HOUSTON — Mike Tucker scheduled the 2009 Dickinson season opener last March. The Gators boys basketball coach specifically chose the defending state champion, the No. 1 team in Texas and No. 4 in the nation.
Even after a 140-81 whooping, Tucker expressed no regrets. He saw his team put up a fight against one of the best high school basketball teams he’s ever seen.
“I was really proud of our team,” Tucker said. “To see them continue to battle and learn, that’s great. That’s what builds programs.”
Dickinson never had much of a chance. Yates’ swarming, press defense never let it.
The Gators didn’t score their first basket until the 5:49 mark of the first quarter. They had more turnovers, 17, than points, 12, in the quarter.
Dickinson actually broke the Lions’ initial press, but struggled in the front court with double teams and Yates’ speed in the passing lanes.
“I look at this as a steppingstone,” Tucker said. “It’s the best 60-point loss I’ve ever had. They could have scored 200.”
Dedrick Archie had a team-high 22 points for the Gators. Sam Kinslaw added 19 off the bench, including nine rebounds. Kenny Harris had 13.
Dickinson actually outscored Yates in the second quarter but couldn’t keep it up in the second half.
The game begins a tough stretch for Dickinson, with seven in eight days. Six of those games are against state-ranked teams.
Tucker wants it that way. He believes he can build confidence and toughness when wins don’t count for that much in the preseason.
Dickinson finished last season with four wins in its final five games, just missing the playoffs. With a little more seasoning and development, Tucker believes a postseason spot is within reach.
