Lions battle district matches at home and on the road
By Collin Hart
Head Coach
The Lockhart Lions boys’ basketball team wrapped up a demanding week of district play with games against Lehman and Glenn, showing resilience and competitiveness against strong opponents.
On January 20, Lockhart hosted Lehman in a home district matchup. The freshman Lions earned a solid 46–33 victory, while the JV team fell 47–38. In the varsity contest, Lockhart dropped a heart breaker, 53–50 in overtime, after one of their grittiest performances of the season.
The Lions trailed by 11 points in the fourth quarter but battled back with energy and determination to force overtime. Lockhart’s defense forced Lehman into 28 turnovers, creating numerous opportunities, but the Lions were unable to fully capitalize, missing several shots and key free throws that could have changed the outcome. Despite the loss, head coach Collin Hart said he was proud of the team’s fight and effort throughout the game and added that if the Lions continue to play with the same intensity they showed in the fourth quarter and overtime, they will be in a strong position heading into the second round of district play.
Senior Tyler Kelley led the way with 21 points and 8 rebounds, while DJ Anthony added 19 points and 9 rebounds. Senior Blaze Orr chipped in 4 points in the hard-fought contest.
On January 23, Lockhart traveled to face Glenn, the top team in the district. Due to weather, only the varsity teams played. The Lions came up short, falling 85–29 against a Glenn squad that shot the ball extremely well. Hart noted the challenge of facing the district’s top team and emphasized that the focus now shifts back to preparation and improvement, reminding his players that they will get another opportunity to face Glenn at home later in the season.
The Lions will be back in action this upcoming Tuesday, January 27, at home against Liberty Hill. The team looks forward to seeing everyone in the Lion’s Den for another district showdown.
