Keller breaks free of Southlake Carroll

By Kevin Casas

Special to the Star-Telegram

KELLER -- Keller coach Randall Durant insists it's been an up-and-own season for the Indians thus far.

But in Friday's 67-46 win over Southlake Carroll, they looked more like a team set to contend in District 4-5A.

The Indians (13-8, 3-0) shot 52 percent from the floor, broke Carroll's pressure defense with ease and made 14 of 17 free throws.

"This was a big win because we get that separation from Southlake," Durant said. "But we're looking at contending. I mean, why not us?"

Junior guard Kyle Tanner scored 19 points and Austyn Kennedy had 16 to lead Keller. But eight players contributed baskets in a balanced attack that subdued Southlake.

An 18-3 run in the second quarter did most of the damage for Keller. Tanner, Kennedy and Nolan Taylor provided the fireworks as Keller scored both in transition and in working for open shots.

Because of the early deficit, the Dragons (9-8, 1-2) were forced to play full-court pressure defense throughout the game, and Durant said breaking that pressure was key to how Keller needs and wants to play.

"We wanted to dictate the pace and play our kind of basketball," he said. "You know we worked hard to break that press and get some easy baskets."

Tanner was near flawless on the night, finding the dead spots and hitting his open opportunities.

"You have to play smart against a team like Southlake because they can score a hundred on you real quick," Tanner said.

Ray Crockett had nine points to lead Carroll, which made only 16 of 52 field goal attempts.

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