The Lehman Lobos came up short in a 57-41 season ending loss to the Leander Lions at the Lobo Den.

The Lobo seniors were all in the starting lineup and had a slow start at the beginning of the game. Lehman’s sluggish start allowed Leander to race ahead to a 15-8 first quarter lead.

The second quarter was no different, for the Lobos were outscored 17-4 in the frame.   

Lehman Head Coach Steven Pinchback said he wanted to start his seniors, but knew it put the team a bit behind.

“I kind of got us out of whack a little bit just by starting the seniors, but they’ve earned it so that’s what I did,” Pinchback said. “They were out of it a little early and I thought we should have played harder.”

The Lobos entered the second half on an aggressive streak by shooting the ball more in the third quarter. Defensively, the Lobos successfully crashed the boards and had more man-to-man coverage than the first half.

Lehman’s up-tempo play led to 16 fourth quarter points, but it wasn’t enough as the Lions stayed just a step ahead.

Pinchback said his team needed to start this game a little stronger in the beginning.

“Second half they competed and got after it,” Pinchback said. “It was kind of late, but they just have to understand that we have to start. Once the game is going you have to come out and bring the juice and we really didn’t do it early on.”

The loss was bittersweet for the seniors, who completed their high school baskeball careers.

Senior Lobo Kenny Henderson said he was proud of his team and all they have accomplished this season.

“Overall, I think we grew a lot, coming in with a new coach wasn’t easy and we had to adapt,” Henderson said. “We had five sophomores coming in, so they had to step up. I feel like over the season we all grew and grew a bond together.”

The Lobos finished the district season out 2-10 and were 11-22 overall. With Leander, Vista Ridge and Vandegrift no longer in the district picture next season, the Lobos look to come into the new year young and ready to go.

“I saw a lot of growth and improvement throughout the season,” Pinchback said. “I’m happy with the direction we’re going, we are going to be young next year. I’m excited about the future, we’re going to be a good team and the district is going to have to recognize that because we are coming.”