Bulldogs almost surprise Lanier; solid defense, fastbreaks help keep Burnet close
Lanier, steadying its play as the game wore on, carted off a 46-43 win over the visiting Bulldogs in a non-district game Nov. 18.
“We started out great,” Kiser said. “We did everything we wanted to do and then stopped scoring. We understand a little better that we have to be more consistent and learn to finish games.”
The Burnet coach said his team still played well.
“Our defense was very solid,” he said. “We can take a lot of space with our length. Also, the transition game was encouraging. We were able to get a number of steals and turnovers before any offensive sets were established and got some fast-break chances.”
The Bulldogs flew past Lanier for a 10-4 opening period lead and narrowly led, 20-16, after two periods. With a 15-8 third period outburst, Lanier bumped Burnet from the lead and held them off in the final quarter for a three-point win.
Senior post Tyson Denton and junior forward John Melvin combined for 31 points to pilot the Burnet attack. Denton finished with 18 while Melvin added 13 points. Garrett Wilkes dropped in seven points and junior Ben Cardozo delivered five to complete the Bulldog scoring.
Kiser said the strength of this year’s team would be the post game because of the “decent size and experience.”
The inside anchor is all-district player Tyson Denton. Kiser said he was counting on returning all-district senior guard Zakk Revelle to provide scoring from the outside and manage the offense. Newcomers Stewart Berg and Eric Melvin drew early praise from Kiser and are expected to play critical roles this season.
“Berg is a smart player that played the point for our JV last season and will see time at the two-guard and at point for Revelle,” Kiser said. “Melvin is our best outside threat and gives us another big body to take up space defensively.”
According to the Burnet coach, the team is progressing well and the early schedule should be a real challenge.
“Practices are intense and the guys give 100 percent every day,” he said. “The biggest thing is that these guys never quit. Our preseason will be a learning time for this group. We will learn a lot about our team during this time.”
The Bulldogs welcome Taylor Friday at 8 p.m. today to The Doghouse, 1000 The Green Mile in Burnet, and then commute to Lampasas Tuesday for a 7:30 p.m. contest.