HS Boys Basketball: Recap for the Week of 2/5

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Another intense week of basketball action saw hefty shifts at the top of the district standings, with teams securing their final positions for the impending playoffs. A champion was crowned, and others were eliminated from the playoffs in a week that encapsulated the highs and lows of the sport. Here are the games from last week and the final scores for each.

2/7 College Park vs. Conroe

In their only game of the week, the Cavaliers got set to host the Tigers in a matchup that would clinch sole possession of the district title should College Park win.

Their last home game of the season and senior night added additional fuel to College Park’s fire throughout the game. A slugfest of back-and-forth offenses kept the game in a constant state of potential comebacks from Conroe, but the Cavs managed to stay ahead of the curve. Steady production at all levels saw College Park gradually extend their lead and end the night with a 72-55 win.

The cutting down of the nets signified the district title for College Park in a season full of success stories.

2/7 Willis vs. Oak Ridge

Wanting to reach a higher seed for the playoffs, the Willis Wildkats set their sights on Oak Ridge for a potential win to boost their chances.

Quarter-by-quarter statistics are unavailable, but a 76-65 win for Willis allows the team to potentially jump in the standings and reclaim the district’s second seed. Their chance to do so would come later in the week against the Grizzlies.

2/7 Caney Creek vs. New Caney

The Eagles' playoff hopes hung in the balance, with games around the district indirectly affecting them.

To mitigate the damage done by outside programs, New Caney got to work against the Panthers to secure a much-needed win. An 18-8 first quarter got the team on the right foot, with the early momentum propelling the team toward their goal of a victory. Reliable work put in by the Eagles on defense ensured the lead stayed firmly in their possession, ending with a 52-39 win.

2/7 Cleveland vs. Grand Oaks

Grand Oaks hoped to remain in the second spot in the district standings in a matchup against the beatable Cleveland Indians.

The Grizzlies demonstrated complete control of the game following the opening tip. A firm grasp of the Indians on defense limited Cleveland’s ability to put up points against the onslaught of scoring from Grand Oaks. The overpowering command of the game from the Grizzlies allowed the team to walk away with a 72-35 win that racked up the stakes for the team’s matchup against Willis.

2/10 The Woodlands vs. Conroe

The continual balance of playoff contention and elimination of the marched on for The Woodlands in their date against Conroe.

The Highlander strategy of a rigid defense limiting their opponent’s scoring worked its magic again. The Tigers failed to score more than 18 points during a quarter, while The Woodlands were allowed to steadily run their offense. A four-point lead swelled to 15, and the game got away from Conroe, who fell in defeat 75-53.

With the win secured, the Highlanders have situated themselves as the fourth-seeded team in the district standings. The only team with a chance of jumping them is the New Caney Eagles, but they would need massive help to jump into the picture.

2/10 Willis vs. Grand Oaks

A battle for second place occurred at Willis High School between the grit-and-grind Grizzlies and the fast-paced Wildkats.

The blazing speed of the Wildkats pushed the team to a hefty 23-9 lead at the end of the first quarter. Things slowed down for Willis during the second quarter, but their cushion allowed the team to figure it out in the second half. Limited outside shooting from Grand Oaks handicapped the team’s ability to score down the stretch. Crucial seconds came off the clock with too few points ending on the scoreboard, which sat at 59-52 Willis.

Willis’ win snags the second seed in the district in the last game of the season and gives the Wildkats their first appearance in the playoffs as a 6A team.

2/10 Caney Creek vs. Cleveland

Without the hopes of a playoff bid, the Panthers hoped to simply notch a win against the Indians to give a boost of momentum before the season’s end.

Quarter-by-quarter stats are unavailable, but the final score of 52-39 in favor of Caney Creek shows that the team maintained their course throughout the game. Solid production on offense helped to keep the team afloat in their winning effort ahead of the season closer against The Woodlands.