Eagles Can’t Slow Down Mustangs

EAGLES CAN’T SLOW DOWN MUSTANGS

After seeing such great basketball in the Dallas area, live and streamed online, I was hoping it would parlay back home for my final story of the year. I missed the finals of the Katy Tournament between North Shore and Atascocita, the Mustangs won in double overtime 69-66, so I figured their rematch would come down to the final minutes of play. Although it started off ugly, then appeared heading toward a blowout, I left not being disappointed as “The Shore” hangs on to win another three point game 55-52.

After “The Taz” jumped out to an early lead, a three-pointer from TJ Jefferson tied the score at 7 halfway through the first quarter, which ended tied up at 10. As I started getting restless around the five minute mark of the second quarter because of the low scoring, 15-13 at the time, Katira Young went to work battling on both ends against Rachel Mitchell who was plagued by foul trouble. Two baskets from Young, sandwiching a three from Karina Williams made it 22-13 and I was back into it as the game was starting to open up. Then Courtney Williams and Jefferson got going as the lead stretched to as much as 17 and the half ended with the Mustangs up 31-19, TJ playing almost flawless with 10 points and at least 5 assists. She continued where she left off in the third quarter, first a lay-up, then another three and before you know it, the lead was 16. Curtyce Knox scored all of the Eagles early points but it wasn’t until Chrishauna Parker and Lauren Price added some help on offense to ignite a run, the lead was cut down to 7. With only a few seconds remaining, a lay-up at the buzzer by Young put North Shore back up at 9 going into the final quarter. A free throw by Price opened the scoring in the final quarter, however Jefferson countered with a free throw, then a lay-up from La’ kevia Castillo and then two free throws from Monique Bedford had the Mustangs up by double digits again. Parker was an absolute beast, watching a kid  this size that can do all she does is simply amazing, a Charles Barkley comparison immediately comes to mind. The lead was cut to three several times, but Atascocita couldn’t capitalize on some golden opportunities. It was refreshing to see a couple of teams that have a shot at playing each other in Austin go to war in “Battle of the Titans” fashion. Jefferson led the Mustangs with 16 points and probably 10 assists, Williams with 11, Castillo 9, while Young and Tia Blackshure each scored 7. Knox led all scorers with 19 points, followed by 10 from Parker, 8 from Price and Mekala Bell with 7.

I’m not a fortune teller by trade, however I expect TABC’s new rankings to change with “The Taz” dropping from #12, maybe swapping places with #15 Dekaney who beat them in the Willis “Taco Bell” Championship, along with “The Shore” and Hightower, Sandra Meadows Champion, moving ahead of I-Mac. Clear Springs and Desoto, Alvin and Coca-Cola Tournament Champions respectively will probably move up as well

HAPPY NEW YEAR!