Eagles Soar Past Thrall, Enter District Play
Dennis Phillips publisher@robconews.com Robertson County News HEARNE — The Hearne Eagles varsity boys basketball team continued its strong early-season run Tuesday night, overwhelming Thrall 69-28 in a dominant home non-district victory that showcased depth, defensive pressure and balanced scoring. The win improved Hearne to 11-3 overall and extended the Eagles’ winning streak to three games as they prepare to open district play. Hearne remains unbeaten at home at 4-0 and holds a .786 winning percentage, with a 1-1 mark on the road and a solid 6-2 showing in neutral-site contests. From the opening tip, Hearne set the tempo with aggressive defense and efficient ball movement. The Eagles limited Thrall to just 28 points for the game while consistently creating scoring opportunities in transition and half-court sets. Hearne has now allowed an average of just 46.3 points per game this season, a key factor in its early success. Senior Kellen Bowser led the Eagles with 17 points, finishing 8-of-13 from the field while controlling the pace on both ends of the floor. Junior Zayden Mercer added 14 points, shooting efficiently and providing a spark that helped Hearne stretch the lead throughout the second half. Senior C. Robinson chipped in eight points, while juniors R. Mitchell and Andralius Scott each contributed timely buckets as Hearne rotated freely and kept fresh legs on the floor. The Eagles’ scoring balance reflected the team’s season-long approach. Hearne averages 61.6 points per game and has posted double-digit scoring outputs in every quarter this season, including a strong third-quarter average of 19.3 points. Against Thrall, that trend continued as Hearne steadily widened the margin after halftime. Defensively, Hearne’s pressure forced rushed possessions and limited clean looks for Thrall, which entered the contest at 4-10 overall. The Eagles controlled the glass, closed out shooters and consistently turned stops into points, holding Thrall well below its season scoring average. Through 14 games, Hearne has outscored opponents 862-648 and positioned itself as an early district contender. The Eagles are currently ranked 435th in Texas overall, 190th in their section and 23rd in their state division, numbers that continue to trend upward with each performance. With district play set to begin, Hearne carries momentum, confidence and depth into the next phase of the season. If the Eagles maintain their defensive intensity and balanced scoring, they appear poised to be a factor as the schedule turns toward league competition.
​Lions Look to Rebound
After Tournament Setback
Dennis Phillips publisher@robconews.com Robertson County News FRANKLIN — The Franklin Lions varsity boys basketball team enters the heart of its non-district schedule looking to regroup after a challenging tournament loss at Navasota, falling 73-36 on Friday night. Franklin slipped to 3-2 overall with the defeat but remains unbeaten at home at 2-0 and sits at the top of the district standings as league play has yet to begin. The Lions have scored 289 points this season while allowing 267, maintaining a .600 winning percentage despite back-to-back losses. The game remained competitive early, with Franklin trailing just 11-10 after the first quarter. Navasota began to create separation in the second period, outscoring the Lions 14-6 to take control at halftime. The third quarter proved decisive, as Navasota pushed the pace and widened the margin with a 25-14 advantage. Franklin was held to six points in the fourth quarter as the gap continued to grow. Through five games, Franklin is averaging 57.8 points per contest, with its strongest production coming early. The Lions have shown an ability to score in bunches in the opening quarter but have struggled to sustain that output late, averaging just 4.5 points in the fourth period. Defensively, Franklin continues to hold opponents near its season scoring average, though turnovers and transition defense have been areas of emphasis. Despite the setback, Franklin remains positioned well heading into a demanding stretch. The Lions travel to Meyer on Dec. 16 for a 5 p.m. tip before hosting Hearne on Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Franklin then closes the month at home against Ferris on Dec. 29 in a 2:40 p.m. contest. With district play approaching, the Lions will look to regain momentum and reestablish consistency on both ends of the floor.
