Jul 30, 2010
Friendswood maintains second place in district standings
January 28, 2009
FRIENDSWOOD — The Friendswood Mustangs remain one game behind league-leading La Marque (8-0) in the District 24-4A standings after the first round. La Marque had to fight off a pesky Pearland Dawson team who almost pulled off the upset as the Cougars beat the Eagles 69-67 on the final shot of the game.
Meanwhile, Friendswood (19-5, 7-1) took care of business with a 56-54 overtime win against Texas City before traveling to Angleton for 64-55 victory.
As usual, Friendswood and Texas City (13-12, 5-2) always have a battle regardless of their season record. Both are in contention for a playoff spot as the two squads entered their district contest tied at 5-1.
The loss dropped Texas City to 5-2 for third place in the standings.
Friendswood took the early lead 13-6 at the end of the first eight minutes of action. But Texas City came back to take the second period 12-9 leaving the Mustangs clinging to a 22-18 halftime lead.
The game continued to remain close in the third with Friendswood getting the edge 15-14 for a 37-32 lead entering the final frame.
Texas City outscored the Mustangs 18-13 to send the game into overtime with the score tied 50-50.
With only 16 seconds left in overtime and the score tied 54-54 - Jackson Griffon became the hero of the night as he took a pass from Peter Maetzold for the game winning layup.
Texas City figured that Mark Garza would take the last shot so the Stingarees used three players to keep him from getting the ball. That's when Maetzold dribbled into the lane and hit Griffon.
William Evans missed a 3-pointer for the Stings that would have won the game. However, Isiah Matthews gathered the rebound and missed the short shot to end the game with Friendswood getting the 56-54 win.
Byron Randle led the Mustangs offense with 18 points including a layup to tie the game at 54-54 in overtime. Garza had 12 points, Kevin Wilson had nine points, Griffon had eight points, Connor Neuman added three points, and Keith Canada, Maetzold, and Shane Bergeson each had two points.
"I was happy with the way we finished," Friendswood coach Darren Chandler said. "I thought we played a little tired at times. We've had a little strep throat issues, so that might have been the problem."
Friendswood 64 - Angleton 55
Last season, Angleton finished 24-11 overall and in second place behind district champion La Marque. This season, the Wildcats are struggling and may miss the playoffs since they are currently 4-16 overall and 2-6 in district.
Friendswood traveled to face the Wildcats in an always tough venue, but the Mustangs stayed focused and returned home with a 64-55 win to improve their season record to 19-5 and 7-1 in district.
Jackson Griffon led the offensive attack with 13 points while Connor Neuman finished with 12.
After a close 15-13 first quarter giving Friendswood a two-point lead, the Mustangs got hot in the second period to outscore Angleton 17-6 for a 33-19 halftime lead.
The Mustangs took the third quarter 15-13 for a 48-32 lead, but Angleton didn't give up with a 23-17 fourth quarter, but it wasn't enough in the end.
Friendswood traveled to Santa Fe on Tuesday (late) and then will host Pearland Dawson on Friday, January 29 at 7:30 p.m. The Mustangs will travel to face Manvel on Tuesday, February 2 at 7:30 p.m.