Mineral Wells Area News

By DAVID MAY

Special to Mineral Wells Area News

STEPHENVILLE – For the second time, the Mineral Wells Lady Rams came close to upending the Stephenville Honeybees, falling just short Tuesday in a 35-30 loss on the road.

Mineral Wells opened district play Jan. 5 at home against Stephenville, dropping a hard-fought 30-28 decision.

Tuesday’s loss snapped a modest two-game win streak for the Lady Rams (17-13, 1-4), who now sit in fifth place in District 6-4A.

A slow start and too many misses at the free throw line doomed Mineral Wells on Tuesday. A 13-4 first-period advantage carried the Honeybees (18-10, 3-2) to the win. The teams played even in the second and third periods before Mineral Wells outscored Stephenville in the final frame, 15-11.

Mineral Wells was just seven-of-19 at the free-throw line (37%). They sank 10 of their 28 shots from the floor (36%), including 7-of-20 from inside the arc.

Again, the red and black played shorthanded with three players unable to go as the team continues trying to overcome illness that spread through the locker room. Depth became a factor Tuesday when guard Kahlea Samples fouled out. Though she scored just two points, she produced five steals and two deflections on defense.

Jaylee Newman led Mineral Wells in scoring with seven. Aniya Richardson dropped in six with Cadence Colwell Colwell each adding five.

Emery Boswell pulled down six of the team’s 15 rebounds.

No. 1-ranked Glen Rose continues to lead district with their 26-3 overall record, including a 5-0 district mark. Stephenville, Brownwood and Graham sit second-fourth, respectively. Mineral Wells beat Graham, but the Lady Blues have played one less district game.

Mineral Wells hosts Brownwood (18-11, 2-3) Friday in a scheduled 6 p.m. contest.