Onalaska shook off a slow beginning to the area round to defeat Central Heights 70-54 Friday in Lufkin and advance to the regional semifinals.
It wasn’t the first half that Onalaska wanted. The pace was slowed, several whistles interrupted play, and the Wildcats had yet to find their shot. They did get to the free throw line, converting most of their opportunities, to keep it close.
The Blue Devils held a five-point advantage after both the first and second quarters, and the Wildcats had a lot to discuss at halftime.
“I don't think I've been more stressed out than I was in that first half,” Onalaska coach Nicholas Tyerman said. “I had great shooters wide open, taking the shots that I want them to take, they just didn’t fall in the first half. We found a way to compete and found different ways to score.”
Devon Vienneau, who was whistled for three fouls in the first half, had 20 points in the second half. But, it was Wyatt Reyes that led the team on the court with his ball handling, defense, and creating opportunities for teammates while driving.
Vienneau was the top scorer with 25 for Onalaska. Patrick Roth had 15, Reyes 11, Jaden Wyatt 10, and Spencer Green eight.
“We ran something that most of these kids haven’t run since seventh grade and I had to draw up on the fly to get the shots that we needed inside,” Tyerman said. “I am super proud of them being able to execute and adjust. It’s like I told them in the locker room, it is a championship mindset.”
