Both the boys and girls LHHS basketball teams participated in area tournaments this week and finished with a combined record of just 1-6.

The Lady ‘Cats dropped all three games played at the Sandra Meadows Classic in Duncanville.

LH Today caught up with Head Coach Holly Mulligan at the tail end of a team practice on Thursday at LHHS.

Coach Mulligan commented on the team’s performance.

“We were disappointed but, as you can see, we are working hard to get over the hump and play to the level I know we are capable of.” (read: wind sprints)

The boys squad came out of the gates swinging, soundly defeating Rowlett 84-65 in their first round game of the State Farm Plano Wildcat Classic.

However, in the second round game on Tuesday, the ‘Cats faced off against Mesquite who narrowly defeated the ‘Cats earlier this season with a tip in at the buzzer.

Mesquite came into the game with an overall record of 12-3 and ranked 12th in the state.

“We know Mesquite is a very good defensive team,” said Head Coach Rob Wylie before the game. “I think the type of defense they play is a shock to the system the first time you see it."

"We know we can compete with Mesquite, we just need to execute to get the win.”

The second game of the season against Mesquite was much like the first - a very physical, defensive struggle with long stretches of scoreless play by both both teams.

It was a one-point game at the half, with the Wildcats leading 27-26. The ‘Cats still had the lead at the end of the third quarter as well, 38-35, but flat out couldn’t buy a basket in the fourth quarter.

Scoring only 6 points, and missing nearly all their free throws, the Skeeters forced the game into overtime with the score tied 44-44.

Overtime proved much the same, with the Wildcats only managing two points in the OT period. The game ended with the Wildcats on the short end of the stick, 46-50.

Coach Wylie was on point with his pre-game comments. The Skeeters pressing defense was key in keeping the ‘Cats out of their half court offense, consistently forcing tough shots and turnovers.

After the disappointing loss, the Wildcats needed to regroup for their final game of the tournament against Lewisville on Wednesday evening.

Unfortunately, a rebound win for the Wildcats wasn’t in the cards. Lead by Brandon Jefferson, who had a game high 20 points, Lewisville jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. Final score 65-81, Lewisville.

Leading Scorers against Mesquite:

LH: Bernard 11, Bingham 9, Moncrief 7, Elmore 6, Zorn 5
Mesquite: Jefferson 13, Eglehart 10, Belt 8, Reed 6

Leading Scorers against Lewisville:

LH: Zorn 18, Bernard 16, Elmore 13
Lws: Jefferson 20, Cobb 15, Jones 13

Both the boys and girls teams return to district play against Berkner next week. Boys play at home, while the girls play at Berkner High School.

Both games tip off Tuesday, January 5th at 7:30 p.m.

GO 'CATS!