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Cypress Bay Boys’ Basketball Not Short in Desire to Win
Cypress Bay boys' basketball coach Jason Looky talks to his team during a second half time out in a game against Westminster Academy on Saturday.
By Dave Brousseau
BCAA Writer
FORT LAUXDERDALE – In some cases, the Cypress Bay boys’ basketball team has been undersized and/or overmatched this season.
Still, Lightning coach Jason Looky has found the strength in his team to persevere and thrive on the ability to overcome.
Cypress Bay hung tough against a taller and more talented Westminster Academy for much of just over three quarters before falling 77-65 at the “I Have a Dream MLK Challenge” at Westminster Academy on Saturday.
What makes the Lightning go is no secret to many of their opponents.
“They are just coachable,” said Looky. “The great part about my team is they know our expectations coming into the season. They know how I coach, and they understand we can beat the giants if we follow the game plan.”
Cypress Bay kept themselves within striking distance of a much taller Lions side.
The key was the presence of hustle, solid defense and the ability to convert off three-point attempts. By the half, the Lightning converted four baskets from downtown to stay within one point of the Westminster lead at 27-26.
Said Looky, “I thought we did a good job in the first half while controlling the tempo and not allowing transition.”
The Lightning also got solid play from sophomore Jaylen Bates (21 points), senior Joaquin Pineyrua (19 points) and senior Leo Fried (13 points). The trio also combined for eight three-pointers.
However, Lions sophomore Alexander Lloyd dropped 18 of his game-high 27 points in the second half to help increase the Cypress Bay deficit.
Despite the loss, the Lightning still has an impressive 12-3 record after a 23-6 record last season and a berth in Class7A regional final to Miami Columbus before falling 61-47.
Cypress Bay went 15-2 during one stretch that included back-to-back victories over Pembroke Pines Charter and Cardinal Gibbons.
The Lightning will be tested through the remainder of the regular season with games against Cardinal Gibbons, Belen Jesuit and Deerfield Beach.
“We want to be playoff ready,” said Looky. “We’ve won plenty of games and lost many, but at the end of the day you know you’re going to face the good teams in the playoffs.
We have a culture here. They believe the kids here now what the teams have done in the past. They know what they are capable of. Just because we are short doesn’t mean we can’t play basketball.”