The varsity boys’ basketball team sits at 25-1 (7-1), the best start under head coach Toby Martin. The team plays undefeated Plano East (27-0, 8-0), which ranks third in the nation overall on Friday, Jan. 26.
With the playoffs around the corner, the team cannot afford to let up, especially with Plano East in district. The team has a chance to avenge the 84-63 loss against Plano East this Friday.
“Knowing we have a target on our back and knowing how we went out last time, [we have to] make sure we don’t have that same outcome,” senior point guard Princeton Green said.
Even with the tough competition in the district, the team isn’t intimidated by the challenge of over taking the Panthers for first place.
“When my staff and I got here, we felt this was an underdog situation and a lot of people assumed we were overachieving,” Martin said. “We feel like we practice so hard that nothing should intimidate us. We want those matchups; we want the lights on us.”
Of the team’s 24 wins, nine victories have come within five points. While playing close games could be seen as unsustainable, Martin isn’t worried about his team’s margin of victory.
“People will tell you [if] you played [close] against a better team, you wouldn’t have been able to pull [the win] out,’” Martin said. “We understand our identity. My starting point guard has over 75 starts. We lean on his experience.”
That point guard, Green, has been leading the offense all season long, even breaking Lewisville’s assist record for a single game with 19. He’s been able to balance scoring and distributing the ball well.
“When I’m going down the court, I make sure to keep my head on a swivel and make sure everybody’s involved,” Green said. “Coach lets us play freely.”
The free play has benefited the team, as they’ve allowed 70 points once in the last 15 games.
“We’re an aggressive team and like to get out [with] fast pace,” junior forward Max Hindman said. “[Getting] a lot of rebounds and second chance points [helps].”
Martin highlighted the team’s continuity and experience would help them down the stretch heading into the final games of the season.
“The guys are starting to trust each other more,” Martin said. “[We’re] understanding how to play the game together where we’re really sharing the ball.”
