Fossil Ridge has a big week ahead in District 4-5A boys basketball. Picking up wins over Haltom and Carroll could throw them into the running for a playoff spot.
Going into Tuesday's game against Haltom, Fossil Ridge was tied with Timber Creek for fifth place at identical 3-6 district marks.Although the outcome of the Haltom game was unavailable prior to the press deadline, Haltom's 2-7 district record favored the Panthers' chances.If that holds up, the Friday matchup with Carroll (5-4) could leave the two teams with 5-6 records and tied in the middle of the pack vying for a fourth playoff spot.Carroll was facing Keller on Tuesday, a team it had lost to earlier this year.The Panthers, 13-14 overall prior to Tuesday, are coming off a 65-45 win over Central last Friday.Travis Gray poured in 15 points in the win over Central, and he had plenty of help from Niron Fields and Chris Kouakou (12 points each), Ryan Parker (10 points) and Bryce Jackson (8 points).Central pulled one of the district's biggest surprise wins last Tuesday, which helps shape the tight race.The Chargers knocked off Timber Creek, 56-50, for their first district win of the season.Jordan Enloe scored a game-high 21 points for Central.Central head coach Gerald Sledge noted Enloe didn't play the first game against Timber Creek.The key, though, was Central's ability to focus on not turning the ball over."We looked at the film of our first game and focused on how to eliminate our mistakes," Sledge said.The big play in the game was J.R. Rogers' four-point play late in the game."They were keying on Enloe," Sledge said.Sledge said the win exemplified their "push through" mentality."We don't let records or losses effect us," Sledge added. "It's a mentality of success and focusing on what's important now."Keller maintained its share of the district lead with a 59-53 win over Haltom on Friday and will have its hands full again with the Carroll contest on Tuesday and Timber Creek Friday night.Mike Opolski scored 17 points for Keller against Haltom. Kyle Tanner and Austyn Kennedy were also both in double figures for the Indians.Timber Creek had an opportunity to provide itself more breathing room in the district race, but the Falcons dropped a 62-61 overtime decision to Richland on Friday.A slow third quarter took away from their very productive second-period effort, allowing Richland to take a five-point deficit and turn it into a five-point lead going into the final stanza.Manny Calton and Ray Munson each scored 17 to lead the Falcons.Timber Creek was in action against Northwest on Tuesday and has the tip off with Keller on Friday, which affords the Falcons the opportunity to knock off the top two teams in the district.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
