Rams win opener at Dexter

DEXTER — It didn’t take long for Portales High seniors Jeremy Karngbaye and Junior Ramirez to adjust from the gridiron to the hardwood.

Three days after helping the Rams win the Class 4A state football championship, and with one practice under their belts, Karnsbaye and Ramirez each poured in 22 points on Tuesday night as Portales outlasted Dexter 67-64 in its season opener.

Ramirez, the Rams’ quarterback in football, had five of the team’s seven 3-pointers in the game. Jace Wallace added 10 points for Portales.

“We’re glad to get out of here with a win, with only one day (for the full squad) to practice,” Rams coach Rickie McBroom said.

The game was close most of the way, although the Rams had the lead at each of the quarter stops. They were facing a team in Dexter (3-2) with several games already under its belt.

“They’re playing well,” McBroom said of the Demons. “At times we would see some good things from our guys. We worked hard and got a win, and I’m just proud of them.”

Dexter also finished the contest with seven 3s. The Demons were led 15 points from Jarren Amaro, 14 from Dayton Harris and 12 from Jonah Chavez.

Portales returns to action on Saturday with a game at Santa Rosa.