Dragons hope to seal up fourth playoff spot

By John English

Special to the Journal

The Carroll boys basketball team halted a four-game skid with two straight victories last week and are once again in the driver's seat for the fourth and final playoff position.

Coach Eric McDade said that his team would have to take care of business on Tuesday night against Timber Creek, which took place before the print deadline, but added that he does believe the Dragons are ready for the playoffs.

“If you could see our guys after practice, still hanging around and wanting to be around each other, it gives us a good outlook,” McDade said. “Morale is high, and it is just a good time for us right now.”

Carroll defeated Keller Central 66-48 on Friday night, and McDade said it was a good win for his team.

“I thought we played pretty well,” McDade said. “It was important for us to get back on track and win two in a row. We walked out of the game against Central feeling pretty good and feeling like we're getting better.”

Cole Partyka led the team in scoring with 18 points, while Brett Jolly added 12 and Daniel Brown scored 11 points in the game.

Josh Zabransky, Spencer Tietjen, Cooper Westland, Sammy Silver, Thomas Gilliatt, Kirk Mason, Levi Osburn and August Swanson combined for 27 points in the game.

Carroll will likely play North Crowley out of 3-5A, but could play Arlington Bowie or Arlington Martin as well, McDade said of the Dragons’ first-round opponent.

“There are multiple scenarios that could still play out,” McDade said. “As far as who we play goes, we don't have a preference. The state playoffs for us are like March Madness. You want to get in and then see what you can do. You're humbled, but you're also hungry once you get in, and anything can happen at the same time.”

McDade said as the team moves towards the playoffs, and knowing his team will have to square off with a top seed as the fourth seed in its own district, he is not really concerned about where his team is ranked.

“What we have said since day one is, it is all about the process,” McDade said. “It has very little to do with the quick win or quick loss. If we can accomplish our goals and stay focused on what we are doing during the game, regardless of who it is, winning and losing will take care of themselves.”

To have a good run in the postseason, McDade said it will take a couple of things from his team.

“When you get in, you've got a play defense and you've got to rebound,” McDade said. “In my experience, if you are going to make a long run, you're going to beat somebody you are supposed to beat; you're going to be somebody you're not supposed to beat, and you know you are going to get a little lucky along the way.”

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