Lady Rams cruise past Tucumcari

Proving they are far from a one trick pony, the Portales Lady Rams — normally reliant on their low post prowess for offensive production — made it rain 3-pointers on Tuesday night en route to a 49-11 victory over Tucumcari at the Ram Activity Center.

Senior forward Macy Mitchell scored 13 of her game-high 15 points as the Lady Rams (10-8) blitzed Tucumcari 22-4 in the opening stanza. Seven Portales players combined for 11 3-pointers.

Only two players managed to score for the Lady Rattlers (3-10) — Michelle Fazekas with six point, and Espy Moncayo with five.

"We knew that they would try to pack it in around our post,” Lady Rams coach Clay Stout said. “I told the girls we have five players that can shoot the 3. Spread them out, make them move, and take some shots.”

Hannah Cissell added 10 points and Francis Armijo nine for the Lady Rams, who limited Tucumcari to just five field goals for the game.

After winning the opening tip-off, the Lady Rams quickly opened 15 point lead knocking down five shots from long range.

"It was a good game for our whole team,” Lady Rams senior Cynthia Armijo, who had a pair of 3-pointers. “I’m really proud we showed we’re all willing to pass the basketball, and it’s not just about one player.”

Cissell played particularly well on the defensive end, outhustling Lady Rattlers players for loose ball after loose ball throughout the game.

Leading 33-6 at halftime, the Lady Rams called off the dogs in the final two periods.

"I’m proud of the girls,” Stout said. “Instead of running the score up, they worked on some things and took good shots.

“We don’t want to embarass anyone.”

Portales now turns its focus to Friday’s home clash against Class 5A power Hobbs.

“They lost to Clovis by one and we lost to Clovis by two,” Portales’ Makayla Poyner. “We’re really excited, and hopefully we keep this intensity up.”