After 25 years on the job, Lake Travis boys’ basketball coach Clint Baty almost seems energized this season by something he can’t recall having the chance to experience too often.
“I feel like we have a great group of kids who really love the game of basketball,” Baty told Texas Scorecard. “That’s a great combination for a coach to have and one I can say you don’t always see.”
Early in the season, the Cavaliers’ toughness and dominance has been riveting. In racing out to a 15-0 start, they’ve blitzed every opponent by double digits with an average winning margin of 26 points.
“We’ve got high expectations,” Baty added. “We’ve got a lot of guys that have been with the program for two to three years now and all season long our experience should be a great advantage for us.”
Seniors Ryan Bormann and Bennett Mohn lead the way for Travis, with three-year starter Bormann serving as the team’s coach on the floor from his point-guard position.
“He’s turned into a great floor manager and is really tough to guard,” Baty said. “He’s a good scorer and is one of those rare kids that can create on their own and make plays.”
Baty describes the 6-foot-4 inch, 165 pound Mohn as having a great basketball IQ and the athleticism to go along with it.
“He’s real long and is a great shooter who plays both ends of the floor,” he said. “He creates a lot of opportunities for himself just based on effort and execution.”
After sitting out last season to concentrate on baseball, Travis has also welcomed back Brett Baty, the coach’s son.
“He started on varsity as a sophomore and plays inside for us,” Baty said. “He’s really been a big asset for battling around the basket.”
Baty also signaled out senior forward David Gregory as being solid and “doing all the little things” that make a difference.
The Cavs finished 30-6 last season, advancing to the regional finals, and Baty is optimistic this year’s squad can fare just as well.
“I see this team as being capable of making a similar run,” he said. “We’re really playing well together and the kids don’t care who gets the credit they just want to play well together.”
