Second-half surge propels No. 23 The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – The Woodlands High School boys’ basketball team couldn’t hit the side of a barn in the first half of Tuesday’s District 14-5A game with Atascocita. The Highlanders trailed 31-24 at halftime and a six-game district win streak was in jeopardy.

But, just like there are two sides to every story, there are two halves to ever game. And after playing one of the most sloppy 16 minutes this season, the Highlanders came out in the second half and absolutely torched the nets.

As a team, The Woodlands hit 11 3-pointers in the second half, four from Garrett Colonna, who finished with a game-high 28 points, and a 27-7 third-quarter blitz obliterated Atascocita’s lead.

The No. 23 state-ranked Highlanders outscored their visitors 49-17 in the second half to run away with a 73-48 victory and improve to 24-3 overall and 7-0 in district play while dropping Atascocita to 3-4 in district play.

The Woodlands coach Dale Reed said he felt an improvement defensively was the difference.

“Our defense gave up 31 points in the first half to a team that averages 45-50 points,” Reed said. “But our defense toughened up in the second half and only gave up 17. And then we were hitting 3s. It was just a great job all around.”

Wes Cole added 11 points and Brian Nordstrom led the defensive charges in the second half for The Woodlands, which draws a bye on Friday before traveling to Lufkin on Tuesday.

“It’s a tough place to play,” Reed said of Tuesday’s destination. “Last year was the first time in school history that we won there.

“It’s going to be a challenge but we’re good enough to go up there and win if we’re focused.”