Wall Hawks Hang On After Battle From TLCA

WALL, TX — Every time it looked like the Wall boys basketball team had control of Friday’s game, the TLCA Eagles came charging back.

After trailing by as many as 14 points, TLCA rallied to within four points with just over a minute to play.

Wall was strong down the stretch, however, and the Hawks hung on for a 67-56 win on their home court.

“Every time it seemed like we got up double digits, they came back swinging again,” Wall head coach Parker Roberts said. “I just told the guys we’ve got to stick with it. I felt like (TLCA) did a good job withstanding our runs, and I tell the guys all the time it’s a game of runs.

“Whoever can withstand the storm the most is normally the one that comes out on top.”

It was a matchup of teams tied for third place in District 6-3A. Wall finished the first half of district play at 13-10 overall and 4-2 in district, while TLCA is 7-16, 3-3.

Lane Stansberry, who made his long-awaited return from an injury during football season, looked like he never left with a 28-point performance in his first game back for Wall.

Stansberry knocked down three 3-pointers, and he was 9-of-10 from the free-throw line.

Jager Thompson had 14 points, and Paxton Brake added 11.

TLCA was led by Isaiah Chappa with 18 points and Kaidan Gomez with 15 points.

TLCA led most of the first quarter, but Wall went on a 16-0 run that gave the Hawks a lead they would never relinquish.

The Eagles responded from the 21-7 deficit, however, and only trailed 31-25 at halftime.

Wall led 45-38 after the third quarter, and the Hawks led by 11 points with a little over four minutes remaining, but TLCA simply wouldn't go away.

The Eagles' ability to stay with Wall was all the more impressive considering the Hawks were bigger at every position.

"I felt really good about the fight," TLCA head coach Kent Sherrill said. "The kids understand every single time we take the floor we're always going to be undersized, so we've got to make up for size with speed. I'm really proud of the fight because I thought sometimes we could've laid down. But I think the mentality of this team is, win or lose, we want to compete until that final buzzer."

Wall had a seven-game winning streak snapped Tuesday in a 56-41 loss to Jim Ned. The Hawks also began district play with a 42-25 loss to Sweetwater on Dec. 20.

Roberts is excited to see what his team can do in the second half of district play.

"Obviously that loss to Sweetwater hurt," Roberts said. "We didn't expect that one, but those guys are leading the district right now. They're undefeated, and they've shocked a lot of people, but they play good basketball, and they're going to show up and play physical and battle. 

"We lost to Jim Ned on Tuesday at their place, so hopefully we can get them at our place. Overall, I'm satisfied with the first half of district, but I think we can play a tougher brand of basketball and be more physical. We finally got Lane Stansberry back, so he'll be a good piece for us to add on the offensive end. So I'm looking forward to the second half of district. We'll try to make a run and see what we can do."

Wall will visit district leader Sweetwater on Tuesday, while TLCA will host second-place Jim Ned.

Sherrill said he feels good about where his team stands after the first half of district play. The Eagles are in fourth place, one game ahead of Clyde.

"I think the kids are learning to play together, and I'm excited for the second round. We get some of these guys at home, so hopefully that'll help us out a little bit. But overall, I'm proud of the kids for the first round," Sherrill said. 

Wall Girls Roll Past TLCA

The Wall Lady Hawks won their game with TLCA, 48-8.

Wall moved to 17-8 overall and 6-2 in district. The TLCA Lady Eagles fell to 3-20, 0-8.

Wall will travel to Sweetwater on Tuesday. TLCA will host Jim Ned.