Rams move to 4-0 with win over Mules

PORTALES — Despite a close first half, the Portales High boys basketball team routed Muleshoe High on Friday night, 74-54.

While the Rams (4-0) did a great job of spreading the scoring around, three players carried the load.

Led by Jeremy Karngbaye with 18 points, both Junior Ramirez and Ethan Self added 16 each. Both Self and Ramirez hit four 3-pointers apiece, eight of the teams 12, as Portales showed that they don't only command the paint, but the deep ball as well.

The Mules (4-6) were led by Dagen Dunham with 17, while Jason Flores and Beto Diaz added 14 and 11 points, respectively. While Muleshoe made their fair share of shots from beyond the arc, the second half saw the Mules go cold from outside, forcing them into the paint where Karngbaye racked up four blocks in the blowout.

Mules head coach Bryan Loera said, "We didn't have a(specific) strategy, we just wanted to play man and pressure them. They are pretty good shooters and everyone can play, so you really can't do a whole lot to them. You just have to do what you do and hope it works."

Portales' size and athleticism make matching up with them difficult, something coach Rickie McBroom tries to take full advantage of.

"Well one thing we've been doing real well is rebounding," said McBroom. "Our size and quickness both contribute to that. We are also pretty quick on the defensive end. ... Our defense lends to our length and quickness as well."

Trailing 36-30 heading into the locker room, the Mules were running with the Rams enough to stay in the game. The third quarter not only saw Muleshoe struggle to knock down outside shots, but the Rams would score 21 points to widen their lead to 13, 57-44.

The difference in the Rams' different halves was passing, with the ball starting to really move around the outside until Portales could find the open man. The undefeated team also cut down on their giveaways, limiting turnovers in the third.

McBroom said about what areas his team needs to improve in, "I think turnovers, especially when we are in the open floor, ... we're giving up the ball to many times .... Defensively I think we still have a lot of work to do. What I like though on offensive end, is we are really sharing the ball well and willing to make the extra pass."

Portales resumes play Saturday, with a 5:30 p.m. tipoff at Texico. The Mules will have a couple of days rest until traveling to Dimmitt, Texas, with a 7 p.m. start.