Just like old times.

First-year Hackett boys basketball Coach Blake Branham is a couple of free throws from being 9-0. His team could easily have fewer than five wins, too.

The son of former Hackett Coach Tim Branham, Blake spent time coaching at Chaffin Junior High and Alma Junior High before being named the school's head coach last March.

Not only are the Hornets winning close games, but they've also survived a stretch of playing seven games over nine days.

Last week, they edged Pea Ridge, 46-44, in the finals of the Lavaca tournament. This week was more of the same.

Hackett (8-1) went 2-0 with wins over Paris and Union Christian. Hayden Foster and Matthew Rodgers combined for 32 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 assists during a 49-44 win over Paris.