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THE WOODLANDS, TX -- High school rivalry games are always unpredictable. No matter the situation, these games are must-see entertainment. But when you add the fact The Woodlands was playing for their playoff lives, this already important rivalry had the entire town’s attention. Despite trailing by 12 at half to a team desperately needing a win, College Park rallied in the second half to defeat The Woodlands 56-51 in the season finale.
The win completed the season sweep of their crosstown rivals and clinched the District 15-6A two seed. The Woodlands received a gift from Klein Oak minutes after their potentially season-ending loss. The Panthers defeated Conroe, who came into Tuesday tied with the Highlanders for the fourth and final playoff spot. The Woodlands will claim the last spot in District 15-6A due to the regular-season tiebreaker.
The Highlanders set the tone and silenced the CP side of the gym by starting out on a 8-0 run. The Woodlands did some serious damage from behind the arc in the first quarter. The team hit four three’s in the opening frame to give them an 18-7 lead after one.
College Park slowly began to find their form in the second quarter. Tuesday’s player of the game, Ty Buckmon scored six of his game-high 18 points to try to ignite a comeback. However, Ben Mills’ tough work around the rim allowed him to lead all scorers with nine and gave The Woodlands a 31-19 lead at halftime.
The third quarter was the difference-maker in this rivalry game. The teams basically swapped first quarter roles as College Park outscored The Woodlands 20-7, including a trio of three-balls, two of which came from the hot hands of Buckmon. Logan Maksimowicz was the other three-point shooter in this quarter. It was his only shot of the entire game, but it was the one to finally give the Cavaliers the lead.
Khi Watkins and Marvin Dock each finished with 10 points on the night. Each of them came up with clutch scores down the stretch to hold off the late Highlander push led by Ben Mills who finished with 16 points.
The Cavaliers (12-4) secured the two seed and complete bragging rights over their rivals until next season. That two seed will match College Park up with the three-seed from District 16-6A (opponent TBD). The Woodlands secured the four seed with the help of Klein Oak. The Highlanders (9-7) will face District 16-6A champion Westfield in the bi-district round.
Coach McNeely postgame interview
