Things were looking good in the LH gym at halftime. The Wildcats held a 39-27 lead over Berkner, the preseason favorite in District 9-5A.

The second half took a 180-degree turn, however. Lake Highlands managed just 14 points in the second half and lost, 58-53.

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Trey Bingham led the Cats with 14 points and Tevin Elmore added 13.

The encouraging sign is the Wildcats came within five points of Berkner, even with the second half downturn. Overall, it was a much better showing than LH had against the other 9-5A favorite, Skyline, in a 72-60 loss before the holidays.

Of course, the bad news is LH must face both Berkner and Skyline on the road in the second half of district play.

While a district title is always a goal, the primary objective for this year’s team is to make the playoffs. That makes Friday’s game at Richardson a big one. The Eagles are one of the teams expected to contend with LH for a playoff spot, and lately games between LH and RHS have been barn-burners.