PHOTO BY RICHARD AKRIDGE Forward Warren Scott makes his way through a pair of Hays defenders during the Badgers' 66-40 home loss Monday. Warren Scott is the Badgers' biggest body, but even his broad shoulders cannot carry the load of an entire team.

Scott posted a team-high 18 points, including eight in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough to overcome a blistering shooting performance from the Hays Rebels who blasted Lampasas 66-40 inside Bozarth-Fowler Gymnasium Monday evening.

With star player Heath Hopson riding the pine for the next few games with an ankle sprain, fellow LHS senior Jordy Carnes helped alleviate some of the scoring burden on Scott by chipping in 15 points, but the duo did not receive sufficient help from their supporting cast.

In fact, only three other Badgers found their way into the scoring book, and none tallied more than four points. That left head coach Scott Harrelson searching for answers.

"We have got to do a better job of scoring," the coach said. "We really struggled to find baskets today.

"We're learning how to play without Heath, and it's really important that guys step up and shoot the ball."

Harrelson expects larger contributions from Vann Millican, Astin Murray, Eduardo Davila and Colton Perkins in upcoming games. The four players combined to go three-of-11 from the field for six points.

Hays connected on 11 of 20 field-goal attempts in the first half to build a 14-point advantage by halftime. In the second half, the Rebels held the Badgers at bay, never allowing the home team to gain significant momentum as they tried to close the gap.

Lampasas did, however, turn things around following the break, posting 27 points in the second half after being outscored 27-13 in the opening two quarters.

Defensively, the Badgers had their hands full; especially Scott, who spent a majority of his time guarding the Rebels' massive man in the middle, Vince Sorrells.

"He was very strong down low," Scott said. "It really wears me down when I play a lot of defense, especially on someone that big, but I know that's my role."

Lampasas' guards did not have things any easier as Rebel point guard Ed Franco carved up the Badgers for 24 points on a nearperfect performance from the floor. In addition to connecting on eight of nine shots, Franco dished out five assists and collected three steals.

"He could score, he could pass, he did everything," Harrelson said. "I just thought he was a tremendous basketball player."

While the loss was disappointing to Scott, the contest turned out to be a eureka-type moment in the senior's career, instilling something that could prove to be extremely valuable down the line when the team returns to full strength.

"When Heath was in the game, I wasn't playing as hard as I did tonight," Scott said. "I think I need to play as hard as I did tonight when Heath's in there so we can dominate."