Lady Rams winning big at Stanton

STANTON, Texas — Through three games in Stanton’s Hooptown tournament, it’s been a cakewalk for the Portales Lady Rams,

After beating Texas foes Big Spring (46-19) and Rankin (82-33) on Friday, PHS (4-3) was averaging nearly 63 points and allowing about 22 heading into Saturday’s final games against Lamesa and Colorado City.

“Our defense is what’s making us go in this tournament,” said PHS assistant Nate Chavez, who filled in this weekend with head coach Wade Fraze away to attend to a family matter. “I’m proud of the way we’re playing.”

Sophomore guard Myleigh Banda scored 13 of her 15 points in a 21-4 third-quarter run which broke the game open against Big Spring (3-5). Portales, which led just 15-11 at halftime, got scoring from eight players in the contest.

Senior Daniah Wrighter accounted for most of the offense for the Lady Steers with eight points.

Against Rankin (1-9), junior Audrey Paden scored a personal-best 24 points and the Lady Rams opened a 28-14 lead by the end of the first quarter. Paden was the only PHS player in double digits, but this time nine of her teammates contributed points.

Junior Taylor Ramos had nine points for the Lady Devils.

After Saturday’s contests, the next outing for Portales is on Friday night against Friendship at the Ram Athletic Center.

Portales 60, Pecos (Texas) 13 (Thursday) — The Lady Rams were never challenged by the winless (0-6) Lady Eagles, holding them to four points or less in each of the four quarters.

Paden led the way for Portales with 14 points. Again, she was the only one in double figures, but eight others scored, including sophomore Angel Ornelas with nine points and Banda and sophomore Tya Rippee with eight apiece.

“We jumped out to an early lead,” Chavez said. “We got all of our kids in, and they all got quality time.”

Senior Yulissa Hernandez finished with eight points for Pecos.