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Boys basketball: Mustangs focused on daily routine
By Justin Thomas, jthomas@starlocalnews.com
When all is said and done, coach Sean Tippett hopes this year's and future Creekview boys basketball teams are capable of not only reaching the playoffs, but competing for district titles and more.
But to do so, the Mustangs have to win each day. That's the approach the squad has taken in its first season under Tippett and so far the team is seeing improvement.
"Be great today," Tippett said. "That is our motto this season. We're focused on working hard and getting better each day and not looking forward or behind us. We have to stay in the moment and so far the team is doing a good job."
"It was our biggest win of the year, especially with coach Ellis being over there now," Tippett said. "We did what we needed to do and hopefully we really get some momentum from that win going into district."
The Mustangs also had hard-fought losses against talented programs in Hebron (73-51), The Colony (73-56) and Frisco Heritage (74-56).
"Those are tough teams," Tippett said. "In all three games we played right with them for 28 or 29 minutes. But we had a one- or two-minute stretch in each game where we gave up a big 12-0 run or so that killed us."
Another reason for Creekview's improvement has been the return and implementation of five players who recently joined the squad following football season.
"We got the football guys a day before our first game," Tippett said. "And then we had a tournament. So for a while there, they had played in more games than we even had practices. But they're doing well and are starting to find their rhythm."
While Tippett consistently preaches living in the moment as a philosophical direction, on the court he believes in winning with defense.
"We're a defensive-minded team," he said. "We want to be able to control the tempo and keep it a half-court game. We'll press at times if we need to and will mix things up depending on the matchup. But for the most part we want to be able to grind out wins and play good defense."
But with just one returning starter, establishing defense and chemistry has been a process.
"We don't have a lot of returning varsity experience and they're still getting to know each other a bit," Tippett said. "We're still kind of experimenting and seeing where everyone fits. We've been playing quite a few guys so far. But we do have a good group of older guys and that has helped the transition. Our defense is starting to come together a bit and we've done a better job on turnovers. Early, we were averaging about 18 per game and we've gotten that down to nine or 10 the last few games."
Creekview's lone returning starter is Ali Zia. But even he has undergone a transition phase and he is entering his first season as a point guard.
Ian Spaight handles the 2-guard duties and is Creekview's most prolific shooter. He can also play point should Zia get in foul trouble. Both will be supported by guards Dylan Kittrell, Jordyn Peeler and Jamal Jones, all three of which are football transfers.
"Dylan is our first guy off of the bench," Tippett said. "Jordyn and Jamal also backup at guard and can really give us a defensive presence."
Up front, Alex Rincon starts at small forward and can also play the power spot. Ranjit Mason starts at the four, while Destin Ogueri handles center duties.
"Alex is a scrappy lunch-pale type for us," Tippett said. "He does a lot of dirty work for us. Ranjit is a guy who does a little bit of everything. He rarely comes off the court and battles down low, but he can also spot up and shoot it a little bit."
Ogueri, meanwhile, was described as Creekview's best athlete and an intimidator in the paint as evidenced by his 15-point, 13-rebound and 8-block effort in a Nov. 29 win against W.T. White.
"When he is on, he is really on," Tippett added.
At 6-foot-7, Larry Hughes provides additional size and depth to the frontcourt.
Areas where Creekview is still seeking improvement include in rebounding and perimeter scoring.
"We have a couple of shooters," Tippett said. "But we're more of an inside team whether it be attacking the basket or passing the ball down low."
In his first season, Tippett and the Mustangs have set their sights on qualifying for the postseason and seeing what happens from there. An outright title in District 10-4A could be harder to come by, however.
"West Mesquite is ranked No. 6 in the state and may be a level above everyone right now," Tippett said. "They made regionals last year and have a lot of guys back. Highland Park is always a solid program, too, and Newman Smith made the playoffs last year and pretty much has everyone back. I don't think either of them is at the caliber of West Mesquite right now, though. After those three I think you can look at us right now. But as the season progresses I think we can catch up with those other teams."
Creekview kicks off its district season at 4:30 p.m. Friday at Forney. The team will then compete Dec. 27-29 at the Plano Wildcat Holiday Classic before resuming district play Jan. 3 against Mesquite Poteet.
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