Rams streaking heading into District 4-4A slate

ROSWELL – Portales High’s boys are on a roll heading into District 4-4A play.

The Rams registered their seventh consecutive victory on Thursday night, opening an 18-point lead at halftime and cruising past New Mexico Military 71-48.

Senior guard Xodus Gomez finished with 14 points and four steals for the Rams (12-7), who hosted Dexter on Saturday in their final non-district tilt. Senior guard Damian Lucero added 12 points and team highs of eight rebounds and four assists, while sophomore guard Paxton Culpepper chipped 12 points.

“We played well,” Rams coach Randy McBroom said. “The kids executed the game plan. They (Colts) have a lot of long kids, which has kind of been our kryptonite all year, but we finished well around the rim.”

PHS did it without two senior regulars – forward Markus Aranda (illness) and center Emmanuel Diahn (knee). McBroom said he hoped to possibly have both back for Saturday’s tilt with Dexter.

Ten Rams contributed to the scoring column in Thursday’s triumph.

“It was just next man up,” McBroom said. “We’ve been blessed to be a deep team.”

Portales extended a seven-point lead at the quarter to 42-24 at the intermission and was content to trade baskets with the Colts (3-6) the rest of the way. Sophomore guard Ernesto Martinez scored 25 points for NMMI.

The Rams open district action on Friday against Roswell Goddard at the RAC.

Portales 73, Texico 60 (Tuesday) – The teams battled to a 32-32 halftime draw before the Rams got five points each from Lucero, Culpepper and junior Zane Mayberry during a 22-12 third-quarter surge, capped by Culpepper’s three-quarter-court shot as time expired. Lucero, who finished with 19 points, then added three field goals in the final stanza to help keep Portales in control.

“We played pretty well,” McBroom said. “Their size gave us some problems, but we were able to make some adjustments.

“Davian (7-of-12 field goals) had a good game. When you have less shots than points, that’s a good thing.”

Mayberry finished with 12 points for the Rams. Senior guard Xodus Gomez led the team with seven rebounds and three assists, while Culpepper collected four steals.

“We kind of got going toward the end of the third quarter. Our press was effective and forced some turnovers.”

The Wolverines (10-7) were paced by senior Jahvon Askew’s game-high 20 points and 14 from junior Cade Figg.