Saturday, January 27, 2007
By Kevin Hageland, Staff Writer / Plano Star

PLANO - After losing to Plano (5-4) in the finals of the Wildcat Holiday Classic in December, Lake Highlands (5-4) has come back with a vengeance by defeating Plano in both of its District 9-5A matchups.

Lake Highlands captured its second district victory over Plano last night with a 69-51 triumph. The win put Lake Highlands and Plano, as well as Plano West, into a three-way tie for third place.

Plano fell behind early and was never able to recover as seniors John Roberson and Landon Skinner appeared to be the only offensive weapons Plano had at its disposal.

Thanks in part to the inside duo of Cameron Johnson and Cortney Dunn, along with the perimeter shooting of Aaron Willmon, Lake Highlands went up, 24-11, by the end of the first quarter.

That advantage would remain at 13 points as the two teams headed to the locker room with Lake Highlands leading, 36-23.

Another quarter came and went with Lake Highlands retaining its 13-point edge. Despite the best efforts of Skinner, who had 14 points, and Roberson, who recorded a game-high 25 points, Plano was unable to chip into Lake Highlands lead and trailed, 49-36, heading into the final quarter.

Despite that large lead, Lake Highlands poured it on in the final frame and left no doubt about the outcome. Lake Highlands outscored Plano, 20-15, in the fourth to secure the 69-51 victory.

Aside from Skinner and Roberson, Plano did not have any player score more than three points on the evening.

After reeling off four consecutive district victories, Plano has now dropped back-to-back games in 9-5A. And things won’t get any easier for Plano, as the Wildcats play host to district-leading Berkner (8-1) Tuesday night.

Plano is still the defending state champions, but the Wildcats will need a strong finish if they want the opportunity to defend their postseason crown.