Monday, May 6, 2024
Despite an uneven stretch of basketball to start district play, the Gatesville Hornets still control their own destiny as they look to secure their third straight playoff berth.
Gatesville dropped their two most recent district contests to fall to 1-5 in district but face Salado, Robinson, and China Spring in three of their next four games. Wins over Salado and Robinson would likely lock up the fourth spot in 23-4A and wins over all three teams would put Gatesville in a position to be the No. 3 seed in the playoffs.
On Jan. 30, the short-handed Hornets fell 52-45 to Connally. Gatesville was without Rayshon Smith in the game and West Allman was also not 100%, but the Hornets offense was sparked by Charlie Winkler and Kase Cox. Winkler’s sharp-shooting kept Gatesville in the game in the first half, while Cox’s contributions on both ends of the floor and on the glass prevented the Cadets from pulling away.
Against China Spring, the Hornets led 16-12 after the first quarter but went ice-cold over the second and third periods. They scored just six points in the second quarter and seven in the third as the Cougars turned a four-point first quarter deficit into a 43-29 lead after three quarters.
Smith and Graceson Stewart led the Hornets in scoring with 12 points each against China Spring, while Cox and Amos Phillips each pulled down five rebounds apiece.
Gatesville welcomes Salado on Feb. 2 and will look to avenge a 56-52 overtime loss to the Eagles on Jan. 16. After a visit to district-leading La Vega on Feb. 6, they will visit Robinson on Feb. 9, then close with a home game against China Spring on Feb. 13.
District 23-4A will match up with District 24-4A in the first round of the playoffs. Burnet currently leads 24-4A with a 6-0 mark followed by Lampasas (4-2), Jarrell (4-2), and Marble Falls (4-2).
