Highland Park - After a tight first half the Dallas Highland Park Scots (14-5; 5-0) were able to push by their opponent, the Dallas Woodrow Wilson Wildcats (12-11; 3-2), 63-54. The first two quarters went back and forth and the Scots went into the 8-minute break with a one-point lead, 27-26.

Once the second half began, the Scots took control by executing their offense to perfection with backdoor layups and three-pointers.

The Scots had three players reach double-digits in scoring, and junior point guard Jack Pease led the way with 21 points. Pease hit 7-of-8 free-throws, and teammates Michael Egenes and Jacob Hager both chipped in 10 apiece.

Woodrow Wilson would stay in the game by hitting three-pointers and got within five late in the game (59-54), but there were only 45-seconds left in the game.

The Wildcats were also led by three players in double-figures. Grant Goosby scored a team-high 15, followed by Cade Ross and his 13 points, and Beau Becker finished with 10.

The Scots biggest lead was 14-points with 15-seconds left to go in the third quarter.

“We didn’t play well in the first half and credit to Woodrow, they attacked and grabbed five first-quarter offensive rebounds,” said head Highland Park coach, David Piehler. “We did a better job on blocking out after that and then it turned into being our best defensive effort all year. We were hedging and switching and I am very proud of our defensive effort.”

“We had to go back and do what we do best and that’s get to the basket,” Pease said of their offense. “We knew if we spread their defense away from the lane it would set us up for better looks at the basket and create lanes for us to score.”

What’s next… First Place in District 11-5A

With Friday night’s victory, the Scots have set themselves up for a District 11-5A battle on Tuesday night as they host Newman Smith who is also 5-0 in district play, and undefeated on the year at 18-0.

“[Newman Smith] have all sorts of weapons, and the great thing about our guys is no matter the game plan, they are willing to adjust and respond," Piehler said.

It was a packed on both sides of the gym on Friday, and coach Piehler hopes that the crowd will be the same in a few days

"This was a great atmosphere and you can’t ask for anything better. Tuesday night is another big game and it should be like this with more on the line. This was great for our kids and the atmosphere will only add to the game.”