LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – Sam Houston High School’s basketball team rode high after beating rival Barbe on Jan. 9, but the Broncos have struggled since that electric night.
“That was our peak. And then we kinda started going downhill from there. I think we thought we like made it, and then we started kinda coming down,” said Brady Alexander, Sam Houston senior guard.
The Broncos have lost eight of their last nine games since the victory over Barbe, putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy.
“We’ve had some ups and downs these last few games. Had some that we could’ve closed out and we didn’t. So, we just gotta make sure we focus on what we’re capable of,” said Sam Houston boys basketball head coach Jayce Hebert.
In order to get back in the win column, junior center Albert Simien said the team’s focus has been on execution.
“The focus has really been executing the offense, really being tough on defense, getting after players and just trying to like stay connected throughout tough times during the game,” Simien said.
Sam Houston sits just outside the playoff picture heading into a crucial final stretch of games.
“This final stretch is huge for us. We’re just outside the playoff picture, and we told the boys we gotta go and win two out of the next three to give ourselves a shot. It’s playoff week for us. You know it’s starting a little early for us. If we don’t win, we stay home. If we win, we get an opportunity to continue our season,” Hebert said.
The Broncos face their rival again Friday with playoff implications on the line.
“We stopped doing what we were doing to beat them, so that needs to come out of us right now. This is the time we need it,” Alexander said.
“I know this is a game they’ve had circled since the last time we played after that outcome. I know they’re going to be prepared. I know they’re going to bring a big crowd. Their student section is going to be ready so we just gotta go in there and stay composed and bring the energy as well,” Hebert said.
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