The Longhorns were able to finish their season with a win, which only four other teams in the state will be able to say. Unfortunately their last win was not for a state championship.
They had a good start to the season, winning two of their first three games, including a win against their rival
Fairview
. After that quick start, the ‘Horns hit a rough patch losing six of their next seven games. Through ten games the Longhorns had a record of 3-7. It would have been easy to dismiss the season as a lost cause at that point, but they did the opposite and fought harder with hopes of becoming a better team. The turn around game for the Longhorns was a key win against conference foe Keystone. From that point on they went 7-4 to close the season. Their playoff run felt too short after a tough loss to the all too familiar CVCA Royals.
The team was filled with great guys who gave everything they had for their families, school, and their Lord. Senior Justin Chislow decided to come back and play basketball after not playing since freshman year. He played with a lot of heart and confidence. He always put the team first and with his three point threat, he was a big asset for the Longhorns. Senior Ben Lehrke played a major role for the Longhorns this season as he led the team in steals and was second in minutes played. Ben was a tenacious defender who was not afraid to get in his man’s face. Senior Zach Hausmann was the big man in the middle who shot over 55 percent for the season and averaged five rebounds per game. Zach always battled hard and gave everything he had for his team.
Senior CalThomay played a pivotal role for ‘Horns this season. As a captain he displayed great leadership both on and off the floor for the team. He was a deadly outside shooter who seemed to hit key shots when given the opportunity. Senior Louis Durban helped out the team with leadership and poise on the basketball floor. He played point guard averaging about four assists a game, seeming to know whom the ball should go to at any given time.
Sophomore Shane Elkins played big minutes for the Longhorns as their back-up big man. The team has high expectations for Elkins for his high school career. Junior Lee Magistri played back-up point guard for the Longhorns shooting over 40 percent from the floor. The team expects Magistri to have a bigger role on the team next year.
In the final game against
Columbia
the fans got to see what could be a great line-up for next year. This line-up has a solid core which is made up of juniors James Ranc, Marcus Spelich,and Justin Zuendel. Ranc is a great all around player who can score from either behind the arc with his jump shot or inside with his driving ability. He led the team in points per game and minutes but expects an even better year next year. Spelich is a great player who has the ability to score in bunches. Against Oberlin he was able to hit three three’s in a row in the span of a minute. Finally there is Zuendel, who did not play many minutes this season but looks to be a major impact next year. His size and athleticism are unmatchable in the conference which could give the Longhorns a key advantage as they try to bring home the conference title next year. full story | team page
