Marble Falls boys basketball sweeps Lago Vista

CAPTION: Marble Falls senior forward Davis Dreisbach and the Mustangs earn a big win against Lago Vista to remain in control of their destiny. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro

The Marble Falls High School boys basketball team beat Lago Vista 45-31 Feb. 2 in a key District 24-4A matchup.

The win keeps the Mustangs (3-4) tied with Georgetown Gateway (3-4) in fourth place in the district standings. The two teams play at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, in Max Copeland Gym.

Mustangs head coach Travis Crain praised his players for their performances against Lago Vista in a must-win contest to keep their playoff hopes alive. The victory snaps a three-game losing skid.

“Our kids played incredibly well,” he said. “We were able to right the ship and get back in the win column. It kept us in the hunt.”

He noted the Mustangs showed their poise and determination from the start, taking a 15-7 lead after the first quarter.

But the Vikings (0-7), who Crain has stated are much better than their district record indicates, answered back to ensure the contest was tied at 22-22 at the half.

Then Marble Falls stepped back on the court and the players upped the intensity to overdrive. In perhaps what may be their finest quarter of district play, Mustangs allowed the Vikings only 2 points in eight minutes for a 36-24 advantage headed into their final quarter.

The lead went to as many as 20 points. Then Crain sat the starters, and Lago Vista was able to chip into the lead.

Senior guard Kody Smith and junior forward Garen Jones each scored 12 points followed by junior forward Davis Dreisbach with 11, junior guard Tidus Willie and junior forward Noah Lyon dropped in 4 each, and senior center Cooper Cochran finished with 2.

Crain noted Willie, Cochran and Lyon’s contributions were more on the other end.

“They took turns guarding (Lago Vista’s) best kid,” he said. “Tidus set up so many good shots. Cooper’s defense and rebounding were factors. Noah’s defense and rebounding and decision-making were fantastic.”

The coach added that he saw plenty of positives during the loss to Lampasas Jan. 30 that carried over against Lago Vista.

“I thought our defensive effort against Lampasas was good for the most part,” he said. “They didn’t get offensive rebounds until later. We carried that over. When you limit them to one chance on the floor and limit them to one possession after taking that one shot, that puts the ball in our hands and allows us to operate in a strong position. We were patient running our stuff (against Lago Vista). We limited their second-chance opportunities as best we could. Each time you get a stop, you build momentum. It keeps you feeling good, it keeps you engaged. “

The Mustangs will be looking to sweep Gateway and earn the first tiebreaker, which is head-to-head outcomes, if both teams finish the district campaign with identical records. Three games remain in the regular season. Besides hosting the Gators, Marble Falls travels to Burnet Friday, Feb. 9, and welcomes Jarrell in the season finale Feb. 13.

“We understand what’s at stake because we want to continue to be in control of our own destiny,” Crain said. “We want to continue to prepare and make the right adjustments.”

Lago Vista faces Burnet (7-0) and Jarrell (4-3) visits Lampasas (4-3) Tuesday, Feb. 6. Jarrell and Lampasas are tied for second in the district.

“Chaos reigns supreme in this district,” Crain said. “It makes you excited. Lampasas has the tiebreaker over us (because the Badgers swept the Mustangs). We’re one game out of not being in the playoffs and one game out of being second. This district has great coaches and solid players. It gives you a chance.”

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