Portales set to host Pojoaque

PORTALES — The Portales Lady Rams kick off their run for a Class 4A state title tonight, hosting No. 13 Pojoaque Valley at 6 p.m. today at the Ram Athletic Center.

Despite the difference in their seeding, the fourth-seeded Lady Rams (16-10) and No. 13 Elkettes (12-14) have numerous common opponents on the schedule — six in total, including Moriarty, West Las Vegas, Robertson, Santa Fe Indian School, Hope Christian and St. Michael’s.

The Lady Rams went 6-4 against that group, while the Elkettes were 4-8. Neither team picked up a win against Hope Christian.

“I would like to think it gives an edge, with how we played against our common opponents and being at home,” Lady Rams coach Wade Fraze said. “But at the same time, they aren’t a team we want to take for granted.”

As Fraze pointed out, Pojoaque has had an up and down season — picking up wins against good teams but also losing to seemingly weaker opponents.

“They have size, some quickness at the guard spot,” he said. “This team can beat any team in the state on any given night.”

Fraze will rely on his big four — Lindsay Blakey, Kiki Helsley, Taylee Rippee and Jessie Campbell — to seal up the paint while the guards will “hopefully provide enough pressure” to prevent the pass to the inside.

A bit of good news for the Lady Rams heading into the game is the return of Sky Marianito, who missed the latter portion of the season with a knee injury. Fraze said Marianito will be playing on limited minutes, but the team is happy to have her back in time for their tournament run.

In other games involving Roosevelt County schools:

• In Class 1A, No. 1 Elida (22-6) hosts 16th seed Carrizozo at 4 p.m., looking to win to win a seventh-straight small school title.

• No. 12 Dora (18-10) travels to No. 5 Fort Sumner (18-9) in Class 2A at 6 p.m., with the teams being part of a three-way tie with Logan for the District 6-2A title. The Vixens took got the best of the season’s matchup with the Lady Coyotes, winning two of three contests.

• No. 14 Floyd (6-19) plays at No. 3 Roy/Mosquero (20-3) in another 6 p.m. tipoff. While Floyd struggled this year, starting off 2-15, they Lady Broncos have won four of their last eight games.