Highlanders comeback falls short against Kingwood

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - The Kingwood Mustangs held off a last second effort by The Woodlands Highlanders to prevail 45-42 in a district 16-6A showdown on Friday night.

Junior forward Cameron Burkett’s 3-pointer with 10.7 seconds left, pulled the Highlanders within three points at 45-42. The Highlanders stole the inbounds pass and then Cameron Burkett’s game-tying attempt from the right-wing didn’t fall to seal a crucial road victory for Kingwood.

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“Our defensive intensity was great throughout the entire game, we didn’t make enough plays to win the game, but you have to give credit to Kingwood,” said Highlanders Head Coach Dale Reed.

The Woodlands (16-9, 3-3) was solid defensively from the get go, allowing Kingwood (14-13, 5-1) just one field goal in the opening quarter. The Highlanders led by as much as eight in the first half, however a Kingwood 8-2 run over the final 2:58 of the second quarter got the Mustangs within two points at halftime.

The Highlanders struggled offensively in the second half as Kingwood again, went on a 10-0 run over a four-minute span between late the in third quarter and into the fourth quarter.

The Highlanders continued to fight back into the game and made it a two-possession game after Burkett’s lay-up with 1:00 left made it a 41-37 game. Kingwood missed some free throws and turned the ball over four times in the games waiting moments giving the Highlanders a chance.

The Woodlands will continue district play when they host the Conroe Tigers on Tuesday, January 27, at 7pm.