Rams find tough challenges at Shootout

PORTALES — So far, it’s been a tough week for the Portales HIgh boys basketball team.

The Rams, playing four games at the RAC in five days, dropped the first three of them by a combined nine points, including Friday’s 60-55 loss to Lubbock Christian in the Portales Shootout.

LCHS (8-5), a Texas Class 4A TAPPS program, outscored the Rams 18-10 in the final period and claimed the victory behind 21 points from junior forward Alex Lack.

PHS (5-8) was hoping to get back on track in Saturday night’s finale against District 4-4A rival Lovington — which conversely, won its first two games in the event by a total of four points.

Rams coach Rickie McBroom could find little fault with his team’s effort after Friday’s clash.

“We’ve just got to keep moving forward and trying to win,” he said. “We have a lot of important games in front of us.”

Lubbock Christian, which dropped a 50-47 decision to Lovington Thursday, held the Rams to one field goal and four points over the final four minutes and took the lead for good on a basket by senior Zeke Lott with 3:50 remaining.

The Eagles were without starting point guard Carter Smith due to a hamstring injury, but coach Curt Softley said backup Andrew Haggard stepped up in his place with a solid effort. Lubbock Christian had just four turnovers over the final two cantos after committing nine in the first two.

“I think free throws and minimizing turnovers won this game for us,” Softley said. “I was super-proud of our kids. We’ve kind of struggled the last three games.”

Lubbock Christian went 19-for-27 from the free throw line, including 15-of-21 in the second half. The Eagles also got a major contribution off the bench early from senior forward Carter Carruthers, who had three 3-pointers and scored all 11 of his points in the first half.

“I think we could’ve played better defense at times,” McBroom said. “But they’ve got some kids who can shoot the ball.”

Meantime, the Rams made eight 3-pointers — including three in the first half by senior forward Kenevan Bailey — but struggled from the line, going 11-for-22.

“We needed to make some free throws; that would definitely help,” McBroom said. “We just have to stay together and keep working. It’s where we are in March that matters.”

Bailey was the only double-figure scorer in the contest for PHS, finishing with 11 points.

The first four boys clashes in the Shootout were decided by a grand total of 12 points.

“Everybody’s close,” Softley said.

Andrews (Texas) 61, PHS 58 (Thursday) — The Mustangs built a 37-29 halftime lead with a 23-point second quarter, featuring 10 of senior guard Brett Leach’s team-high 21 points.

Sophomore guard Paetyn Walker added 10 points for Andrews (10-9), which dropped a 45-44 heartbreaker to Lovington on Saturday on a follow basket in the final second of play by Wildcats senior Kobe Salcido.

Senior guard Kellan Hightower, who struggled with foul trouble against Lubbock Christian and eventually fouled out with four points, finished with two 3-pointers and 23 points in the loss to Andrews.