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The Elgin Wildcats varsity basketball team edged the Cedar Creek Eagles, 79-76, in an offensive shootout Nov. 25, recording their highest offensive output of the season.
Elgin head coach Dave Wilson applauded the team’s shooting improvement after early-season struggles.
“We shot the ball pretty well. We were getting some of the same shots we’ve been getting, but we just did a good job of knocking them down,” Wilson said. “You never like to give up 76 points, but we were pretty happy with being able to put up 79, especially this early in the season.”
The Wildcats overcame a slow start as Cedar Creek built a 16-11 lead late in the first quarter. Senior guard Markus Hickman sparked Elgin’s offense with a steal and layup to tie the game at 16, followed by a threepointer. The Wildcats carried a slim 20-19 lead heading into the second quarter.
Momentum shifted early in the second when Cedar Creek senior Phineas Koplin hit a threepointer to reclaim a 23-21 lead. The Eagles extended the margin to 29-25 before the Wildcats answered with a four-point burst to tie it at 29. Hickman and junior point guard Tyson McFarlin knocked down consecutive three-pointers to give Elgin a 37-34 lead entering the third quarter.
McFarlin made critical plays in the fourth, scoring four fast-break points to help the Wildcats establish a five-point advantage. Junior Curtis Harris added a pivotal three-pointer, extending Elgin’s lead to 61-53. Despite a late rally from Cedar Creek, Elgin’s defense held strong to secure the win.
Hickman and McFarlin led the Wildcats with standout performances on both ends of the court. For the Eagles, senior guards Phineas Koplin and Kenji Franklin each scored 28 points, a challenge for Elgin’s defense to contain.
The Wildcats aim to build on their success as they host Lake Belton Dec. 3, then travel to face Burges Thursday, Dec. 5.
Elgin Wildcats senior shooting guard Markus Hickman dribbles up the court, evading defenders, during a 2023-2024 season game against Jarrell.
