Rose gets first career victory

Houston Tigers coach Richard Rose said he isn’t concerned about his first career victory. He said his focus is the development of his new team.

The Tigers outscored Fordland 18-9 in the fourth quarter Friday night to break a tied game and pull away for a 50-41 victory.

The win in the consolation semifinals of the Mansfield Invitational was the first of the season for Houston (1-2). It was also the first-ever varsity victory for Rose, who inherited the program this summer as his first coaching stop.

“To me, it’s just one game. That win means more for the kids and the team than to me individually,” Rose said. “I’m in tune with the progress of this team and the program. Win or lose, I’m looking at where we’re at as a team.”

Aaron Cantrell led HHS with 14 points and Weston Walker added 13. Nathaniel Alkire scored eight and Devin Coulter, who had three fouls in the first three minutes of the game, scored six.

The Tigers will play in the consolation final at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

After falling behind 8-2 early, Houston battled back in what was a close game throughout. It was tied 20-20 at the half and 32-all entering the fourth quarter.

“We might not do things well all the time, but playing well enough to stay in the ballgame and give us a chance at the end is sometimes good enough,” Rose said. “The effort was always there. It was key and something that will help us the rest of the season.”

Box score

HOUSTON (50) – Nathan Poynter 3. Nathaniel Alkire 8. Devin Coulter 6. Aaron Cantrell 14. Weston Walker 13. Kolby Walker 6. FG 17. FT 10-19. (3-pointers: Coulter 2, Cantrell 2, Poynter, WWalker).