Showdown looming in District 28-2A girls basketball race

January 07, 2008

A showdown is brewing Tuesday night in Hallettsville as the Lady Brahmas host the Schulenburg Lady Horns.

A Hallettsville victory could be a big step for the Lady Brahmas in their march toward the District 28-2A title, while the Lady Horns will be trying to make the district race even tighter than what it already is.

"We know whats at stake," Lady Brahmas coach Donald Shimek said. "A win puts us in great shape but a loss puts us in a tie and Schulenburg will own the tiebreaker."

Thats why Shimek feels his team will have not problem focusing on the task at hand Tuesday night.

"Its a constant reminder on my part, focus, focus, focus,"said Shimek. "Rice (Consolidated) gave us everything we could have wanted the other night and they were winless so we know theres no looking ahead."

The Brahmas, 5-0 in league play, enter the contest a game ahead of the Lady Horns (4-1) and two games ahead of Edna, Industrial and Weimar, who are all at 3-2.

The Lady Brahmas have managed wins over Ganado, Industrial, Weimar, Edna and Rice Consolidated, while Schulenburg bounced back from an opening loss to Industrial to down Weimar, Edna, Rice Consolidated and Schulenburg.

The Lady Brahmas have found themselves with a balanced scoring attack this season behind Kelly Hairell, Callie Herrington and La Treece Haynes.

All three also know the importance of playing each game after watching Schulenburg defeat the Lady Brahmas earlier this year on the volleyball court in the playoffs after having beaten the Lady Horns twice in district.

Hairell is averaging 12.4 points a game, while Herrington is chipping in at a 9.3 clip and Haynes an 8.1 clip.

"Thats one thing thats been key for us this year," said Shimek.

"Defense has always been big for us, but this year we have a much more balanced scoring attack. It seems like someone different is always stepping up each game."

Schulenburg counters on the offensive behind Ali Trojaceks 13.9 scoring average and Avery Trojaceks 11.8 average.

Even with a victory, Shimek said he doesnt see his team getting overconfident.

"Weve been fortunate to have some big wins already and we know the second round will be just as tough if not tougher," said Shimek.

Paul Ebner is the assistant sports editor for the Advocate. Contact him at 361-580-6507 or by e-mail at pebner@vicad.com.