The varsity Indian baskeball team suffered a 62-61 overtime loss to Frenship on Dec. 8.

“It was a tough loss,” senior guard Luke Wimmer said. “I think we played better as a team than we have been. We just couldn’t finish.”

Despite the Indians 3-5 start, they are determined to perform well in the Dimmitt Tournament this weekend and gain some momentum as they get closer to district.

“We need to continue bonding,” sophomore forward Carter Laramore said. “If we put aside some egos, and continue playing as a team like we did against Frenship, we will start winning games and role through district.”

The Indians fell to Brownfield, 59-50, in the first round of the Dimmitt Tournament. The Indians will play tomorrow at 9 a.m. in Dimmitt.

“We have a chance to get some payback in this tournament,” Wimmer said. “I feel like we have improved since our last meeting with Brownfield and have a good shot at winning some games.”

Although the Indians are 3-6, the record is deceiving. The Indians have lost by a combined 20 points in four of their five losses, and four of the five games they have lost have been to 5A and 6A teams (the one exception in both instances is 3A Brownfield, who is ranked third in the state).

“We have been improving each game we play,” Coach David Williams said. “We have a tough schedule, but it’s only going to help us when district rolls around.”

As district approaches, the expectations are high, and with the preseason schedule, the Indians should be well prepared.

“I expect to repeat as district champs,” Williams said. “I expect us to go 10-0.