Loboes Put Five Members On All-District Basketball Squad
    by Randy Hogan, Staff Writer ~~ Monahans News, March 3, 2006

The Monahans Loboes placed five members of the 2006 squad on the 3-3 A All-District basketball team released over the weekend. 

Selections were made two weeks ago at the district coaches meeting but were not officially released until all of the district member's seasons had ended.

Seminole was the only 3-3A team remaining in the playoff bracket going into the weekend, but lost to Muleshoe 70-45 in the Area championship Friday night at Lubbock Christian University.

Blake Whisnand was named the Newcomer of the Year in District 3-3A, and justifiably received a vote from each of the districts other six teams.

"Blake is just so athletic for his size," Clay said.  "He gives teams a lot of problems inside, and that allowed things to open up for our shooters.  Every coach in our district voted for Blake at the district meeting."

Ricky Rivera was selected on the district's All-Defensive team, and received high praise from Coach Clay.

"It is really a big honor for Ricky to be included on the All-Defensive team," said Clay.  "There are only five selected on the defensive team."  "He will really get after you on the defensive side of the ball."

Justin Patterson, Chris Collins and Sean Merrick were included on the All-District team as honorable Mention selections.

"Justin, Chris and Sean each play so hard and contributed to our team in different ways," Clay said.  "They have all worked hard and deserve to be on this team."

Seminole and Greenwood dominated this years team, but Monahans' five positions earned high regard due to the fact that a large part of the team didn't join the squad until December.

"Overall I am pleased with the recognition our kids have received," Clay said.  "We played in a highly competitive district and our kids really improved this year.  We had a late start, but we worked hard to put ourselves in position to challenge for a playoff spot."

The success of the state quarterfinalist Lobo football team allowed the rest of the district to gain a considerable advantage on the hardwood.

Seminole won a playoff game for the districts first place seeding by defeating Greenwood.  The Rangers lost in the Bi-District round to Clyde 58-53 in overtime.  Fort Stockton edged out Lamesa as the districts third place team, but lost in the first round to Sweetwater 44-33.