The Rockdale Tigers lost 66-36 to Thorndale in their final game of pre-district play.
“We played hard,” said Sean Coleman, Rockdale High School boy’s head basketball coach. “But that was not enough.
“We still have not put a full game together when it comes to executing a game plan,” he said. “We also had trouble focusing on the things we need to do well in order to be a good team.”
The Tigers, now 6-5 overall, remained close with the 2017 Class 2A state semi-finalist Thorndale team. They trailed 36-27 at halftime.
The Bulldogs took over in the second half, outscoring Rockdale 30-9.
“Our defense, taking care of the ball and making smart offensive decisions were all areas we had trouble in,” Coleman said. “I’m eager to see how we respond coming up this week after Friday’s game.”
Earlier in the week, Rockdale defeated the Milano Eagles 67-34 at the RHS Gymnasium.
Kelan Evans led the Tigers with 24 points. Braden Moore and Mekhi Crawford scored in the double-digits with 10 points each.
Kobe Mitchell and Cayden McBride also helped the Tigers in their victory with eight and six points, respectively.
The Tigers played their first district game against the McGregor Bulldogs on Tuesday after press time. They play their last district game before the Christmas break on Friday in Little River-Academy against the Bumblebees.
The Bumblebees are picked by Texas Basketball Magazine to get the final playoff spot over Rockdale in district 19-3A. They also have 2017-18 district 25-3A first team selection senior Garrett Worden and co-newcomer of the year Tanner Rambeau leading the team this season.
Little River ended pre-district play with a win over class 2A Hearne Eagles 46-38 on Friday.
Tipoff is scheduled at 7:45 p.m.
Milano – The Milano Eagles finished their pre-district schedule with a 70-43 loss to Lexington. Milano played the Lee County Eagles close, trailing 17-13 at the end of the first quarter.
Lexington outscored them 27-7 in the second quarter to build a strong lead going into halftime to help the mean green secure the game.
The Milam County Eagles were led by Christian Thurman with 15 points and seven assists.
MHS Head Basketball Coach Kyle Edwards said Lexington ran a one-three-one defense specifically designed to stop Thurman.
Freshman Layne Telg also broke double digits with 12 points and Hayden Weaver scored six points. Arthur Soto was a physical force for the Eagles with six rebounds.
Thurman led Milano in scoring with 14 points in their 67-34 loss to Rockdale. Telg scored eight in the road game. Mason Westbrook and Christopher Soto were the top rebounders with eight and six.
“We learned this week that if we stay disciplined, and effectively execute on both sides, we can compete with anyone,” said Edwards. “Going into district, my hope is that we will own these truths and run with it.”
The Eagles, with 4-9 record overall, played Granger on Tuesday in their first district game and take on Mumford 7:45 p.m. Friday.
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