Manor Mustangs eek out 46-44 win over JV Lions

By Alonzo Garza
POST-REGISTER

The Junior Varsity Lions hosted the Manor Mustangs at the Lion’s Den on Tuesday, Jan. 6 and fell by only one shot with a score of 46-44.

“I am excited about the possibilities for our guys,” Coach Jeff Richter said. “We started to realize what we were capable of together as a team when we played Lake Travis so tough be

fore the Christmas break. To their credit, our young men have built on what they started that night without a perceptible drop off.”

The Lions were up by one point at the end of the first quarter with a score of 13-12 after Sergio Juarez made three two point shots and a three-pointer for a total of nine points in the period. J. C. Winkler and Dustin Watkins each made a two-point shot.

The Lions were down by two at the end of the second quarter. They went into the locker room with a score of 20-18 after their lowest-scoring period. The Lions scored a total of five points in the second. Schon Colorado made a free throw shot while Juarez and Watkins each made a two-pointer.

“The Manor JV is a very athletic, talented and well-coached team,” Richter said. “However, we have to learn how to deliver the knockout punch when we’ve got someone on the ropes.”

The third quarter was the highest-scoring quarter for the Lions. They added 16 points to their score and led the Mustangs 34-30 at the end of the period.

Scoring in the third came from Dylan Plummer, Jarell McBride, Winkler, Watkins and Juarez. Winkler led the scoring with three free throws and a two-pointer. Watkins made a pair of two point shots. Plummer made a two-pointer and a free throw. Juarez and McBride each made a two point shot.

“We lost our defensive focus a bit in the fourth quarter and it made the difference in the game,” Richter said.
Despite a strong defensive effort and good decision-making on offense, the Lions were not able to close the deal and take the district play victory at home. The final score was 46-44 in favor of the Mustangs.

Juarez led fourth quarter scoring with a pair of two-pointers. Eli Flores, Winkler and Watkins each scored a two point shot.

Defensive leaders were Winkler, Juarez, Plummer and Watkins. Offensive leaders were J. McBride, Plummer, Juarez, and Watkins. Making strong contributions in a reserve role were Eli Flores, Matt Mendez, Landon Pederson, Samuel Strum and Bryan McBride.

“I hope our students and the community will come out and pack the Lion’s Den to cheer the Lions on and give us that all important home court advantage,” Richter said. “I’d like other teams to leave here talking about how Lockhart is the toughest place to play in the district.”

The Lions hosted the Del Valle Cardinals at the Lion’s Den on Tuesday, Jan. 13 and will travel to Elgin to face the Wildcats on Friday, Jan. 16. Check next weeks Post-Register for scores and highlights.

See you at the game.

agarza@post-register.com