The Lowry High School boys junior varsity boys basketball team tipped off its season this past weekend at the Pershing County tournament in Lovelock.
The Buckaroos went 2-1, over the two days, losing its opener 33-32 to Yerington on Friday, Dec. 5.
"We started out way too fast, looking to run and push the ball when it wasn't there," said LHS coach Grant Beatty. "We weren't patient in running our offense and settled for rushed shots. As a team we shot 6-for-20 from the free throw line. It's hard to win any games when we shoot like that."
The coach added that the Buckaroos committed early mistakes that put them behind early and didn't allow them to get back in it.
The Buckaroos made a nice run at the end to get back in it, including a steal and a chance to win the game in the final seconds with two free throws. However, Lowry missed both shots and with a running clock, time expired right after the attempts. Dominic Diaz and Lane Allen each had eight points to lead Lowry.
Lowry played later that night and came away with a 35-22 win, despite a slow start according to the coach.
"We had trouble getting into our offense and tried to push the ball when it wasn't there and were lazy on the glass, not fighting for position and trying to out jump guys on rebounds," Beatty said. "That allowed Dayton to keep it close in the first half. Once we did settle down, we were able to establish the ball inside."
Brody Goucher led the way for the Buckaroos with 15 points. Beatty added that getting the ball inside allowed the guards more space to work with on the perimeter. Jed Teichert and Joe Taylor took advantage of those opportunities, scoring nine and seven points, respectively.
"Defensively, we mixed up some different stuff (man defense, 2-3 match-up zone, press) which helped us stretch our lead out," added the coach.
The coach added that Brady Lange and Mike Rangel worked hard and caused some turnovers on the defensive end and Diaz had great ball pressure all game and made Dayton's guards uncomfortable.
Lowry played its best game of the tournament on Saturday, beating White Pine 48-12.
"We finally were able to play consistent and put a complete game together," Beatty said. "From the start, we were a patient team and ran through our offense, with Christian (Riddle) receiving a nice pass off a baseline screen, finishing strong, getting fouled and making his free throws."
Lowry was able to get the ball inside early and the post players were quick and decisive once they got the ball.
Lane Allen led all scorers with 13 points, scoring in the paint on some jump hooks and jump shots. The coach noted that Taylor showed flashes of his potential with some slashing, strong lay ups to the rim and a deep corner 3-pointer. Teichert also hit a big 3-pointer and finished with four points, but also played a good overall game.
"Defensively, we came out in the second half in a full court trap and that allowed us to build a bigger lead and put the game away early," Beatty said.
The coach noted that Lange played well defensively, flying around the ball and causing many deflections. Travis Hardy and Darrin Nelson had a strong game on defense, and also made smart decisions offensively.
"Each game they're getting better and better at backing up Dominic and giving us good minutes off the bench," added the coach.
Beatty praised the play of Salvador Perez with his good defense inside as well, getting rebounds, closing out on shots, and constantly communicating on with his teammates.
Lowry is off until Friday, Dec. 19, when it hosts South Tahoe at 3:30 p.m. The Buckaroos also play host to Dayton on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 11:30 a.m.[[In-content Ad]]
