Rams to clash with Huskies

PORTALES — The Portales High boys basketball team is set to take on what most consider its No. 1 contender for the 2017 Class 4A state title, Hope Christian.

Tipoff is slated for 6 p.m. today at the Ram Athletic Center

Right now, the Rams (17-2) are atop the 4A rankings, but only due to their overall record which is slightly better than Hope’s. Both teams are 3-0 in district play and tonight’s winner will essentially be the clear No. 1 until at Albuquerque in February.

Hope has won seven of the last eight state titles. The Rams are looking for their first state crown since 2001 in then-Class 3A.

Portales is averaging 69 points per game and holding opponents to 54. Meantime, the Huskies (16-4) average 64 ppg and holding their foes to 50.

“I told our kids, if we just be ourselves and focus on our game, we will be OK,” Rams coach Rickie McBroom said.

The teams head into the game on long winning streaks, with the Rams having won their last nine matchups and the Huskies their last seven.

McBroom thinks the teams are similar — well-disciplined teams with good guard and post play.

Beyond the stats, the matchups on the floor will be something a little new for both teams. The Rams often try to pound the ball down senior Jeremie Karngbaye, who at 6-foot-6 has ample opportunity for scores in the paint.

The Huskies have eight players, more than half the roster, who stand above 6-foot, something that Portales is not used to seeing. Hope has a chance to make things difficult for the Rams’ inside game, using its length and height to clog the paint.

“They are going to concentrate on Jeremie, and they may double-team him,” McBroom said. “They are a talented team and have some really good kids.”

The Huskies don’t turn the ball over much, which may limit the Rams’ fast-break opportunities — an area where Portales usually generates a lot of points.

Turnovers aside, McBroom said defensive stops are where Portales likes to generate its offense.

“We feel we are at our best off the defensive glass,” he said. “Yes, we do create some offense off steals and turnovers, but defensive stops are what really get us going.”

Shooting the 3-ball could also be a deciding factor, as both teams like to take their fair share of shots from beyond the arc.