Burnet boys basketball show plenty in early success

CAPTION: Burnet senior forward Eli Pickens forces his way to the basket in helping the Bulldogs earn some wins. Photos by Kaydence Burditt/In Color Photography

The Burnet High School boys basketball team is playing with the same spirit, pride and honor that are pillars of the campus in starting a new season under the direction of new head coach Juston Weldon.

The Bulldogs defeated Lake Belton 58-54 Nov. 24 and won at Comfort 59-55 Nov. 20. Losses have been to Lago Vista 51-46, Bandera 66-60 in double overtime and Belton 90-39.

Weldon indicated the Bulldogs are making strides every time they step onto the floor.

“We fought really hard against Bandera,” he said. “They were another solid opponent with good size. Ultimately we struggled shooting from the floor, tired legs showed after playing the day before (the victory against Lake Belton). But there were many positives from our effort and learning experiences. We had learned how to close out some tough close games in the previous two and will learn from the mistakes that cost us down the stretch in a very evenly matched game.”

He noted the many great things he saw during the win against Lake Belton.

“The Lake Belton game was a great effort by our team,” he said. “We got down early and didn’t take our first lead until the fourth quarter. We responded well as a team to an early run by Lake Belton, stayed with the game plan, and stayed positive and together. The road win says we’re coming together and have made some major strides defensively. It shows we have the ability to come from behind and find a win against a solid opponent.”  

Hayden Sheble scored 24 points and Jaxson Sparks added 23.

“We defended really well, the best we have so far this season,” the coach said. “Hayden Sheble … hit clutch free throws down the stretch, and Jaxon Sparks pitched in … some clutch shots. It was a big win for our team.” 

Weldon was equally pleased with the road win at Comfort.

“Comfort was a well coached team that shot the 3-ball exceptionally well that allowed them to stay with us,” he said. “Despite some mistakes and too many turnovers late, I was very proud of our team for finding a way to close it out on defense and winning our first true road game in a pretty tough environment.”

The matchups don’t get any easier this week. The Bulldogs will play in Llano’s Deer Classic Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 4-6.

They take the court at 9 a.m. against Jim Ned, which is ranked No. 23 in the latest Class 3A poll of the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches, and Austin East View at 10:20 a.m. Friday, both at Llano High School in pool play. Burnet’s next opponent will be determined from its pool record when it takes the court again Friday afternoon. The Bulldogs will play their final game Saturday.

CAPTION: Junior guard Cam Edwards’ court vision helps set the Bulldogs up for success. Photo by Kaydence Burditt/In Color Photography