Mustangs, Chargers share similar strengths
MARBLE FALLS — Marble Falls High School boys basketball coach Bruce Etheridge didn’t mince words when reflecting on the Mustangs’ area-round opponent, Boerne Champion.
"They’re probably the most successful team we’ve faced all season," he said. "It’s going to be a tough battle. Having said that, we match up well with them."
Marble Falls (18-15) will face the Chargers (32-6) at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at Wimberley High School, 100 Carney Lane.
Champion is led by a slew of posts that includes 6-foot-8 junior Brandon Bartos, 6-foot-6 senior Dallas Quick and 6-foot-5 senior Chris Ormiston.
"They’re the same amount of size we have," the Mustangs skipper said.
Marble Falls senior posts David Morgan, at 6-foot-5, and Max Lazos and freshman forward Garrett Gray, both at 6-foot-4, give the Mustangs a chance.
Etheridge said Morgan’s athletic ability puts him in a category by himself.
The player who truly makes the Chargers go is senior guard Madison Turner, who averages 19 points a game and has the versatility to drive to the lane for layups or shoot outside jumpers. He reminds Etheridge of Austin Lanier forward Abrie Anderson.
"He’s a go-getter," he said. "He’s a lefty, which lefties always seem more difficult to guard."
Gray has drawn the defensive assignment.
The Chargers are coached by Stan Leech, who has lived in Boerne for more than 20 years.
"We’ve traded offenses for offenses with one another," Etheridge said.
Champion will use offensive sets designed to force defenders to either switch on backdoor cuts hoping for a jumper or pass for layups.
Defensively, the Chargers will use various formations to try to confuse opponents, including a half-court.
Marble Falls ball handlers have struggled against that defense, which has allowed opponents to score layups or free throws.
But against Lanier on Feb. 22 in the bi-district championship, the Mustangs showed they could handle the pressure and score off their pressbreaker, knocking in about a dozen layups.
Champion survived a 61-56 scare in overtime against Schertz Clemens in the opening round of the playoffs Feb. 22.
"(Leech) certainly feels lucky they were able to come out of that Tuesday night game," Etheridge said. "It certainly gets your attention and makes you play harder. We feel very fortunate to win (against Lanier). We’re hoping the other night will help us with confidence."