Mineral Wells Area News

Mineral Wells boys hoops is back in the post-season after a seven-year drought

By DAVID MAY

Special to Mineral Wells Area News

For the first time in seven years, Mineral Wells boys basketball is back in the post-season, accomplishing the feat in head Coach Taylor Luster’s first year at the Rams’ helm.

On “Senior Night”, the Rams concluded their home slate with an exciting 64-60 home win over Stephenville to sweep the Yellowjackets and move into third place with a 3-4 record in District 6-1-4A.

It was fitting that two seniors led the Rams in Friday’s playoff-securing win. Forward Jordan Fisher scored 18 points, with 12 of those coming off four deep shots drained. Ben Bullock netted 15 points, including three treys made.

“I was so happy for (the team),” Luster told MWAN. “To do it on Senior Night, too. It was very special for the kids and they deserve this. They didn’t quit and they kept on showing up for work every single day.”

Two made threes by Fisher and a pair of field goals by junior forward Preztynn Harrison keyed a hot opening quarter for the Rams, staking them to a 16-9 lead over the Yellowjackets. Both teams scored nine points in the second frame to give Mineral Wells a 25-18 halftime lead.

Mineral Wells came out of the break on fire, scoring 18 points in the third and 21 more in the fourth. Fisher scored eight points in the third, while Bullock had 10 in the final quarter to help quell the ‘Jackets rally hopes.

Mineral Wells (8-26) won both their district games against Stephenville. Both teams have 3-4 district records with one regular season game remaining.

The Rams play at last-place Brownwood (0-7, 10-23) Tuesday, while Stephenville (16-16) hosts second-place Graham (4-3, 17-15). The outcomes of Tuesday’s games will determine if Mineral Wells finishes third or fourth in district. Mineral Wells needs to win and Stephenville to lose to lock up third place.

Along with its two Stephenville wins, the Rams’ other district win came two weeks ago at home against Brownwood, 74-58. Stephenville beat Graham in their first meeting.

Glen Rose has completed its regular season, winning District 6 with an 8-0 mark and a 19-13 overall record.

Playing in Region 1, Mineral Wells’ District 6 is paired in the first round with District 5-4A, where Estacado has won that district, followed currently by Levelland, Sweetwater, Lake View, Snyder and Big Spring with Tuesday’s regular season finales remaining.

The 2016-17 Rams team is the last team to make the post-season. That team went 22-7 overall and 10-2 in district, finishing second. The Rams defeated Stephenville in the first round before losing a heartbreaker to Wichita Falls Hirschi in Jacksboro.