West Campus' remarkable run comes to an end

AUSTIN -- The fairy tale doesn't always have a happy ending.

Burkburnett got out to a quick start and never looked back, cruising to a 82-55 victory over West Campus in a Class 3A state semifinal at the Frank Erwin Center on Thursday afternoon.

But that doesn't mean San Antonio West Campus walked away with an empty feeling inside.

"You guys didn't think we'd be here, so we accomplished something," senior forward Anthony McMorris told a group of reporters afterwards.

The Cougars (28-10) accomplished more than enough, clinching the school's first state tournament appearance in 27 years with an improbable 17-game winning streak. And considering school district officials have voted to close West Campus at the end of the school year, the basketball team will always leave a lasting impression.

The chance for a state title, however, goes to the Bulldogs (31-7), who will face Kennedale, a 81-68 winner over Silsbee, in the 3A state championship Saturday at 10 a.m.

Burkburnett claimed that spot with a relentless press that forced the Cougars into as many turnovers (10) as points in the second half. After starting the game tied at 4-4, the Bulldogs opened up a 10-0 run that West Campus was never able to close.

McMorris ended that run with a lay-up, but Burkburnett rattled off a 15-4 run to end the first quarter with a massive 29-10 lead.

"We knew what they were going to do, it's just in those first three minutes we ran into a lot of problems," West Campus coach Richard Cardenas said. "I don't care what sport you're playing, those first few minutes are crucial."

With Desmond Strickland (17 points) leading a quarter of players scoring at least 13 points, Burkburnett built a 46-25 lead at the half and never led by less than a dozen the rest of the way. The Bulldogs helped their cause by shooting 49 percent from the field and scoring 31 points off 29 West Campus turnovers.

Senior Efren Mojarro paced the Cougars with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while McMorris added 13 points and three assists.

"We did want to go out on top, but unfortunately it didn't work out that way," said senior point guard George Villareal.

Date of Article: Thu Mar 06, 2008 6:52 pm