Mixing different strategies paid dividends for the Lehman Lobos in a nondistrict tilt against the McCallum Knights Monday at the Lobo Den.
Two Lobos scoring in double figures helped Lehman topple the Knights 54-44.
But for Lobo head coach Michael Whitten, getting his program ready for the “gauntlet” of the 26-5A District slate was paramount as the Lobos take on a tough Bowie tournament this weekend.
“We’re going to see some district caliber teams,” Whitten said. “We’re trying to prepare for different styles of play. It may be … we’ll have to dig in and play half court defense. Some other teams are susceptible to our pressure.”
Guiding the Lobos Monday was a dual threat attack comprised of guards Kameron Jones and Tracey Malrey. The duo combined for 33 of the Lobos’ 54 points on the night.
Whitten lauded the play of Jones, who he said was asked to play at point guard. He also highlighted Malrey’s aggressiveness in driving the lane in the contest.
“He was being really aggressive. To a coach that’s frustrating initially, but in the long run, you’re like, ‘hey, that’s great,’ because he’s doing things you want him to do.” Whitten said.
Other players contributing to the Lobo cause was AJ Garcia and Kimon Horne.
“They did what we asked them to do,” Whitten said.
The Lobos trailed 9-8 after the first quarter, but turned up the heat in the second frame.
Jones’ 11-point second quarter helped the Lobos surge out to a 24-17 advantage at the half.
Whitten said the key was switching from a pressure defense to a match-up zone, which slowed down McCallum’s offense.
He added the Lobo defense was anticipating “a little better,” which led to steals and McCallum turnovers.
“We let them take tough shots,” he said. “It was good. That’s what we wanted to do. They did a good job of executing two different styles of play.”
In turn, Lehman’s offense thrived as they turned McCallum turnovers into easy baskets. Whitten said that helped the Lobos build their lead in the first half.
As the second half wore on, Lehman’s offense began attacking the McCallum backcourt, which led to a plethora of free throw opportunities.
The Lobos went 19 for 32 from the charity stripe in the game. McCallum’s defense, which began to limit perimeter-shooting opportunities, led the Lobos to attack the paint.
“We have some advantages on driving to the basket. It worked out well as we shot a lot of free throws,” Whitten said.
Helping Lehman close the game was Malrey, who scored ten points in the fourth quarter.
As the Lobos ready for the likes of Waco University High and Bowie, Whitten said the Lobos would continue to mix up their strategy.
“We’ll keep mixing it up. This will be a good test this weekend.”
