Leading by only four after halftime, the Chaps needed to start fast. Junior guard Mack Martin hit a 3-pointer that ignited the Chaps offense and started Westlake’s complete second half domination, outscoring the Eagles 36 to 14.
The Chaps (27-6, 11-1 District 26-6A) got off to a slow start but quickly picked up the pace to steamroll Akins (17-11, 4-8 26-6A), 64-38, and claim a co-district title Tuesday night at Al Bennett Court. Due to Lake Travis and the Chaps splitting their regular season series, the Chaps will have a neutral site game for the first round of the playoffs.
With Tuesday night being the last home game of the regular season, six seniors were honored pre-game.
“I was so grateful. It’s really sad because it’s been four years, it’s my last home game,” senior guard Blake Cannatti said. “But I’m grateful for the coaches, I’m grateful for everybody that comes out and supports us.”
Cannatti finished his career on Al Bennett court in dazzling fashion with a barrage of 3s, a common characteristic throughout his time at Westlake.
“I trust my practice,” Cannatti said of his 3-point shooting abilities. “I trust my work.”
With the Eagles playing tight defense in the first half, the Chaps only were able to make four 3s. When the Eagles had possession, Westlake gave up offensive rebounds and turnovers which led to easy first and second chance points.
“One of the things they did best was get into the paint, take a shot, then rebound and get a second opportunity,” head coach Robert Lucero said. “It takes all five guys being physical.”
After halftime adjustments, the Chaps “locked in” according to Lucero and were able to prevent many of the issues from the first half. They outscored the Eagles 20-2 in the third quarter. On the defensive end, Westlake tried “to stop the initial drive, so that way the help wasn’t coming from somebody low,” according to Lucero.
The Chaps also heated up their scoring in the third quarter, especially with 3s and buckets down in the paint.
“Really just ball movement,” Cannatti said. “It’s running our sets to our best ability all the way through and if that doesn’t work, give us something different and keep attacking.”
Beyond Cannatti, the Chaps have consistently hit shots all season long. The ability to shoot from anywhere and the ability to utilize excellent shooting is one of the ways Lucero says that Westlake “plays to their strengths.”
The Chaps now turn their attention towards playoffs and the hunt for a state title. They will play Vista Ridge next Tuesday night in Pflugerville. For now the team will focus on improving and preparing for what Lucero calls “physical” play-off games.
“We have to make sure we continue to attack, but stay under control, so that we are getting a shot every possession,” Lucero said. “… We just gotta make sure we are solid in our schemes and then we can still get better execution wise.”
