By Spencer Spilman
Friday night marked the emotional final home game for the Hays Rebels’ five seniors as they tried to win one more for the home crowd against the Lake Travis Cavaliers.
But Hays fell to the Cavs 49-35 as Lake Travis took over in the second half of the contest.
Hays head coach Sam Lunz started all five seniors and gave them extended minutes. The seniors came out firing and played with a lot of heart in the early going, jumping out to a 12-11 lead after the first quarter.
Coach Lunz was proud of the seniors and everything they have given the program.
“I was proud of their effort, and their attitude, and the heart that they have given me,” he said.
Only five Rebels scored on the night, four of them seniors.
Lake Travis spread its scoring around on offense. Eight players recorded points in the box score, including two players in double figures. Garrett Wilson led all scorers with 13 points.
The final score didn’t matter to the Hays fans, who watched the seniors play their last game on their home court.
While the players were emotional after the loss, they clearly lived in the moment of their final home game.
Dustin Bruno led the Rebels with 12 points in the game, and talked about leaving a legacy for future Rebels to come.
“I wanted everyone to remember us as a group, so I just tried to take control of the game early and give it all I had,” said Bruno.
Hayden Hoekstra had nine points, along with five offensive rebounds. He was disappointed with the loss, but happy with the way the seniors played.
“It’s exciting that we played as hard as we could, but you know, it’s sad that this is our last home game,” said Hoekstra.
Hoekstra also echoed how Lunz’s pride toward the team.
Hays went into halftime with a 25-21 lead over Lake Travis, but scored just ten points in the second half.
Lake Travis hit shots and went ahead 31-28 at the end of the third quarter and didn’t look back.
Hays’ Jake Krafka was visibly emotional after the game, knowing that this was his last high school game with his surgery coming up Tuesday.
“It’s just been so fun playing with this team, and it’s crazy that it’s all over now. But it just means it’s time for bigger obstacles, but I’m going to miss it,” said Krafka.
