Texans turn corner in big week

By Kevin Lonnquist

klonnquist@star-telegram.com

A pivotal week for the Northwest boys basketball team proved the season may have changed.

The Texans (13-11, 4-3) went from looking up in the District 4-5A standings to looking down. And the defense coach Mike Hatch had been praying for finally appeared. This team held district co-leader Keller to 23 - that's not a misprint - points in workmanlike 42-23 victory. They then jumped on Keller Fossil Ridge, 63-47.

The win over Keller probably proved to be the spark. The Texans had struggled defensively recently, allowing more than 50 points in a stretch of four out of five games. Keller had been considered one of the better shooting teams in the district.

"Winning at Keller Tuesday did more for their confidence than anything else," Hatch said. "It boosted their morale. We've been so close to being pretty good. We just had to be tougher and cut out some of the silly turnovers and shoot free throws. It was a huge jump for us."

Northwest climbed into sole possession of fourth place as the second half of district play began. Keller and Richland were tied for the lead at 6-1. Carroll was in second place at 5-2. Timber Creek was in fifth place at 3-4. The Texans began the week Tuesday at Haltom before playing Carroll on Friday.

Part of the toughness has been summoned from senior wings Michael Healer and Casey Jimison and senior guard Heath Owens. Whether it was coming off the bench or starting, the trio has infused some energy that might have been lacking.

"What they've done has just been contagious," Hatch said. "We've had about three guys playing pretty good for us. We just haven't had that fourth or fifth guy step up and do something. Now, we're getting it."

Not all about Josh

Teams are going to key on junior point guard Josh Tatum. Because he is such a great scorer, there is dual concern about him scoring and distributing the ball.

But scoring is the first concern, so teams have been throwing the press at him religiously. Tatum has not been the leading scorer in the last four games. That's fine with Hatch.

"Josh is such a good player," Hatch said. "He picks his moments to score and pitch. Teams try to wear him down. He's very clever as to how he handles pressure. We've also used Owens to bring up the ball. Other players are aware they have opportunities."

Nelson update

The Bobcats (20-4, 6-1 in District 5-4A) saw their winning streak end at 13 with a 58-57 loss to Denton last Friday. Keyunta Watkins was called for a charging foul with six seconds to play on a runner in the lane that went in.

This week started with the Bobcats dropping into a three-way tie for first with Denton and Denton Guyer. Nelson played host to Wichita Falls Rider on Tuesday and plays at Lake Dallas on Friday.

"Hopefully, it will re-focus the kids," coach Scott Curran said of the loss. "We didn't play defense and rebound the way we should. But the good thing is that they still control their destiny. If we win every game, we win district."

Meanwhile, junior guard Thomas Williams, a move-in from Chicago, is now averaging 10 points per game and has become a third dependable scorer behind Watkins and sophomore post Emmanuel Nzekwesi.

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