Loboes Drop District Opener on Road at Greenwood
   By Randy Hogan--Staff Writer - The Monahans News, December 23, 2005

The Monahans Loboes dropped a district contest to Greenwood Tuesday night, as they continued their struggle getting shots to drop in a 48-21 loss to the Rangers.

"We are just not shooting well, " said Coach Thomas Clay.  "We couldn't score.  But defensively we played well against a quality team."

Ryan Beeler, an All-West Texas basketball selection from last season, scored 26 points to lead the Rangers past Monahans in the District 3-3A opener for each team.

"Beeler is really a smart player," Coach Clay commented.  "He got good position on us and really compliments a quality Greenwood team."

Greenwood (11-5, 1-0), took a 25-8 lead into the intermission, and held the struggling Loboes to just 13 second half points.

"We are struggling to score points, and are missing one of our team leaders," Coach Clay said.  "Joe Joe Birdwell is the fire on our team.  His emotion and leadership are really missed right now."

Birdwell sustained an ankle injury during the football season, and has been sidelined in the early part of the young basketball season.

Coach Clay is hoping to get Birdwell back into the lineup at the Big Lake tournament.

Seven Loboes scored in the game, but shooting consistently remains a problem.

Blake Whisnand scored 6 points for Monahans, and has played a key role for the Loboes with Birdwell out of action.

"Blake has been big for us so far," Coach Clay said.  "He is big and athletic, and making progress every day.  It will be a huge advantage for us to get him and Birdwell both into a game."

Cole Cornelius added five points, including a three-pointer  from long range.

Chris Roberson, Justin Patterson, Ricky Rivera, Colby Latham, and Chris Collins each added two points to account for all the Lobo scoring.

Defensively Monahans played a sound game, only allowing 48 points.

"We are doing a good job on the defensive side," Clay said.  We held them to 48 points in the game, and Beeler had 26 of those points.  So overall I think our defense has been good."

Monahans will face Garden City at 1:30 pm in the first round of the Mary Tatum Classic in Big Lake, December 28-30. 

Keyed By Logan Summers, Junior