Lady Lions beat PHS in Shoot Out; Rams cruise

PORTALES — Falling 56-49, the Portales Lady Rams had all the opportunity in the world to beat talented Lubbock Trinity Christian on Friday night in the PHS Shoot Out at the Ram Athletic Center.

The saying "they couldn't buy a bucket" doesn't do the team's shooting performance justice, as the Lady Rams (9-3) continually struggled from the field, missing shot after shot — whether they were closely guarded or wide open.

The Lady Lions (10-11) had no such problems as they put together and efficient night from the floor, especially from beyond the arc.

"I can't explain it," Lady Rams coach Wade Fraze said. "We work those shots constantly, a ton. I firmly believe that's what cost us the game, and they can shoot lights out. That's the best shooting team we will see all year."

Lindsay Blakey led Portales with 14 points, but was the Lady Rams player in double figures. For the Lady Lions, Cara Cowan led all scorers with 16 points, while Lauren Catherman and Ashton Duncan added 14 and 10 points, respectively.

Trinity Christian hit eight 3-point field goals, while Portales only managed three.

The stark contrast between Trinity's deadeye shooting and Portales' struggles was stark, but not really reflected in the score. While the outcome is final, it's difficult not to think what the score may have been had the Lady Rams shot even close to their average, according to Fraze.

"I dont know how many shots we missed in the paint, but we should have won by 15, 20 points if we convert even an average amount," he said. "That's the bottom line — we missed more shots than we have a right to and lose by seven."

The Lady Rams tip off against the Hobbs Lady Eagles at 4:30 p.m. today in the Shoot Out finale.

PHS boys — /strong>The Rams coasted to an easy win Friday night, beating Mesilla Valley Christian, 68-41, in the Rams Basketball Shootout.

The Rams (10-2) had three players in double digits, led by Jase Wallace with 17, while Jeremie Karngbaye and Tyrese Dawson added 14 and 10 points, respectively. The SonBlazers (7-5) were led by Hunter Conn with 17.

The Rams had the hot hand from deep all night, sinking 10 3-pointers, including five by Wallace. On the other side, the SonBlazers struggled mightily against Portales' athleticism and length on defense, rarely getting an uncontested shot and only making one 3-pointer.

While Portales was in control form the opening tip, the second quarter is where the game really got out of reach for Mesilla Valley, with the Rams outscoring the SonBlazers 20-10 to build their lead to 18 at halftime.

The period was capped by a ferocious Karngbaye dunk off the backboard from Junior Ramirez. Not only did the gym erupt, the SonBlazers looked somewhat shocked by the athletic play.