in the second quarter, which in turn helped the offense find its rhythm. Kyle Wright was a big contributor in the quarter, scoring seven of his 15 points during the period, including a couple of rebounds.
C.J. Kelley also played a key factor throughout the contest, also scoring 15 points for the Tigers, as well 10 rebounds for a double-double. Teammates Cole Drumm added 13 points, Caleb Wilson had 12 and Elias Thurman finished with 11–nine coming in the second half.
After another tightly contested third quarter where each team traded shot for shot, THS came out in the fourth with a purpose as it outscored the Pirates, 30-13. Kelley and Wilson got the scoring started instantly with a series of baskets. Kelley hit back-to-back jumpers and was followed by Wilson’s two driving layups before Pine Tree would score.
The Tigers would build a 31-point lead and give a jolt to an already-exuberant home crowd.
With just a few minutes remaining in the contest, Texas High elected to finish the night off with another surprise, and put in senior team manager Taylor Turner. Turner quickly forced a turnover by standing his ground in the lane from a driving
Pirate, and later went down court to accept a pass from Vonderic Stanley and drain a deep 3-pointer off the glass– his first points of his career.
The bucket sent an already hyped crowd into a frenzy as they stormed the court in support for Turner.
“Being Senior Night, I once promised him I’d dress him out,” Jones said. I didn’t promise I would play him. But I’m very pleased it worked out because he’s a great kid.”
With the win, Texas High, which finished third in District 16-5A play, will look ahead into the playoffs, with a game against Forney in a bi-district matchup. Forney finished 24-8 overall and 10-4 in District 15-5A.
“Forney is good. No doubt about that,” Jones said. “We haven’t been consistent, but on nights we play well we can play with most. … Kind of depends on how well we shoot and if our defense can create turnovers or not. I have a good feeling, though.”
Texas High’s junior varsity also wrapped up its regular season with a win, defeating Pine Tree, 64-37. Aaron Meeks led all scorers with 17 for the Tigers.
Clayton Smith scorched the nets for a game-high 22 points as Texas High’s freshmen topped Pine Tree, 89-47, to finish off their perfect 22-0 season. Rian Cellers had 16 points in the victory, and Ben DePriest added 13.