Lions navigate layoff, secure key district wins
The Albany Lions boys basketball team navigated an unusual midseason pause last week, returning from a nine-day gap between games to earn back-to-back district victories over Stamford and Haskell.
The break began with Albany’s open date on Thursday, Jan. 23, and was extended when winter weather forced the Lions’ scheduled Tuesday game at Stamford to be postponed. Road conditions also limited practice opportunities early in the week, leaving Albany with just one full practice before returning to game action.
Albany finally resumed district play Thursday night, Jan. 29, traveling to Stamford and earning a 61-51 win in front of a full house. The matchup marked the Lions’ first game action in nine days and came against one of the district’s top teams on its home floor.
Head coach Ryder Peacock said the long layoff was a concern, especially with limited practice time leading up to the game.
“That’s a long time between games,” Peacock said. “I was worried about how quickly we could settle back in and get comfortable.”
Any concerns were eased early. Albany opened the game with a made three-pointer on its first possession and followed with a strong first quarter, scoring 19 points to establish early momentum. Stamford responded with increased physicality and energy, fueled by a large home crowd and student section, but Albany maintained control throughout the night.
Freshman Lyle Wheeler led the Lions with 22 points, turning in one of his strongest performances of the season. Chance Stewart added 12 points, while Aaden Mendez scored 10. Albany’s balanced scoring and steady defensive effort allowed the Lions to withstand Stamford’s pressure and close out the road win.
Peacock said hitting an early shot played a key role in easing the effects of the extended break.
“Once we saw one go through, everybody relaxed and started playing basketball again,” he said.
Less than 24 hours later, Albany returned home to host Haskell on Friday night, Jan. 30. Coming off an up-tempo, physical game in Stamford, Peacock said fatigue was a concern entering the second night of the back-to-back.
“That Stamford game didn’t slow down until the final minute,” Peacock said. “You worry about where your legs are the next night, especially against a team that’s playing with confidence.”
Albany responded with a strong defensive performance, limiting Haskell’s scoring opportunities and building separation as the game progressed. The Lions earned a 55-36 district win at home to complete the sweep.
Huffman Heatly led Albany with 15 points, followed closely by Mendez with 14. Wheeler added 10 points to finish in double figures for the second straight night.
Haskell entered the game riding momentum from recent district wins, but Albany’s defensive pressure and consistent scoring prevented the visitors from mounting sustained runs.
With the wins, Albany continued its unbeaten run through district play. The Lions were recently listed at No. 19 in the state rankings, recognition Peacock said reflects the team’s early-season consistency but is not a focus moving forward.
“It’s nice for the kids to get recognized,” Peacock said. “But rankings are just a number. Our focus is one game at a time.”
Albany played Tuesday night at Abilene TLCA and will close the week against Cisco, with playoff positioning at stake. Results from the Abilene TLCA and Cisco games will be published in next week’s paper.
