Twenty five days ago, senior guard Bo Ogden crouched on the court with his hands on his head. Lake Travis had just banked in a 3-pointer at the buzzer in double overtime to stun the Chaps and take the district lead. Tonight, varsity basketball got revenge with a 56-53 overtime win. They now control their own destiny, and if they are able to win their final three games, they will secure their twelfth district title in a row, and if the Cavs also win out, they will share it. Here are three takeaways from last night’s game
- Guard Defenders Can Win Games
Towards the end of regulation and overtime, the Cavs couldn’t get anything going on offense. Junior guard Powell Frickenschmidt and sophomore guard Hayes Goldman were a huge reason why. They were flying around the court on defense, jamming the ball handlers and making life hard on the perimeter. During overtime, head coach Robert Lucero ran out a lineup with both of them in it. Goldman has especially emerged this season, earning some crunch time minutes. Perimeter defense is key if the Chaps want to make a deep playoff run.
- Ogden Impact on Both Ends
While Ogden certainly left his mark by scoring the ball, pouring in 18 points, his overall performance was arguably more impressive. Ogden’s three blocks all came at the rim in crucial moments. They ignited the student section and ratcheted up the Chaparrals’ defensive intensity all night. Lake Travis sent doubles throughout the game, trying to make someone other than Ogden beat them. He did an admirable job of passing out of them, contributing to three Chaps finishing in double figures.
- Westlake Can Win in Different Ways
Throughout their district schedule, varsity basketball has consistently won in different styles of games. Tonight was no different. The Cavaliers were able to get back down the floor on defense very well, limiting the transition looks that the Chaps had. It turned into more of a walk-it-down type of game, which Lucero has become accustomed to. The offensive sets were solid, and set up looks both in the paint and from behind the arc. Shots weren’t falling, but when the offense faltered, the defense was able to pick up the slack. In overtime, it felt as if the Chaps were able to will themselves to the finish line.
