Maybe it’s time Keller got a little respect.
The boys basketball team took its first Class 5A district title on the strength of a sweep of Richland, and is now preparing for a playoff run.Although the Indians lost the opportunity to win the title outright following a loss to Northwest 52-42 last week, their tie-breaker in head-to-head competition with Richland gives them the top seed heading into the playoffs.The Indians (21-10, 11-2 in District 4-5A) are projected to take on Arlington Lamar, the fourth place finisher of District 3-5A. The Vikings are 7-6 in district and just 8-19 on the season. Each team still had a final regular-season game on Tuesday, after the print deadline.Even though Keller lost the two-game series to Northwest, head coach Randall Durant focused on the strength of his squad to take the talented Rebels in convincing fashion in both contests.Keller beat Richland 52-47 on the road most recently, lost to Northwest, but still needed to beat Central on Tuesday to seal the top seed.“Keller boys basketball has never won a district championship at the 5A level,” said Durant, “and the last time they won one was 1999 in 4A.“We have now made the playoffs for the fourth straight year and five of the last six,” he said.Mike Opolski has been the driving force for the Indians, Durant said. He averages 12 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6 assists and 2.5 steals a game in district play.In the Richland game, Opolski scored 17 and had six assists.Freshman Nolan Taylor is building a reason for teams to not fully focus on trying to stop Opolski. Along with Kyle Tanner and Austyn Kennedy, the Indians are forming a team-centered attack which may prove beneficial into the playoffs.The mental focus is another aspect that Durant feels is making the difference.“I’m very proud of these guys for staying mentally focused and playing winning basketball, one possession at a time,” Durant commented.Durant said there is more work to be done.Take for example the consideration of a mental vacation after having just secured a share of the district title before taking on the Texans.Northwest is a formidable team, but Keller found out they cannot take a night off in the playoff run.The Indians were tied with Northwest at the half and going into the final quarter.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
