Bulldogs showcase speed, down Highlanders

HUMBLE, Texas -- The Summer Creek Bulldogs proved their is no answer for quickness during Tuesday night's 66-37 District 16-6A boys' basketball victory over the cold-shooting, turnover-prone Woodlands Highlanders at Summer Creek High School.

The Bulldogs, whom might have the second-best team in 16-6A behind state-ranked Atascocita, jumped out to a 19-9 lead at the end of the first period and were never threatened during the 32-minute contest. Paul Thomas, who is Summer Creek's do-everything 6-foot-9 stretch forward, did anything he wanted all night long. He beat defenders off the dribble, controlled the boards, made no-look passes, buried a three and defended the cup like a man possessed, allowing the Highlanders only shot almost every time down the floor.

Cameron Burkett, who made seven 3-pointers in last week's victory over Oak Ridge, was limited to only one hoop as he was forced to fight valiantly for every shot he took against the much quicker and more athletic Bulldogs.

Freshman point guard Romello Wilbert, who is averaging 13 points per game, also was held way below his average against the cat-quick guards from Summer Creek, which improved to 9-7 overall and 2-2 in 16-6A play with the win.

The Woodlands, which was paced by sophomore A.J. Bullard, dropped to 16-8 overall and 3-2 in the league. The 6-foot-8 Bullard, who is improving every time he steps on the floor, was the only Highlander to finish in double figures. He capped off his game with a driving two-handed dunk in the first quarter to give the Highlanders some brief momentum in what was otherwise a very lopsided game.

Thomas, Jericho Gray, Charles Henderson, Bryan Mitchell, Corrion Ballard and Treylan Matthews led the scoring parade for Summer Creek, which will travel to meet district-leading Atascocita (5-0) at 7 p.m. Friday.

The Woodlands will return home to host Kingwood at 7 p.m. Friday. Kingwood, The Woodlands, Summer Creek, College Park and Conroe will all battle for the league's final three playoff spots behind Atascocita.