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Third quarter boosts 'Birds past Brahmas
The boys basketball team hosted the Bellville Brahmas in a rematch of a game the 'Birds dropped 63- 54 earlier in December. This time, it was El Campo out on top of the Brahmas, 80-72. El Campo's showing showing against Bellville gave the 'Birds a few key areas to work on before district play begins Jan. 11. "I think we need to tighten our defense up more," Philip Spenrath, head coach of the Ricebirds, said. "We gave up way to many points. We scored well and I think our offense was all right." After a close first half, El Campo led 41-37 going into the third quarter. A switch in defensive strategy helped lead the Ricebirds on a big run in the third. "They hit some hard threes, some in-their-face threes, but they beat us to the basket a lot, so we kind of changed our strategy at the half. Instead of going full-court, we picked them up at half court because I thought we chased them too much."
Led by point guard Anthony Terrell, the Ricebirds ran through the Brahmas in the third quarter for a nice showing. He helped with penetration against Bellville's defense to open up shots for several players. "Coach Spenrath told me that when I run, the team runs," Terrell said. "So I feel like, in order to get us fast-breaking it, I've got to penetrate with the ball and get us down the court." Terrell earned several assists in the quarter and with 3:46 left before the start of the fourth, El Campo had a 53- 43 lead. Over the next 2 minutes, the Ricebird defense held Bellville score- less and Terrell made a 3-pointer and had assists to Maverick Smith, Kevin Gooden and Travis Pflughaupt. "I feel like we've got an allaround team and everybody plays a role," Terrell said. "My role is to pass the ball. I like to hit people that can shoot, like (Gooden). I know that's one person that when I'm down on the fast break, I can hit. "He's very talented. I feel like, to me, that he takes a whole lot of pressure off of me when I'm coming down the court with the ball. I don't have to just try to take over the whole team. I've got extra help in him." I was not until 1:32 left in the quarter that the Brahmas made their next basket. By the end of the quarter, El Campo had a large 64-49 lead. Spenrath said Terrell and the rest of the guards not falling for Bellville's defensive strategy was the key to that lead. "When we made our run, we weren't waiting to let them set up their trap," Spenrath said. "The trap gave us a little trouble. When we cycled or ran through the trap, we were all right. (Terrell) does have to push the ball if we're going to win. "I think the key is to push the ball up to get the first quick, easy basket. If we can't get that, then we want to feed the post. The key is to push the ball and we need him to push the ball. He's a senior and he's played for me for four years. He's very good and it's a plus." Bellville made a small comeback in the fourth quarter and outscored the Ricebirds 23-16, but it was not enough to challenge the outcome of the game. El Campo escaped with an 80- 72 victory. "A win is good," Spenrath said. "They beat us earlier, but we're going to have to get a lot better and a lot more consistent before district comes." El Campo hosted Calhoun Friday and will host Cuero Tuesday in the last two predistrict contests. The Ricebirds' district play starts up Jan. 11 in Richmond against Terry. RICEBIRD STATS El Campo 80, Bellville 72
EC Leaders POINTS - Travis Pfluthaupt 31, Kevin Gooden 22, Anthony Terrell 11, Larry Williams 7, Maverick Smith 3, Landon Appling 2, Jac Axel 2, Ira Smith 2REBOUNDS - Pflughaupt 17 STEALS - Gooden 4, Terrell 3 ASSISTS - Terrell 7, Gooden 4 |
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