Weekly Newspaper and Travel Guide
for Ward County, Trans Pecos, Big Bend of West Texas

Sports

Jan. 7, 1999

Gutsy gals outscore Birds

The third quarter was more of the same story, with the
offense keeping reign on the floor and scoring another ten
points. The Loboes showed their steadily-improving offense
to be capable of overcoming the press, and after three
periods, were ahead 30-24.

Entering the final stanza, the women simply had to prevent a
Crane outburst. The defense continued to play stingily, and
the offense provided the support to stave off an attack by
the Birds. The Loboes held on to beat the Lady Birds 38-35.

This recent show of offense has the team members confident.
Says senior forward Lori Enriquez, "If we keep imroving on
offense, and our defense doesn't quit, we have a good chance
of competing. We also have improved on free-throw shooting,
which really makes a difference."

Loboes shoot well in tourney

In order for the Loboes to achieve that goal, they would
have to defeat former 3-3A rival Fabens in the opening
round.

Fabens returned many starters from their last year's time,
and featured a quick offense based on perimeter shooting.

The Loboes kept it close the entire game. Trailing by 8
entering the 4th quarter, the team returned to traditional
Lobo magic to make a run for the win. However, the ball
bounced the Lobo way all but one time, which was enough to
let Fabens escape with a 59-57 win.

The next challenge for the Loboes came from current district
rival Crane. Backed with a stellar lineup of athletes who
saw time in Crane's 1998 football success, the Golden Cranes
were expected to make a showing to win the tournament.

Perennial 3A power Lamesa had other ideas though, and put
Crane away in the first round, thus setting up the game with
Monahans.

The game would also be the only non-district affair that the
Loboes would have against Crane.

No single member of Crane's packed team provided a singular
effort to beat the hungry Loboes. However, miscues at the
free throw line cost the Loboes a chance to remain
competitive against the talented Cranes.

The Loboes kept the game close in the first half with good
defense. At the half, Crane lead 21-12. The Loboes came out
strong in the second stanza but Crane quickly put that
momentum to rest by putting up 29 points to the Loboes 11,
and took a 27 point lead into the fourth quarter.

True to their style, the Loboes never gave up, and outscored
Crane 16-13 in the fourth quarter. The Loboes showed
positive signs of defensive improvement despite the 63-39
loss. David Williams led the Green with 10 points

By virtue of their two losses, the Loboes entered the 7th
place match against the McCamey Badgers. In order for the
Loboes to win their final match, they would have to use an
offensive arsenal yet unleashed to keep with the Badgers
"run and gun" style. The Pack did just that.

The offense that had eluded the Loboes in the previous two
matches came back in a big way, as the pack downed McCamey
89-71.

The game was dominated at the offensive end of the floor for
both teams, as defense came at a premium that neither team
fully bought in to. The Loboes were led by Chris Adams with
22 points. Brian Morris threw in 13 while Jarod Thomas
pitched in 11 for the win. David Williams contributed 10
points and a huge slam-dunk that brought the Monahans
faithful and bench to thunderous applause.

Panthers scratch Loboes

Even with the momentum that the Loboes achieved in the
Stockton tourney, it was yet to be seen if the Mean Green
could hang with one of New Mexico's biggest basketball
powerhouses, Jal.

The Loboes came out firing early, using much of the same
offense that led to success against McCamey-quick outlet
passes. Taking advantage of full-court breaks, the Loboes
held tight with the Panthers, and were tied at 22 at the end
of the first quarter.

The Loboes settled into their offense more in the second
quarter, forcing Jal to step up or allow the outside shot.

The Loboes worked effectively in moving the ball to the
baseline and driving or passing into the lane for easy
lay-ups. All this jazz kept the Panther lead small, 31-25
at halftime.

The Lobo 3rd quarter began much like the second, with quick
baseline action provided by Micah Tuxhorn and newly returned
post Wayne Branham. However, the Panthers adjustments into a
zone defense kept the Loboes from any interior passing, and
the opposition used key turnovers to spark quick points.

The Panthers continued to stifle Monahans interior game,
forcing the Loboes to rely on low percentage jump shots to
counter Jal's quick breaks leading to easy hoops on the
other end. The Loboes showed true class in the game, but
nontheless came out on the short end of the score.

Hanna sets hurdle record

The day ended with the Loboes securely in the lead.
Saturday dawned, though, and a whole new set of fireworks
was being prepared. Melius began by shattering the shotput
record with a throw of 54 feet, 5.25 inches.

Hanna then set the new records for the 110 and 300 meter
hurdles, and was the anchor for the record-setting 400 meter
relay team. Two weeks later, Hanna and Melius qualified for
the state meet, by earning second in the 110 meter hurdles
and shotput, respectively. Hanna finished second in Austin
in the hurdles, and Melius finished third in shot. Both men
went on to sign track scholarships at Division I schools.

Golf team in top seven

Ward Newspapers, Inc.
Joe Warren, Publisher
107 W. Second St., Monahans TX 79756
Phone 915-943-4313, FAX 915-943-4314
e-mail monnews@ultravision.net