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The Elgin boys basketball team was unable to pull out victories last week.
Losses to the East View Patriots and Pflugerville Connally Cougars nearly closed the door on the team’s playoff chances. The boys currently rank seventh in district standings and are four games back from fourth-ranked Georgetown, who holds the final playoff spot.
On Tuesday, Jan. 24, Elgin went on the road to battle East View. The Wildcats got off to a strong start and were clicking on the offensive end. After the first quarter, Elgin led 17-16.
The Patriots, however, seized momentum in the second quarter. They outscored the Wildcats 11-3 over the next eight minutes, but Elgin was still in the game down just 27-20.
The Patriots extended their lead to 48-32 after a strong third quarter outing. The Wildcats began knocking down shots and showed grit down the stretch, but they didn’t get the stops they needed on the defensive end. The Patriots ultimately won 65-49.
Later in the week, the Wildcats played at home against a formidable, undefeated in district, Pflugerville Connally team.
The Cougars used their size and athleticism to jump out to a 13-0 lead. Elgin’s Nathen Lewis and Bralon Rodriguez each responded with 3-pointers, keeping the deficit manageable. Noddyn Bailey then knocked down a running floater, and Amar Bermudez converted a bucket on an aggressive drive shortly after. The Wildcats were down 25-10 after the first quarter.
Lewis sank a crafty fadeaway jumper early in the second quarter. A beautiful transition pass from Bermudez to Bailey ensued, resulting in an easy basket. Jacob Sides swished a 3-pointer later in the quarter, but the Wildcats couldn’t match the Cougars’ offensive firepower and faced a 49-20 deficit at halftime.
Elgin fought valiantly in the second half. It wouldn't be enough, though. The Cougars coasted to a 86-45 victory.
Next up, the Wildcats will face Georgetown (Jan. 31) and Cedar Creek (Feb. 3).
