Wranglers Stop Playoff Run for HP Boys
By Sam Weiger / Contributor
FORNEY — A late rally fell short for Highland Park during a season-ending loss to West Mesquite in the Class 5A Division I boys basketball playoffs on Tuesday.
Despite making in-game adjustments to stay competitive, the Scots struggled to execute during the decisive moments of a 50-44 loss to West Mesquite in the Region II semifinals.
The first half was a showcase for West Mesquite senior Isaiah Martin, who hit five 3-pointers. The Scots countered with aggressive play from Henry Beckett and big 3-pointers from junior Canon Wyatt.
“Martin was a big factor tonight,” said HP head coach David Piehler. “We let him loose a few times in the first half, but we adjusted at halftime.”
The Scots (27-8) made another significant change in the second half, using their size advantage to drive inside for high-percentage shots. Beckett excelled with this approach, leveraging his aggression to rack up layups and short jumpers.
Beckett led the Scots with 22 points, matching the rest of his teammates combined. He and Colin Noble ignited a thrilling third quarter that cut the deficit to just two points down the stretch.
However, while trying to shift the momentum, the Scots hurried some shots and struggled to connect on a series of short-range opportunities.
“We had some easy shots that we missed, including one right underneath the basket that could’ve gotten us within two,” Piehler said.
Midway through the final quarter, Beckett made critical plays to keep the Scots close. However, a series of miscues enabled the Wranglers (29-3) to close out the game with their ball movement.
Martin and Braylon McGee finished with 15 points apiece to lead West Mesquite, which extended its winning streak to 18 games. Jacob Ariyo had eight points for HP.
“We were resilient tonight as we have been all year, just didn’t have quite enough at the end,” Piehler said. “But this team was great to coach, they played hard, and in my 19 years this is one of the best teams I’ve had.”
