LBJ’s Guard Play Drives Statement Win Over Manor New Tech

The LBJ Jaguars have long been one of the winningest programs in Central Texas, and that standard is alive and well with this current group. Employing an up-tempo, defensively aggressive game plan, LBJ overwhelmed neighborhood rival Manor New Tech. The result wasn't just a win, it was a statement. Guards on both sides stood out, and these are names worth remembering as the postseason approaches.    The first thing that jumps off the page with Murray is his build; he looks more like a middle linebacker than a guard, yet he moves with the agility and skill of a true perimeter player. He sets the tone for LBJ with physicality and effort on both ends of the floor. Murray has a tight, efficient handle, a quick first step, and the strength to play through contact and finish at the rim or in the midrange. His athleticism makes him play bigger than his listed height. What really separates him is his defense. Murray takes pride in locking up, using angles, and his powerful frame to disrupt smaller guards and force turnovers. Add in his rebounding, his ability to push the ball in transition, and his underrated passing, and you're looking at a complete guard. Surrounded by this supporting cast, Murray is a major reason LBJ seems poised for another deep playoff run.     Despite his youth, Hawthorne plays with a smoothness and maturity beyond his years. He's a legitimate perimeter threat—comfortable shooting off the catch or the dribble, but he doesn't fall in love with the three. Hawthorne is willing to put his shoulder down, absorb contact, and finish inside. He rebounds his position well, competes defensively both on the ball and within team concepts, and consistently runs the floor in transition. The foundation of his game is already solid, and the ceiling is high. He'll be firmly on my radar through the remainder of the season and into AAU play.     Riley is the definition of a winning player. He does whatever the game requires. In one stretch against New Tech, he posted up on offense, dove on the floor for a loose ball, and finished through contact on a fast break. That sequence alone tells you what kind of competitor he is. He brings a reliable three-point shot, a steady midrange game, and a solid handle, all while playing aggressive, physical defense very much in line with the LBJ identity. His senior leadership and infectious energy will be critical as the season tightens. Riley is a key connector piece for this group.     Johnson is the speed element in LBJ's deep guard rotation. A long, lean lefty with deceptive quickness and a shifty handle, he's difficult to contain in the open court. He can score at all three levels and consistently gets downhill to finish at the rim. Defensively, his motor never stops. He applies constant pressure and brings real energy to the lineup. Johnson's impact doesn't always show up in the box score, but it's felt throughout the game, and LBJ will need exactly that if another postseason run is the goal.     Kinard is the heartbeat of Manor New Tech. He competes on every possession, defending with intensity, battling for rebounds, attacking the basket, and willingly absorbing contact to finish plays. His motor elevates his natural ability. He has a quality first step, a dependable pull-up game, and while his three-point consistency can continue to improve, he more than compensates with toughness and effort. Kinard also shows poise as a leader, staying composed under pressure. New Tech will lean heavily on him as they fight to stay in the playoff picture.     Colter brings scoring versatility to the New Tech backcourt. He has soft touch from the perimeter, is comfortable in the midrange, and knocks down shots from the elbow area. A good handle and first step allow him to get to his spots efficiently. Defensively, there's room for growth, but his willingness to compete can't be taught. He pushes the pace in transition and shows strong court awareness, making timely passes that lead to easy buckets. Colter is a valuable building block as New Tech pushes toward a postseason run.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />

The LBJ Jaguars have long been one of the winningest programs in Central Texas, and that standard is alive and well with this current group. Employing an up-tempo, defensively aggressive game plan, LBJ overwhelmed neighborhood rival Manor New Tech. The result wasn't just a win, it was a statement. Guards on both sides stood out, and these are names worth remembering as the postseason approaches.