After a disappointing 0-5 first round of district play, the varsity boys’ basketball team looks forward to round two, which begins Tuesday against Vista Ridge.

“We are about where we thought we would be coming to end of the first round,” coach Cliff Ellis said. “We thought we might be able to beat one or more of our opponents in the first round and that almost came to fruition with close contests over heavily favored teams like Lake Travis and Marble Falls. “

The boys lost by less than a total ten points each to the established Marble Falls, Lake Travis and Cedar Park teams, a feat for anyone who lacks the 10-12 seniors most teams (other than Rouse) have.

“For us to be in competition in every game thus far with our older or more experienced opponents is truly a testament to the resolve and competitive nature of our team,” Coach Ellis said.

During the first round the varsity boys learned to work as a team and properly prepare a successful game plan. 

“More than anything, I think the players learned that with the right attitude and work ethic we are capable of competing with and beating anyone in our district on any given night,” Coach Ellis said.

Like their coach, the boys on the team have a positive attitude looking forward to the coming weeks of the end of the season.

“I am looking forward to the second round because we were close in every game, and I feel that we will be able to pull out a win soon,” forward Dakota Prukop said.

In hopes of improving for the second round of district play, Coach Ellis and his team plan to switch up defensive plays based on opponents. Because each team has already been played once, the Vipers now know competitors strengths and weaknesses, and will be able to react based upon them.

“District match-ups are usually a grind because both teams know so much about their opponents,” Coach Ellis said.  “Now that we have played the 1st round, the second round gets even tougher to win games.”

The team is excited and ready for round two.  

“We did okay but we need to play harder; we are positive and optimistic about the nest round of districts,” point guard Matt Dang said.