by KEFF CIARDELLO
Going into the 2012-13 season, the Lehman Lobos boys basketball team has a motto they use to motivate themselves.
“‘Do what we do.’ That’s our mindset this season,” said head coach Thomas Acker. “We have the talent, we have the ability. We just need to do what we do, be who we are in practice. We have to stay the course, get better at least one percent each day and set high standards.”
The Lobos were disappointed last season after just missing the playoffs. Lehman was looking to qualify for the postseason in back-to-back campaigns after making the playoffs for the first time ever in 2011.
Instead of dwelling on past misfortunes, Lehman knows they need to learn from last season in order be successful in this one.
“We were one game short last season,” Acker said. “Any of our losses, any single possession, could have been the difference. We just didn’t do enough to put ourselves in position to make the playoffs. We have a bunch of guys coming back, and we learned what not getting there feels like. Hopefully we learned to be hungry.”
One player who feels that hunger in particular is senior point guard De’ Andre Carson. Carson is a three-time first-team All-District selection.
“It hurt. I really thought we had it,” said Carson of Lehman’s run at the playoffs last season. “We’ve been there, so we know can do it. I feel we can get there again. We have a different mindset.”
Despite his 5-foot, 9-1/2-inch stature, Carson is no doubt the leader of the Lobos. His trademark quickness, pinpoint passes and smooth jump shots have become customary in Lobo Land.
“I’m sure opponents underestimate me. It’s ok, I’ll prove them wrong on the court,” said Carson with a smile.
Lehman has more than just Carson, with the sharp-shooting senior guard Manny Santibanez. Santibanez, who is known primarily for his ability to make three pointers, has been a nice addition for the Lobos.
“Our one and two positions are pretty secure. Manny started just about every game for us last season. He is one hard working son-of-a-gun. If you would have seen him his sophomore year, you’d be amazed to see how far he’s come,” Acker said.
Santibanez is optimistic about the 2012-13 season, mainly due to the increased work ethic of his teammates.
“The working environment in our practice is a lot better,” said Santibanez. “The tempo has increased since last year. Coach (Acker) had been stressing that we have to make playoffs and everybody wants to get better and make it. Most of us are seniors on the team and we want to make it to the playoffs this year.”
With plenty of depth at guard, height and toughness in the post may pose an issue for the Lobos.
“I don’t know if we’re tough enough yet. I would say that probably we have some size inside but we are working on our toughness. That’s going to be an ongoing thing,”said Acker.
Lehman will play in the Marble Falls Classic tournament (Nov. 29-Dec. 1) and the Lake Travis Hill Country Classic tournament (Dec. 6-8) before opening the District 27-4A season at home Dec. 21 against Alamo Heights.
