Partin propels Rams past Cats

PNT Staff Writer

LOVINGTON — The Portales Rams began defense of their 2006 District 4-3A championship with a big win on at Lovington Tuesday night.

With the score tied at 51, Portales senior Skyler Partin laid the ball in and drew a foul with nine seconds left on the clock as the Portales Rams beat Lovington 54-51 in the Rams District 4-3A opener.

“We had some kids step up big time, (Todd) McBroom and Ky Mitchell stepped up big tonight,” Gallegos said. “This game was huge because we talked about it, we didn’t have our best effort tonight.”

With senior post Chance Sherburne in foul trouble most of the night, senior post McBroom and junior guard Mitchell led the Rams with 11 points each.

Gallegos was pleased with the Rams outside game.

“We hit eight three’s,” Gallegos said. “It’s been a long time since a Portales team hit eight 3-pointers.”

The Wildcats opened the game with a 12-8 lead heading into the second quarter. The Rams made up that difference in the second period to take a 22-19 lead into the half. With Sherburne on the bench for most of the third quarter, Lovington took a 39-36 advantage into the fourth period, where Partin’s lay-in was the difference.

The Rams take a break from district play as they host the 4A Roswell Coyotes Friday night.