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Close decisions seems to be a way of life for the Tigers of late but not favorably. They defeated Del Valle 46-44 before heading home to face Westlake (46-51 and Akins (43-47). This gives them a 5-6 record with one to play. They need to win it to clinch fourth place and a date with Round Rock Stony Point in Bi-district.
Westlake never showed panic in a very fast-paced game even when DS was pressing them in the first half. 14-10; 2023. The Chaps began stretching the lead in the third to eleven (27-38). It was thirteen early in the fourth and even when Judson Loe got hot in the fourth, they seemed to be cruising and never in danger of losing. As “old school,” it was nice to watch a team that used all the court in their offense, taking the win without a three and points coming in the paint.
The Akins game was also senior night for the Tigers where seven were honored. Those were David Adair, Loe, Stone Patterson, Brandon Froidcoeur, Brady Coleman, Brayden Spencer.
This game was a very aggressive one with bodies flying all over the place. It was typical of today's games. Fundamental skills played within the rules seldom seen. It is rare you hear a whistle for traveling, double-dribble, carrying or offensive fouls. The dribbler can push off the defender with a free arm, lower a shoulder and put it in the chest of the defender to clear the area. Meanwhile, the defense emulates a pass defender in the NFL. A game reminds me of lunchtime make-up games or free-for-all PE games. No rules.
The Tigers took control of the first quarter 14-6. Akins began to close the gap as DS held on to a 2423 lead at half. It was back and forth from there. It was 30-32 after three. It was 37-37 late and free throws gave Akins the lead at 39-37. DS got a chance to tie on a foul with two seconds left. When the first FT was missed, a deliberate miss somehow fell into Rushton Budge's hands and he put it back to send the game to OT. 6-8 from the line gave Akins the edge in the OT win.
Vs DV: Budge 16, Loe 15, Spencer 9, Grant Reagan 3, Patterson 3.
Vs Wl: Loe 27, Reagan 8, Patterson 5, Budge 4, Spencer 2.
Vs Ak: Loe 17, Budge 17, Reagan 5, Patterson 4.
