By Terry Carter
In a regional quarterfinal battle among Spartans, Seven Lakes, in the words of the legendary Bruce Lee, became water on Tuesday night to slip past Stratford at the Merrell Center.
The District 19-6A champion boys’ basketball team brought momentum and a 23-game winning streak into the showdown with the Stratford Spartans. Both teams are undeniably talented, tenacious and played with an elite intensity.
But it didn’t matter because these Katy ISD Spartans crashed the boards, pounded home eight thunderous dunks and flowed around Stratford defenders with this Region III-6A playoff contest on the line. The quality of play was high, and the vocal fans enjoyed the showdown.
The Seven Lakes Spartans (33-4) found the will to overcome and secure a 66-61 victory in the second half due to their ability to adapt, to flow past a stifling defense at times. Junior star guard AJ Bates, already a master of adapting on the fly, led Seven Lakes with 27 points as he connected on a variety of jumpers and drives to the basket.
“It’s huge. We talk about the history of the program and honoring the guys who came before. It’s the first time since we went in 2011 and 12 to get there. We are super pumped, and we’ll probably enjoy this for about 24 hours…. It’s a special thing to make it to the regional tournament,” Seven Lakes head basketball coach Shannon Heston said.
Senior post Josh Akpovwa battled in the paint for rebounds and blocked shots. But he also showed innovative offensive elements, including a coast-to-coast dunk, numerous jump hook. He was also the recipient of numerous assists from Seven Lakes teammates.
Those inside passes to Akpovwa became instant crashing dunks as the senior played the role of Spartan well. He finished with 18 points, including back-to-back dunks in the final two minutes to help seal the win with Bates’ .
“We didn’t take (Stratford) lightly, and that’s a good thing. Right now they are a way better team that when we beat them earlier,” Akpovwa said after the game.
Junior Brett Norton added 13 points to the cause, and freshman Nasir Price played well, contributing six points. Tillman Jaramillo capped the scoring with three points.
Stratford (23-11) got 22 points from senior Cameron Cronin and 16 from Triston Williams.
On Friday Seven Lakes will meet the winner of Tuesday’s quarterfinal game between Clear Falls and Dawson. That Friday evening regional semifinal will be played at the Campbell Center in Aldine ISD with games slated for 6 and 7:30 p.m. tipoffs. The winners will meet in the Region III-6A final on Saturday with the winner advancing the boys’ state basketball tournament.
Seven Lakes senior Josh Akpovwa (35) was a force inside, pulled down multiple offensive rebounds, clearing space for teammates and recording the final two dunks against Stratford that essentially sealed the regional quarterfinal victory. (Photo by Terry Carter/UDPhotos)
Seven Lakes junior guard AJ Bates (24) slams home his biggest dunk of the night and hangs on the rim to ensure a safe landing afterward. Stratford defenders played well, but on this play, Bates and Seven Lakes took command in a 66-61 regional quarterfinal victory. They play next on Friday. (Photo by Terry Carter/UDPhotos)