By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal
The Westwood Warriors are arguably the hottest team in Texas high school men’s basketball.
Westwood (23-0, 5-0 District 25-6A) is ranked 20th in Class 6A by MaxPreps and is the only undefeated team remaining in the state’s largest classification.
The secret? Head coach Brad Hastings and players say it’s their close bond that has been the winning formula for the Warriors.
If you think Westwood’s success is a fluke, think again.
The Warriors have won 22 of their 23 games by 10 points or more. Westwood’s closest game was against Katy Cinco Ranch on Nov. 15 at the Austin High Tournament.
Like many games, Westwood used a fourth-quarter surge to come back and beat the Cougars 45-44. The Warriors outscored Cinco Ranch 17-14 in the final frame after entering the quarter down by four.
Westwood began the district gauntlet Tuesday with an impressive 59-47 win over Round Rock at home. The first real test comes on Friday when the Warriors travel to No. 15 Stony Point (19-4, 6-0). Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
“Obviously, it’s a big game, they’re coming off a great year last year, but honestly, it’s just another game for us,” said senior Indy McBrearty. “We have to approach it like any other game, but it would be a big win if we get the win.”
Last year’s Texas Gatorade Player of the Year, Josiah Mosely, graduated from Stony Point, but the Tigers’ offense is still just as potent.
Led by senior guards Uzziah Buntyn (21.0 points per game) and Landon Short (14.8 PPG), Stony Point’s run-and-gun offense averages 66.3 points per game.
There’s a lot on the line Friday against Stony Point.
The winner moves to the driver’s seat in 25-6A heading into the second round of district play. More importantly, it’s a chance for Westwood to claim its stake as the class of Austin-area 6A men’s high school basketball.
“Tuesday was a start,” said head coach Brad Hastings. “Round Rock has given us trouble the last couple of years. We knew that size would be an issue. Some of these teams we’re about to play are bigger than us, so we have to counter that with what we do best. I’m excited to see if our best is better than other people’s best.”
The gauntlet doesn’t end on Friday.
The Warriors return home Tuesday to take on Vandegrift (17-6, 4-1) and then close out the first round of district play with a road game against a scrappy Vista Ridge (12-10, 2-3).
District 25-6A Standings
| TEam | overall | district |
|---|---|---|
| Stony Point | 19-4 | 6-0 |
| Westwood | 23-0 | 5-0 |
| Round Rock | 16-7 | 5-1 |
| Vandegrift | 17-6 | 4-1 |
| Vista Ridge | 12-10 | 2-3 |
| Hutto | 8-13 | 1-4 |
| Cedar Ridge | 7-14 | 1-5 |
| McNeil | 4-17 | 0-5 |
| Manor | 1-16 | 0-5 |
