Leps Edge Caldwell In Defensive Battle

Points were hard to come by in La Grange’s boys basketball game Tuesday against Caldwell – until the fourth quarter.

The Leps broke open a tight game with a strong closing stretch to edged the Hornets 3025.

The victory improves La Grange’s record to 11-9 overall and 2-0 in district.

“We finally got a couple of shots to fall and we just continued to play great defense,” said La Grange head coach David Cooper. “Caldwell was pretty good. We missed a lot of shots, but give them a lot of credit. Every night is going to be a battle in this district.”

Jacob Chovanetz led the Leps in scoring with 10, the only player on either team to reach double figures. Jamin White led Caldwell with eight points.

At halftime the score was tied just 12-12, point totals often reached in the first quarter.

“They had a nice zone (defense) that we really hadn’t seen before and we usually struggle against zones anyway,” said La Grange senior Jaxon Cooper. “We were playing great defense the whole game too.”

Good free-throw shooting was key for the Leps as they made seven in a row during one stretch in the second half.

“Eli Roberts with his free throws late (four of them) that really helped close it out,” David Cooper said.

The game was tied 17-17 going into the final quarter. A Nate Scott three-pointer gave the Leps a 20-17 advantage, a lead they would never lose again – though a pair of three-pointers by Caldwell twice nearly got them back in the game.

“Feels good to be 2-0 in district,” Scott said. “Gives us the confidence we need to go on.”

Tuesday’s victory caps what has been a flurry of success for the Leps over the holiday break.

Last week they grabbed second place at the East Chambers Tournament before winning Saturday in a special game at San Antonio’s AT&T Center against Cuero.

“That was a good time, I think everybody enjoyed it,” Jaxon Cooper said of that game at the Spurs’ arena.

“It was really cool,” David Cooper said. “It was something they will remember, I hope, and something they can talk about for a long time – playing on that court and in that venue. It was huge.”

The Leps return to action Friday when they host Austin Achieve Friday at 7:30 p.m.

1/3/23

La Grange boys 30, Caldwell 25

Caldwell 7 5 5 8 – 25 LG 7 5 5 13 – 30 LG scoring: Jacob Chovanetz 10, Jaxon Cooper 7, Eli Roberts 6, Nate Scott 5, Jaden Williams 2.

JV: La Grange 41, Caldwell 29

Leading scorers: Gunn and Scott 12 points

Freshmen: La Grange 28, Caldwell 24 Leading scorer: Kleiber 18