3 observations from Houston’s win over Southwind to secure 15-AAA District Tournament title

<p>On Tuesday night, Houston had balance offensively and simply found a mismatch on the court in its 68-49 win over Southwind to clinch its second straight 15-AAA District Tournament Championship.</p> <p>The Mustangs have had the luxury all season long of being able to have three or more players to score in double figures. They haven’t had to run their offense through one player to score.</p> <p>Heading into the regional tournament, it will be a plus for Houston’s run to Murfreesboro, TN.</p> <p>Here are 3 observations from the Mustangs’ win over the Jaguars:</p> <p><strong>Houston found a mismatch all night against Southwind</strong></p> <p>The Mustangs already had the size advantage over the Jaguars. Houston’s starting five features a 6-foot-2 point guard and four other players that are 6-6, 6-7 and 6-8 (2). Junior guard <strong>T</strong>.<strong>J</strong>. <strong>Madlock</strong> was able to post up senior guard <strong>Vincent</strong> <strong>Thomas</strong> all night. Senior forward <strong>Faizon</strong> <strong>Fields</strong> was all over the boards. Junior wings <strong>Alden</strong> <strong>Applewhite</strong>, <strong>Mason</strong> <strong>Miller</strong> and <strong>Zander</strong> <strong>Yates</strong> were able to see over their defenders for any shot they wanted to take.</p> <p>Southwind couldn’t match the Mustangs’ size and as a result, Houston had its way with the Jaguars. It was close in the first half. It was tied 26-all before the Mustangs ended the half on a 7-0 run that was capped off by Applewhite’s 3 from the left wing.</p> <p>Miller drained a 3 as time expired in the first quarter to give his team a 20-12 lead.</p> <p><strong>Balanced scoring                                     </strong></p> <p>Houston’s balanced scoring Tuesday night was a plus. It has been that way all season long. Miller led the Mustangs with 17 points. Applewhite had 14. Madlock had 13. Yates added 12 and Fields provided 10.</p> <p><strong>Applewhite is having a breakout season</strong></p> <p>A season ago, Applewhite was at Lausanne Collegiate School and spent most of his sophomore season on the bench dealing with injuries. He suffered a broken wrist and had Achilles tendinitis. This season, Applewhite has been healthy for the most part and has been the best player in District 15-AAA. He made the All-District Team and was named 15-AAA District Tournament MVP Tuesday night.</p> <p>The 6-6 combo guard had to keep his head up during his sophomore season and stay positive about bouncing back.</p> <p>“Mentally, it was real tough at first,” Applewhite said. “I had to sit out and watch everyone play, but I got stronger. I looked at my game and tried to figure out how could I get better, how could I improve next year, so I could come out stronger and better and just impact the game.</p> <p>“Once I was back healthy, I got back into the gym and tried to get better.”</p> <p>Applewhite wasn’t bothered by having new teammates since he has played with them in the past. He’s also not bothered by the expectations that are hovering over this team. Going into the 2019 season, many picked Houston to get to the state tournament and possibly win it.</p> <p>“We knew once I came over here, it was going to be a target on our back,” Applewhite said. “They were already good without me. They were already contenders without me. Everybody was going to want to see us. Everybody was going to play hard against us.</p> <p>“We want that. We wanted the best out of everyone, because we expect to play at the next level.”</p> <p><strong>Recruiting</strong> <strong>information</strong>: UT-Martin was in attendance at Houston High School to watch senior forward <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/faizon-fields/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/faizon-fields/">Faizon Fields</a></a>.</p> <p><strong>Other notes: Caleb</strong> <strong>Spann</strong> led Southwind with 14 points. Thomas had 10.</p>