Mineral Wells Area News

Both squads will look to bounce back after a Christmas break

By DAVID MAY | Special to Mineral Wells Area News

A tough hoops season for the Mineral Wells boys continues while the Lady Rams suffered a second-straight defeat this week.

Interim Rams head coach Aaron Pappas is trying to right the ship after second-year head coach Taylor Luster was suspended for allegations he cheated on his teaching certification exam, part of a statewide investigation. Luster has since resigned his position with the school district.

On Friday, the Rams lost to host Wichita Falls Legacy, 54-29. The loss dropped the Rams’ record to 1-13 with its fourth straight defeat after a win over Jefferson earlier this month.

The Class 4A Rams have been dealt a tough hand but they will have a chance at a post-Christmas win when they face Class 6A Round Rock Cedar Ridge (5-11, 1-4) on Friday, Dec. 27, in the Round Rock Holiday Tournament.

Mineral Wells will then turn around the next morning to play Class 5A Leander Rouse Raiders (11-7, 2-0). The Rams then begin 2025 with games against Abilene and Gordon before entering district play.

Lady Rams

The Lady Rams had a tough shooting night at home Friday, falling 51-34 to Newcastle.

Despite the friendly environs, Mineral Wells made just 9 of their 25 shots from inside the arc and were 3-of-11 beyond it. The ladies managed a 7-of-14 effort from the free-throw line. Fourteen turnovers also factored in the loss.

The loss was Mineral Wells’ second straight, moving their season record to 11-7. The Class 1A Lady Bobcats improved to 5-8.

Mineral Wells was playing its first home game in a month and was coming off a long road trip and loss Tuesday at Class 4A Top 20 Lorena.

Jaylee Newman, Aniya Richardson and Addyson Moore each finished with eight points against Newcastle. Kahlea Samples and Maci Ruelas both added five points. Emery Boswell led the Mineral Wells effort on the boards with seven defensive clears.

While the Lady Rams were cold and turnover-prone to start the game, Newcastle took advantage to build a lead. The Lady Bobcats held a 17-4 lead after the first period.

Mineral Wells outscored Newcastle, 12-8, in the third frame and played the visitors evenly after the opening period, however Newcastle was sure to snuff out any thoughts of a rally while coasting to victory.

The Lady Rams next face Vernon in a Dec. 28 matinee as part of the Windthorst Tournament before starting district play Jan. 3 hosting Brownwood.