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There were nasty negatives in the Llano basketball boys’ 58-43 loss to Lampasas, but positives, too, in this second district game, January 17. One plus was it was a big improvement over a 65-34 defeat to the Badgers in a tournament game in San Saba in early December.

“Our energy level was outstanding,” said head coach Keith Allen, “but we have to do a better job of making shots down the stretch.”

That was not the case in the first half. Jordan Johnson had a career eight minutes after the opening tip, as he poured in 10 points in the initial frame, and Llano led 14-12.

What was truly exciting though was the action for close to half the second period. Hold on tight:

A Vance Bauer steal and basket made it 19-18, Jackets.

T.J. Adams answered.

Isaac Hutto was the next to have his name called, and it was 21-20, Llano, with 3:45 left before intermission.

Mason Murray and Shon Howard played pitch and catch, and Murray delivered the advantage back to Lampasas.

Bauer to Logan Thompson, and it was 23-22.

Murray would respond to a Willie Schneider free throw with three of his 17 points, and the Badgers were in front 25-24. It was the sixth lead change in a three-minute, 40-second span.

The visitors’ coach, Rob Shivers, surprisingly admitted, “Our kids’ heads were down before the break. I told them to be patient, don’t force it.” Good advice or good play or both: Lampasas never trailed after entering and leaving the locker room.

Layton Rabb, who had an excellent night with 10 points, hit a field goal early in the third quarter to tie matters at 27. Llano did not make another basket in the period, but, down just 37-33, still owned more hope than a Rick Perry speechwriter.

Lampasas erased the challenge with a 12-2 run; the remaining ballots did not need to be counted. Shon Howard had 10 points in the last session to wind up with 16. Only five Badgers scored in the contest, but four were in double figures.

Free throws weren’t free or a boon for the Jackets: 15-for-33. Ouch. “We shoot too many in practice to shoot that way,” lamented Allen.

Coach’s player comments: “I think Rabb is very athletic and really coming along. I liked the look on Jordan Johnson’s face: he frustrated their posts; it was the best game I’ve seen him play. He was not going to be denied.” JJ had 16 points.

Finding nuggets of gold in a mountainous terrain that covers a massive landscape is good, but if it’s not 32 minutes of consistency, the conquest won’t result. W’s won’t be automatically handed out like letters at season’s end. The tough grind continues.