Indians play in Big Spring tonight
Take it to make it– Junior point guard Cade Barnard is fouled by a Midland Christian player while shooting a layup during the home game on Dec. 13. The Indians took the win, 57-49, over the Mustangs.
The Indian basketball team travels to Big Spring tonight after a 57-49 win over Midland Christian on Dec. 13.
“The game against Big Spring is the last game before the Christmas break,” Coach David Williams said. “It will be important for us to win at some place that is not at home especially because of the shortened season.”
The Indians have 4-6 record so far having played the first few weeks without the football players who were still in the playoffs. The edition of junior guard Cade Barnard, junior forward Daniel Grado and junior post Reese Moore after football ended added depth to the squad.
“Our strengths are our height and length,” Moore said. “Our weakness would be our speed.”
The Indians need to address skill levels as the season progresses.
“We need to work on our ball handling,” Williams said. “We also have to learn to play together. It is good to have a team made of all juniors though because everything we learn this year can be carried over into next year.”
The Indians take the challenge of a new guard at the helm in Barnard.
“Cade has to learn me, and I have to learn him,” Williams said. “There is just a lot of adjustment to be made.”
For Barnard, the challenge this season will be playing with a new team after moving in from Melrose, N.M. “Playing with a new team is fun,” Barnard said. “It is difficult though because you have to figure out how to play with different people.”
The football players are still transitioning into a faster-paced sport.
“I am dying in practice,” Moore said. “I have run a lot to get back into basketball shape, and I have quit drinking Dr. Pepper.”
The Indians face a difficult district this season with most of the teams state-ranked, including Brownfield which comes off a 3A state championship last season.
“Estacado’s program is strong,” junior post Carter Laramore said. “They are the only team in our district that can match our size and strength.”
With each game, the Indians are learning more.
“We have learned to never underestimate a team, and whenever we work together, anything can be accomplished,” junior guard Alex Gonzalez said. “We also have to control the tempo of the game, play smart and work hard. This is what it will take if we want to win district and go far into the playoffs.”
