After dropping their first two district games by five points or less, the varsity boys basketball team has bounced back with back-to-back wins over Vandegrift and Vista Ridge.  The Raiders are currently 18-10 overall and 3-3 in district play.
 
“We are the toughest competition in the district,” said senior Patrick Jbeili, who is one of the team captains.
 
The Raiders are currently tied with Vista Ridge for fourth in the district, behind 4-1 Leander and 2-2 Marble Falls and Dripping Springs.
 
After opening up district Dec. 21 at home against Dripping Springs and falling to the Tigers 52-47, the Raiders lost a close 41-37 game to Leander over the break, Jan. 2.  They then posted a 63-40 win over Marble Falls Jan. 5 and traveled to Cedar Park Jan. 8 for a one point loss.
 
“Cedar Park is a hard team to play on the road,” senior Nick Asbury said. “Especially if you’re expecting a win.”
 
Going into halftime the game was tied at 23, but in the third quarter Cedar Park went off scoring 17 points to Rouse’s 7. In the fourth quarter the Raiders played nearly perfect basketball, scoring 12 points, and only allowing Cedar Park to score three, but still couldn’t pull off the win in the end. Asbury had 10 points against Cedar Park including six free throws.
 
The close loss would motivate the team to double digit wins over Vandegrift and Vista Ridge. At home, Jan. 15, the Raiders unloaded for 68 points on the Vipers in front of a boisterous crowd. Asbury led the team with 14 points, but 11 players would score in the lopsided win. The defense would hold Vandy to just 37 points.
 
Just days later, the varsity boys would have a similar finish at Vista Ridge, defeating the Rangers 51-25 at their gym. Junior Andrew Logan would contribute 17 of the team’s points in the win, including five three-pointers. The Raiders have won their last two games by 57 points, averaging 28.5 more points per game than Vandegrift or Vista Ridge.
 
With the first round of district over, the Raiders will be looking to have stronger showings against Dripping Springs, Leander and Marble Falls to ensure a playoff spot.
 
The Raiders’ upcoming schedule includes:
 
Jan. 22 at Dripping Springs, 7 p.m.
Jan. 25 Leander, 7 p.m.
Jan. 29 at Marble Falls, 7 p.m.
Feb. 1 Cedar Park, 7 p.m.
Feb. 8 at Vandegrift, 7 p.m.
Feb. 12 Vista Ridge, 7 p.m.