Bullard, solid defense lead Highlanders past Cavaliers

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - The Woodlands Highlanders used solid defense to fuel the offense in a 62-51 district win before a sellout home crowd over College Park Tuesday night.

“I thought we were outstanding defensively all night with rebounding and taking charges and getting in passing lanes,” said Highlanders Head Coach Dale Reed.

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The Woodlands (18-10, 5-4) had a 49-46 lead with 3:53 left in the game after College Park Senior guard Chandler Morris hit two free throws. The Highlanders stretched their lead on a 7-0 run over the next 1:20 when James Primavera hit an off-balance 8-foot fadeaway jumper, followed by two Jack Hammett free throws and then a dagger 3-pointer from A.J. Bullard in the left corner, gave the Highlanders a 56-46 lead.

Bullard had a game-high 21 points to go along with 10 rebounds and Romello Wilbert scored 12 points for The Woodlands.

College Park (14-15, 3-5) tried to fight back as Cavaliers guard Andre Rizzotti hit a 3-pointer and the Cavalier defense immediately forced a Highlander turnover to give College Park possession, down seven points with 1:25 left.

However, the Highlanders played the passing lanes and came up with another steal that led to a fast break ally-oop slam from Romello Wilbert to Cameron Burkett to seal the victory for the Highlanders.

“We made a lot of mistakes on offense and defense. We turned the ball over on offense and on defense we had a lot of blown defensive assignments, and they (The Woodlands) were more prepared to win the game tonight,” said Cavaliers Head Coach Clifton McNeely.

The Cavaliers never led in the game and were down just four points at the half, despite going 3-for-12 from the free throw line in the first half. Cavaliers tied the game at 29-29 with 4:44 left in the third quarter after Jordan Gilliam and McKinley Green each hit free throws.

College Park was led by Senior forward Brett Reed with 14 points.

The Woodlands will have a bye on Friday, while College Park will host Kingwood on Friday, February 6, at 7pm, in a game broadcasted live on Woodlands Online.