Yoe takes Jarrell down to the wire for second time

In their first matchup with Jarrell, Cameron gave the Cougars what was arguably their biggest scare of the district schedule up to that point, staying within four to six points the entire way in a 59-53 loss. Going into the number one team’s house on senior night, it did not seem likely for that mark to be topped, but that was arguably the case as the Yoemen were down by just two points with 1:30 remaining before Jarrell had one late push for a 67-57 win.

Down just 59-57, Cameron (19-13) had the ball coming out of a timeout. However, the ball was quickly turned over, which led to a transition bucket. Jarrell proceeded to score the game’s final 6 points.

“This isn’t Jarrell’s first rodeo,” said Yoe basketball coach Nick Burns. “They have been to state and have played some amazing teams. I told our boys we have to learn how to put games away. We called a timeout there at the end and didn’t play real well. Jarrell has experience winning these types of games, and we have to get there. We have to finish.”

It was evident that Cameron was ready to play from the opening tip in this one, going on an 11-0 run early in the first quarter to go up 11-3, while forcing a timeout from the Cougars.

“You can’t ask for a better start than that on the road and everything went our way,” said Burns. “If nothing else, it’s a big confidence booster for our boys. It’s one thing to hang with the number one team in the state, but when you can go on an 11-0 run, you know you have potential.”

As you would expect from one of, if not the top team in the state, there was a response. Jarrell proceeded to go on a 12-0 run of their own, mainly thanks to an height advantage that led to 7 offensive rebounds during the streak.

Cameron had balanced scoring across the board, which seven different players recording points, and with each player tallying five or more points.

Scorers included Kobe Young with 10, Levi May with 9, Thomas Melton with 9, LaRondre Booze with 9, Nico Vargas with 9, Keanu McCarter with 6 and Dondrick Moore with 5.

Vargas led the way with 7 rebounds, Booze had 5 and Moore came in with 4.

After the game, Burns’ message to his team was to focus on the next season - the playoffs.

“I told the boys that tomorrow we start back at 0-0,” said the coach. “That is our record and we are now laser-focused on our next opponent. If we will bring this type of effort and intensity into our first playoff game, I think we’ll be alright.”

Friday’s 20-3A Scores: Academy 42, Cameron Yoe 38; Franklin 75, Hearne 69; Jarrell 60,

Lexington 50; Rockdale 57, Rogers 46.

Tuesday’s 20-3A Scores: Jarrell 67, Cameron Yoe 57; Hearne 96, Lexington 66; Academy 53, Rockdale 44; Franklin 58, Rogers 48.

Final 20-3A Standings: 1. Jarrell (14-0), 2. Franklin (10-4), 3. Cameron Yoe (9-5), 4. Hearne (8-6) 5. Academy (7-7), 6. Rockdale (4-9), 7. Rogers (3-11), 8. Lexington (0-14).

Playoffs matchup set

After play on Tuesday, Cameron’s first round playoff opponent was still unclear. After the games on that night, the district standings for 19-3A stood at the following: 1. Groesbeck (11-3), 1. McGregor (11-3), 3. Whitney (10-4), 4. Marlin (7-7).

Groesbeck and McGregor would not be playing a tie-breaker game and would instead be flipping for the top seed, with Cameron playing the loser. That flip took place on Wednesday, and it turns out that the Yoemen will be playing McGregor.

That game will be played on Monday from Belton High School. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m.