Marble Falls boys basketball earns road win at Lake Belton

The Marble Falls High School boys basketball team beat Lake Belton 59-47 Nov. 28 in what head coach Travis Crain called the Mustangs’ most complete game.

“We’ve been on the road a lot,” he said. “Any road win we can pick up is valuable. I thought it was our first complete game. We played very well.”

The Mustangs (2-3) led from start to finish, Crain said, and demonstrated they are embracing what coaches are emphasizing during practices and in huddles.

“We limited them on second-chance points, we took care of the ball and valued our possessions,” he said. “Win or lose you want your guys to play and do things they’re capable of. We did that.”

The victory was especially enjoyable considering that on Dec. 28, 2022, the Broncos (2-2) defeated the Mustangs 57-39 at the Wimberley tournament.

“They have a really good club,” Crain said. “They have a shooter (sophomore Kendrick Jones), who’s lights out, who can do what he needs to do. They have a good ball club.”

The Mustangs discuss the importance of the first 2 minutes of each period and how they want to respond on both ends of the floor. That was especially important in the third quarter with Marble Falls leading 34-28 at the half. Lake Belton conducted its senior night, so the Mustangs braced for the Broncos to come out with renewed energy to begin the second half.

“They came out and made a run, and we answered,” Crain said. “We got a stop when we needed it. We were able to maintain the lead.”

Marble Falls took a one-possession advantage into the fourth quarter and outscored Lake Belton 12-3 en route to victory.

“Our defense did its job, and (the Broncos) picked up a couple of quick fouls in the fourth quarter,” the coach said.

Marble Falls hit 4 of 5 free throws in the final stanza and were 9 of 13 from the line for the contest.

Junior point guard Tidus Willie led with 20 points followed by senior guard Davis Dreisbach with 16 points and 9 rebounds, junior guard Garen Jones scored 10 points and had 4 steals, and senior guard Kody Smith added 10 points.

Crain was pleased to see numerous Mustangs contribute to the scoring, pointing out it says plenty about the team’s mindset.

“Our identity is our players,” he said. “Our belief and faith in each other is very, very strong. Everyone really believes in the people in the room. It’s a powerful thing to actualize that and do it. It’s the faith and belief we talk about. From a basketball stand point, It makes us very hard to guard.”

As he thought back to the contest, Crain noted the Mustangs have many positives he believes will help them as they continue through their pre-district schedule.

“I was proud of our guys,” he said. “We had the lead the entire game. We felt like we had a few earlier in the season that got away from us. This group is learning the lessons and applying them. I’m proud of the effort, and I’m proud they understand the process. We had a great win. Let’s learn and get better and move forward.”

Marble Falls hosts its annual Subway Classic tournament Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 30-Dec. 2.

The Mustangs compete in their only game Thursday against Hudson at noon then return for game two against Edison at noon and 3 p.m. against Cedar Park, both on Friday. The results of those games will dictate what time and who Marble Falls plays Saturday.

“It’s a good mix of teams and the coaches are phenomenal people,” Crain said. “It’s going to be a great three days in The Max.”

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