Defensive adjustments help propel Watauga to 79-57 win over West Caldwell

December 22, 2025

260

Watauga sophomore forward Bryce Scheffler goes up strong against West Caldwell on Dec. 22. Photographic image by David Rogers for High Country Sports

By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — A stifling defensive effort in the second half and dominant rebounding up and down the Watauga roster helped the Pioneers to a dominating, 79-57 win over West Caldwell on Dec. 22 in Lentz Eggers Gym.

Pioneer guard Bowen Mayo finishes a fast break on Dec. 22 against West Caldwell. Photographic image by David Rogers for High Country Sports

Fresh off the football field where he was named the “Offensive MVP” in the NCCA East-West All-Star game the day before, senior point guard Cade Keller showed only a little basketball rust in recording a game-high 24 points against the Warriors, including knocking down five 3-pointers from beyond the arc.

Fellow senior gridiron stars Evan Burroughs and Bowen Mayo poured in 16 and 10 points, respectively, joining Keller in double figures.

Watauga point guard Cade Keller scored a game-high 24 points — but also dished out a game-high 6 assists against West Caldwell on Dec. 22. Brady Lindenmuth (20) sets up a screen for Keller. Photographic image by David Rogers for High Country Sports

As a team, the Pioneers pulled down a whopping 34 rebounds, mostly on the defensive end to take away second chance opportunities that might have been considered by the Warriors. Watauga were also not bashful about sharing the ball, dishing out 21 assists, including a game-high six by Keller.

A total of eleven different Pioneers got on the scoreboard. In addition to the three in double figures, sophomore big man Bryce Scheffler contributed eight points as well as four rebounds while getting significant court time with senior Brady Lindenmuth in foul trouble for a good part of the night.

The Series: Evan Burroughs’ defensive play produces points on the other end

A steal by Evan Burroughs on the defensive end prompted a fast break by the speedy senior and a layup at the other end. Photographic images by David Rogers for High Country Sports

With Lindenmuth, Scheffler and junior Colby Whiteside rotating as the Pioneer big inside jobbers, Watauga enjoyed a good presence in the paint, defending the basket.

The Pioneers started the game fairly even with the Warriors, finishing the first quarter tied at 16-16. Watauga pulled ahead marginally in the second period to take a 40-31 lead into intermission. Then opened things up in the third stanza (59-41).

After the game, Watauga head coach Bryson Payne noted that the defensive adjustments made as the game wore on were not just stoppers of any West Caldwell attack, but frequently turned into points by the Pioneers.

Jackson Love (5) has emerged as a key playmaker for the 2025-26 Watauga Pioneers, here looking to drive baseline to the basket vs. West Caldwell on Dec. 22. Photographic image by David Rogers for High Country Sports

Mayo led the team in steals with three, but Keller and Burroughs were close behind with two each.

Now 5-0 overall on the young season and yet to play a Northwestern Conference game, the Pioneers next line up at home against Saluda on Dec. 27, then host the Holiday Classic on Dec. 29 and Dec. 30, with opponents yet to be announced. They will start the new year on the road at Davie County (Jan. 2), face A.C. Reynolds in Lentz Eggers Gym on Jan. 7, then open league play on Jan. 9, at Freedom.