Rams clinch district title

ROSWELL — Thanks to their 52-46 victory at New Mexico Military on Friday night, the Portales Rams have clinched the regular-season District 4-4A title.

Portales (15-9, 5-0 district) was led by 16 points from Bronte Staugaard and 15 from Jeremie Karngbaye, who combined to get 16 of their points from the free throw line.

Portales coach Rickie McBroom was happy with the way his team won, as the Rams were sent to the free throw line 34 times.

“It was just a really physical ballgame,” McBroom said. “It was bump-and-grind for both teams. You’ve got to give NMMI credit for how they played.

“The positive is our kids were in a really tough environment and found a way to win. You’ve got to do that this time in the season.”

Portales trailed by four after one quarter, but outscored NMMI over the final three stanzas 40-30 to post its fifth consecutive victory.

The Colts (7-12, 2-3) were led by Carlos Xibilie with 14 points and Peter DeGroot with 13.

One of the reasons for the Rams’ victory? NMMI shot 21 fewer free throws than Portales.

While McBroom is happy with the regular-season district title, he’s not planning on resting on his laurels.

“We clinched the No. 1 seed for the district tournament, but it’s very important we win our next game for the state seedling,” he said.

Portales will end the regular season game with a 7 p.m. game next Friday against district foe East Mountain at the Ram Athletic Center.