Aledo’s Moritz Tournament underway

The Aledo Bearcats kicked off their two-day Moritz Basketball Tournament with a hot start, defeating the Dallas Molina Jaguars, 61-25 in the first round of pool play Thursday afternoon. Aledo opened the game with a 15-1 run in the first quarter. Entering halftime with a comfortable 33-6 lead, the Bearcats outscored Dallas Molina, 16-12 and 12-7 in the final two quarters, respectively. Aledo Head Boys Basketball Coach Fred Jones said his team’s strong start to the game helped set the tone for the Bearcats. “We always talk about starting the game [strong],” Jones said. “If we can set the pace and tempo, it’s going to impact the rest of the game. Today our first group did a great job doing that.” Jones added that earning a win immediately following Christmas break was a welcome development. “I think the first game after a holiday break is always a scary game, because you don’t know what you’re going to get,” Jones said. “So getting a win after the break was big for us.” Jones added that his team’s performance at the start of the Moritz tournament is a good sign, as the Bearcats are not even yet at full strength. “One thing about us that is unique in Aledo is that after football season ends, our team dynamic changes quite a bit,” Jones said. “So that was big to come back after adding two new players. We got one player back from injury, Brian Biggs, and another guy coming back next week. So for us, it’s really big coming off that break with all the new pieces and moving parts.” Small forward Max Newell paced the Bearcats’ offense, scoring 16 points, including two three-pointers while shooting 4-of-6 from the free throw line. Jones praised Newell’s versatility, especially with the rotating lineup because of injuries and multi-sport athletes. “Max does a lot of different things for us,” Jones said. “He is asked to be a scorer for us, and today we actually moved him around to different positions so we can move some new personnel into their home spots, and today he did well being back [in his home position].” Teammate and power forward Cole Nitsch closely followed with 11 points, including 3-of-3 at the free throw line. Shooting guard Austin Hawkins tacked on 10 points for Aledo, hitting a two-point field goal, two three-pointers and 2-of-2 free throws. The Bearcats were scheduled to play their second round of pool play Thursday evening.

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ALEDO’S MORITZ TOURNAMENT UNDERWAY

FORREST MURPHY

Weatherford Democrat | 12/28/2018

PHOTO CREDIT: Forrest Murphy