Lampasas Middle School boys’ basketball took three of four games last week against Salado, and the LMS girls won two.
LMS Eighth-grade “A” 46
Salado 38
The Badgers started out strong, scoring 13 points in the first quarter. They kept the pressure on throughout the game and scored on almost every possession, coach Hadley Berry said.
“Offensive performances by Reed Jerome, Rylan Ross and Brady Renfrew played a significant role” in the win, Berry said.
“In addition to the team's ability to score, the defense played lights out,” Berry said. “Jonas Andersen and Raider Morua both suffocated defenders and forced numerous turnovers.”
Individual scoring:
Reed Jerome 23
Rylan Ross 8
Brady Renfrew 6
Jonas Anderson 3
Raider Morua 2
Chance Simpson 2
Jacob Wintle 2 ***
LMS Eighth-grade “B” 16 Salado 38
Despite the loss, the Badgers played with a lot of heart, the coach said.
The team held the Eagles to a scoreless first quarter and hustled around the court.
“JT Posten, Jackson Wright and Timber Gholson each forced numerous turnovers that led to Badger points after transition,” Berry said. “Kevin Castruita had another dominating performance on the boards, grabbing the ball every time it came his way.”
Tyler Ecker scored 6 points in the third quarter alone. His help from the bench was critical, the coach said.
“Although the game didn't turn out the way we had hoped, the expectations are still very high. This is a great group of guys that have serious potential,” Berry said.
Individual scoring:
Tyler Ecker 7
Kevin Castruita 5
JT Posten 2
Timber Gholson 2
LMS Seventh-grade “A” 51
Salado 25
The seventh grade “A” team improved its record to 2-0 with a win over Salado.
“We came out of the gate slow and trailed Salado 11-8 at the end of the first period,” coach Nick Leopold said. “Our energy picked up in the second period.”
At halftime, the Badgers were up by five points, on the strength of strong defensive play by Cale Tatum.
“In the second half, the Badgers played outstanding team basketball led by Aidan Nuckles and Calum Mitchell,” Leopold said. “The entire team communicated with each other, which led to easy baskets and great team defense.”
Individual scoring:
Calum Mitchell 19
Aidan Nuckles 15
K.J. Reed 7
Carter Toups 4
Zane Martin 2
Hadley Bolm 2
Dylan Polmanteer 2
LMS Seventh-grade “B” 24
Salado 18
The seventh-grade “B” team kicked off the season with a win.
“It took the first quarter for the boys to settle down, which is to be expected for the first game of the year,” coach Warren Scott said. “After the first quarter, the Badgers were down 8-2, but they stormed back early in the second period and took a two-point lead.
“We came out firing on all cylinders in the second half, shooting and passing the ball much better and playing better defense,” Scott added. Individual scoring:
Individual scoring:
Jaden Mcelwain 8
Nicolaus Bailey 4
Cale Wheeler 4
Juan Rodriguez 2
Royce Clary 2
Brock Messinger 2
Sam Williams 2
The LMS teams will be back in action Dec. 3 at home as they host the Taylor Ducks.
The Lampasas Middle School girls’ teams opened their basketball season last week with games against Salado.
LMS Eighth-grade “A” 40 Salado 25
The eighth-grade “A” team played aggressive basketball in their opener.
“We did a really good job blocking out and tying up any loose balls,” coach Christy Wiley said. “We held the lead through all four quarters and hustled until the very end. I was very pleased with how we played.”
Key players included Addison Borchardt, Abigail Williams, Selah Harris and Dani Schuricht, the coach said.
Individual scoring:
Selah Harris 11
Addison Borchardt 10
Abigail Williams 10
Kenedi Smart 3
Lexee Marez 2
Abbey Green 2
Chloe Thorp 2
LMS Eighth-grade “B” 13
Salado 33
“The Lady Badgers had a rough start to the basketball season,” coach Wiley said. “Only four of the nine players on this team played basketball with us last year, so nerves were a factor.”
At the end of the first quarter, Salado was up 3-2. The Lady Eagles then went on a 15-0 run in the second quarter, making the score 18-2 at the half.
“We made a few adjustments at the half, and Salado pulled off their press,” Wiley said. “We were able to put four points on the board during the third quarter and outscored Salado. Unfortunately, Salado had a strong fourth quarter and once again outscored us.”
Individual scoring:
Cindy Ramos 8
Chloe Alvarez 3
Kemry Ybarra 2 ***
LMS Seventh-grade “A” 35
Salado 30
The basketball team was excited to start the season and have a chance to show what they could do.
The girls started off on fire, making several steals and connecting on baskets, but Salado remained right with them. At the end of the first quarter, Lampasas was down 12-13.
In the second quarter, both teams slowed their scoring, but at halftime the Lady Badgers were up 18-17.
“We made a few adjustments at half and came out in the third quarter and took a solid lead 29-21,” coach Tami Hurst said.
After the break, the girls “tried to force some shots that were not needed; however, they were able to maintain their lead and finished off the Lady Eagles,” Hurst said. “I am so proud of how
“I am so proud of how much effort and hustle I got from all the girls,” the coach added. “Even though they were nervous to begin with, they did not play like that and definitely outhustled their opponent.”
Individual scoring:
Ava Dixon 15
Johnnie Lewis 7
Jacie Resa 6
Mykia Brown 3
Laylah Bryant 2
Brinley Hamrick 1
Saylor Stamos 1 ***
Lampasas Seventh-grade “B” 25, Salado 29
The season-opener for this team was a nail biter, coach Sarah Leopold said. “It could have gone either way.”
Many of the girls had never played a basketball game before, so in practice they worked on various scenarios they might face.
“The girls absorbed this information and executed it well last night,” Leopold said. “There were lots of nerves and jitters, but the girls held their composure and improved as the game went on. We made a few halftime adjustments and tried our best to handle Salado’s aggressive playing.”
The Lady Badgers recorded only six points in the half but came back strong to finish with 25 total.
The coach said Madilyn Seward played solid defense and was able to make several steals that turned into layups for Lampasas.
“You never know what to expect in a first game, but I am so proud to say that the girls handled the pressure well and never gave up,” Leopold said.
Individual scoring:
Madilyn Seward 9
Brooklyn Farmer 6
Madison Magilke 4
Kaylee Bolm 2
Alyssa Santini 2
Jana Kellum 2
After a break for the Thanksgiving holidays, the teams will be back in action on Dec. 3 when the LMS girls will travel to Taylor.