Marble Falls girls basketball learns plenty at Corpus Christi tourney
The Marble Falls High School girls basketball team went 0-4 at the Battle of the Bay tournament in Corpus Christi Dec. 1-3.
The Lady Mustangs (8-5, District 24-4A) lost to Beaumont Westbrook 41-35, Plano East 46-28, Cypress Springs 41-33, and Conroe Grand Oaks 41-33, all Class 6A members. Westbrook was ranked No. 7 going into the tournament and No. 16 as of Dec. 5 in the latest Class 6A poll of the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches. Marble Falls is No. 18 in the Class 4A poll
Still head coach John Berkman remains upbeat about the tournament because of the way his players performed.
“Our defense was really tough against the four schools we played,” he said. “Conroe Grand Oaks averaged scoring between 55 to 60 points. Nobody scored more than 46 against us.”
While he was pleased with the defense, Berkman noted the opponents’ intangibles made it difficult for Marble Falls to find an offensive rhythm.
“We struggled in part with their athleticism and length,” he said. “They made it tough with their speed and length. We hadn’t seen much of that this year.”
Opponents also made their free throws, especially towards the end of regulation to ensure victory.
He noted most opponents began each game in their full-court press, which the Lady Mustangs handled well. That was the case against Plano East. The result was a 21-21 half-time score.
“They came out in the second half in their 1-2-2 zone that gave us fits,” he said. “We couldn’t make shots and turnovers got us. We had chances at the end of the game against Plano East. It didn’t work out. They made adjustments and attacked us offensively.”
Marble Falls also had a couple of players who were limited in minutes, Berkman said.
“That hurts our offense a little bit,” he said.
The tournament served as an opportunity for Marble Falls to see some teams that make up Region III, which the Lady Mustangs were realigned to in February by the University Interscholastic League.
“We got a good glimpse of the region and the playoffs,” Berkman said. “It’s good for us in that sense. We’re getting ready for the playoffs, we’re preparing for district.”
Add in that two Lady Mustangs who were limited because of injuries, and Berkman couldn’t commend his players enough for their performances.
“I was extremely proud of our toughness and grit,” he said. “Our girls never stopped playing. I was really proud.”
Marble Falls travels to face Wimberley Tuesday, Dec. 6, with the subvarsity at 6:15 p.m. and the varsity at 7:30 p.m. Because Boerne High’s football team is in the playoffs Friday, Dec. 8, only Marble Falls’ varsity will play the Lady Hounds at 4:30 p.m. at Boerne High.
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