Mineral Wells Area News

By DAVID MAY | Special to Mineral Wells Area News

BROCK – A scrappy Mineral Wells Lady Rams squad gave the No. 10 Brock Lady Eagles a bit of a scare for two quarters before falling, 45-32, in Friday’s District 6-4A contest.

Mineral Wells was seeking its first district win. Early on, it looked as if they could get it by pulling off one of the team’s biggest upsets ever.

Second-half free-throw struggles got the best of them, allowing Brock to take control of the contest to improve to 5-2 in district, 20-8 on the season. Mineral Wells saw their district record drop to 0-7 and 15-14 on the year.

The loss leaves the Lady Rams’ post-season hopes hinging on winning their last three games – beginning with Tuesday’s home game against No. 3 Glen Rose (29-2, 7-0) – and getting help in the form of losses by Graham and Brownwood sitting above them.

It was a great start for the hustling Lady Rams defensively, holding Brock to just two points in the opening frame and carrying a 15-14 advantage into halftime.

That got the Lady Eagles’ attention as they outscored Mineral Wells, 18-11, in the third quarter and carried that momentum into the fourth to secure the 13-point win.

The second half largely came down to missed opportunities at the free throw line for the Lady Rams. For the game, Mineral Wells made 9 of their 18 free throw attempts (50%). From the field, the Lady Rams made 10 of 24 shots (41.6%), including going 3-of-11 from the top of the arc.

Mineral Wells had three steals and two blocked shots against 14 turnovers committed.

Still, the hustle and determination displayed by Mineral Wells in the home of one of Class 4A’s top teams should not be overlooked. Aniya Richardson led the ladies with eight points scored to go with three assists. Addyson Moore tallied seven points. Jaylee Newman and Emery Boswell each added six points, with Boswell registering 10 rebounds. Kahlea Samples finished with five points.

Brock 73, Mineral Wells 32

The Brock Eagles cruised past Mineral Wells, 73-32, in Friday night’s second varsity game.

The loss dropped the Rams’ record to 5-22 overall and 1-4 to wrap up the first round of District 6-4A play. The district-leading Eagles, ranked 21^st in the current Texas Basketball Coaches Association poll, improved to 21-8 and 5-0.

Round 2 of district play begins Tuesday, with the Rams hosting second-place Glen Rose (21-7, 4-1). First tip is set for 7 p.m. inside Rams Gym. 

The Tigers won the first game against Mineral Wells at home by a 79-34 margin. The Rams sit in fifth-place in the six-team division, one game behind Graham. A strong push in the second round could put the Rams into the playoffs, which would be a remarkable accomplishment on what has been a tumultuous season to date.