West Texas Playoff Preview a Big Hit
    By Jessica Ray, Staff Writer  ~~ The Monahans News, February 23, 2007

Monahans High and Coach Thomas Clay hosted the West Texas Playoff Preview Saturday.  Playoff teams from across West Texas met at the Jerry Larned Sports Complex to play warm-up games in preparation for the first round of boys' basketball playoffs.

"It was a great opportunity for coaches to scout and to compete against teams they won't play in the playoffs.  We had a lot of coaches come in just to scout, and the crowds were good," said Coach Clay.

"If you enjoy basketball, it was a good day to spend and watch quality basketball," said Coach Joe Flores of Fort Stockton, whose district 2-3A first-place team lost to Fabens on Saturday.  Fabens holds the first place ranking in district 1-3A.

Coach Chris Bearden of Sterling City enjoyed the opportunity to play practice games "without driving all over America."  He also stated he was able to look around the sports complex and get some ideas for a new facility in Sterling City.  His team is first place in district 11-1A.  They defeated Van Horn, the third-place team from district 7 in conference 2A.

In a match-up of two 1A first place teams, Grady beat Fort Davis, the teams are champions in district 8 and 9, respectively.

"The Playoff Preview was a wonderful opportunity for our boys.  They enjoyed the atmosphere, facilities, and the opportunity to compete against the best.  From a coaching standpoint, it gave several of us an opportunity to talk basketball, whether it was the play of the game, scheduling for possible playoffs later on the road, of old friends and colleges enjoying good company," said Fort Davis coach Jarime Beathge.

Coach Ken Campbell from Reagan County was also impressed with the facilities and the event.

"Coach Clay and the people of Monahans did a great job of putting on this preview," said Coach Campbell.  His team, which is the first place team in district 7-2A, defeated Rankin, the first-place team in district 10-1A.

The Monahans Loboes, Third place in district2-3A, played the neighboring Grandfalls Cowboys and won.  Grandfalls is the second place team in district 10-1A.

Keyed by Chance Helmers, Junior '07