The Indians take on Lamesa on Friday at 8 p.m. after their 56-49 win over Denver City on Jan. 30.

“I think we are improving every game,” Coach David Williams said. “We have overcome a lot of obstacles such as injuries and new players. I think our record is a testament to their work ethic.”

The Indians have a record of 19-7 overall record and a 5-1 district mark. Their only district loss came from Estacado in the first round.

“Estacado has always been good,” senior post Reese Moore said. “They are fast and run all the time.”

Senior guard Carter Laramore said the Matadors’ speed and shooting ability are what make them such a difficult opponent. Even with the conference loss, the Indian goal stays the same.

“Our goal has been to win state,” Laramore said. “From the beginning of the year, this was our goal, and that has not changed.”

The loss of senior point guard Cade Barnard due to wrist surgery presented complications.

“People are having to play new positions,” senior guard Carter Johnson said. “We have had to change the offensive schemes too.”

The addition of move-in sophomore forward Jalen Brattain has also changed the chemistry of the team. “He adds another big to the court,” senior forward Clayton Medlin said. “This makes it difficult for the teams we play to guard us.”

The Indian offense this season does not lend itself to blow-out wins. The offense slows down play as guards try to get the ball in to the big post players.

“I think the most important thing we do to get a win is execute our offense,” Moore said. “When we do that, we can’t be stopped, but when we get away from that, we don’t do well at all.”

Laramore said the team’s success hinges on chemistry.

“If we are not on the same page, we will never be able to execute efficiently,” Laramore said. “I feel that we have done well, but not to the level that we wish to be. We could be doing better.”