The measurement of growth in a season

And though the Mustangs were only down by four at halftime, it was hard to believe the coach’s assessment of his squad.

On Dec. 6, his Mustangs proved him right by winning, 82-75. 

“I’m really happy with the win,” Etheridge said. “I knew from day one this was going to be a process. There are ups and downs. For our kids to compete and improve it’s very important because this is a team that embarrassed us on our home court. I didn’t let our guys forget that.”

The Mustangs played an almost flawless game — especially in the final three minutes — to secure the victory.

Sitting across both benches, Westwood coach Brad Hastings looked as if he couldn’t believe what was happening. Perhaps it had to do with the four Warriors who fouled out of the contest, or his team only scoring four points in the final 2:32 of the game.

But I like to think it was because Marble Falls turned a 26-point loss to a seven-point win.

Give Etheridge and the coaching staff a lot of credit. Several factors led to the outcome. 

The coach called two separate meetings before the game. He told his posts they had to go out, get a bad entry pass and help the guards reset the offense. They had to be more active in securing the ball and fighting for it, especially since the guards are still learning.

He told the guards they had to take better care of the ball and make better decisions.

The coach tested how well they listened by beginning the game with four guards and a post.

Etheridge said coaches made the change in order to combat Westwood’s quickness. The change worked because it stretched the defense thanks to big shots from J’Vante Blanchard, Regis Parks, Connor Docherty, Bron Etheridge and Daniel Aulick. 

It also allowed posts Austin Bacon, David Morgan and Chris Davis to go one-on-one on the low block. 

Marble Falls was able to answer every Westwood run with one of their own. They did not panic when the Warriors wanted to push the pace and get into a shootout. Nor did they allow their turnovers to turn into big deficits too difficult to overcome.

Instead, they just kept playing. 

When the game was in question, depth was the difference.

One of the Westwood parents yelled the referees called enough fouls to sit four Warriors. He didn’t bother to mention the Mustangs also had four players who fouled out.

On court for the Mustangs were players who logged significant playing time.

“Our depth certainly helped us,” Etheridge said. “We have to play the guys who get it done.”

At times, teams have to make the game simple. If a squad doesn’t win the contest, can they win a half or a period? Marble Falls won three of the four quarters to ensure victory.

The Mustangs scored 41 of 52 free throws compared to Westwood’s 26 of 43. Teams on the college level look at this stat closely because it’s one way to tell how sound a team is. Marble Falls made almost as many free shots as the Warriors attempted. 

That shows the growth of the Marble Falls squad. 

Parks’ three at the top of key with 3:14 remaining in the game was huge because the Mustangs could have folded at that point. Instead, he gave them a 70-69 lead and the confidence to finish the game.

Defensively, the Mustangs gave up only four points in the final 2:32 when the game was tied at 71. 

That shows a lot of maturity, too. 

When Etheridge exited the locker room following the win Dec. 7, he was the picture of intensity, focus and determination. His players showed that in their biggest win of the pre-district season so far. 

They made fewer mistakes, took advantage of their opportunities and proved they are better than the score indicated.