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High School Boys Basketball: Lister shines in Miller's non-district win against London

rey castillo, corpus christi caller times
·4 min read

Miller boys basketball head coach Maurice Bastian knew his Bucs still hadn't reached their full potential after losing four consecutive games earlier this month.

Miller had been without a full roster because of football season, but began to find its groove after those players rejoined the team a few weeks later.

The Bucs went on to win seven consecutive games with their polished lineup and made it eight straight after Friday's 74-62 non-district win against state-ranked Class 3A London.

"I'm very pleased," Bastian said. "We still feel we are in the early stages of trying to develop chemistry for our team. We haven't had many practices, although it's coming on slowly but surely. We struggled a couple of weeks ago because I didn't have everyone together. This is the second game we've had everyone together."

Londons Preston Cazalas attempts to block a basket by Miller's Damare Lister during the game at Miller High School on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Londons Preston Cazalas attempts to block a basket by Miller's Damare Lister during the game at Miller High School on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The Bucs (12-5) and Pirates (11-4) have met the past three seasons with each contest showcasing a nail biting finish.

The outcome of Friday's meeting had a different feel to it after Miller led by as many as 18 points.

Another difference for the Bucs has been the emergence of shooting guard Damare Lister, who delivered a game-best 26 points, including 13 in the second half to pad the Bucs' lead and hold off a London surge in the fourth quarter.

"They have shooters so I knew I had to attack the rim and get to the free throw line," said Lister, who connected on five 3-pointers. "I had to move the ball, come off screens and knock them down. It was a big momentum booster for me."

Miller head boys basketball coach Maurice Bastian speaks to the team between periods during the game against London at Miller High School on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Miller head boys basketball coach Maurice Bastian speaks to the team between periods during the game against London at Miller High School on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

London jumped out to a quick lead in the first quarter before Miller took the lead for good on a 3-pointer by Lister.

Even when the Pirates came within striking distance, Lister and the Bucs had an answer.

London cut the deficit to 10 in the fourth quarter and outscored the Bucs 18-14 in the final period. But Miller's 36-32 advantage in the second half was enough to finish the job.

"In the beginning of the season we lost to Vets but tonight we wanted to close this one out and finish," Lister said. "That's what we preach. We want to keep it going by playing as a team and staying focused."

Miller's Damare Lister flexes after making a basket during the game against London at Miller High School on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Miller's Damare Lister flexes after making a basket during the game against London at Miller High School on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Jayden Moreno added 13 points and Lonnie Adkism scored 11 to pace the Bucs.

Preston Cazalas led the Pirates with a team-best 22 points and AC Carpentier added 13 points for London.

"I wanted to get off to a good start and we actually did," London coach Ron Lawver said. "Miller is just athletic and they're a good ball club. I love playing them and hats off to them, they played great.

"The schedule gets even tougher for us. I just want to see more production from my bench. Some of my starters are playing 30 minutes a game and that's too much for those kids. We need more production from the bench."

Friday's top performers

Boys

Devon Barrera, Alice: Led the Coyotes with 14 points in a win against Port Aransas

Kristopher Jones, Port Aransas: Scored a game-best 15 points against Alice.

Gavin Gaitan, Aransas Pass: Finished with 18 points in a win against Ingleside.

Leo Villarreal, Ingleside: Led the Mustangs with 12 points against Aransas Pass.

Russell Escamilla, Gregory-Portland: Scored 15 points in a win against King.

Roman Livas, King: Finished with 14 points against Gregory-Portland.

Kristian Ramos, Bishop: Led the Badgers with 17 points in a win against Flour Bluff.

Pete Herrick, Flour Bluff: Scored a game-best 25 points against Bishop.

Caleb Riojas, Annapolis Christian Academy: Led the Warriors with 15 points in a win against Mathis.

Andrew Cuellar, Mathis: Scored 18 points against Annapolis Christian Academy.

Stevie Barrientes, San Diego: Scored 22 points in a win against Orange Grove.

Andrew Saenz, Orange Grove: Led the Bulldogs with 19 points against Odem.

Leon Brown, Odem: Scored 18 points in a win against Orange Grove.

Girls

Cyenna Epps, West Oso: Finished with 20 points in a district win against Ingleside.

Carrah Davis, Beeville: Led the Trojans with 15 points in a district win against Port Lavaca Calhoun.

Logan Borchardt, Bishop: Scored 22 points in a district win against Kingsville.

Karlie Haigood, Calallen: Delivered 18 points in the Wildcats' district win against Robstown.

Miryna Villarreal, Premont: Scored 23 points in a district win against La Villa.

Marley Sanchez, San Diego: Scored a game-best 36 points in a win against Mathis.

Jackie Garcia, Mathis: Led the Pirates with 25 points against San Diego.

Kaitlyn Cervantes, Alice: Led the Coyotes with 21 points in a win against Sinton.

Kayla Rivas, Sinton: Scored 12 points against Alice.

Julissa Ramirez and Hailey Martinez: Each scored 14 points in a win against Annapolis Christian Academy.

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Lister shines in Miller's non-district win against London