Steers show improvement in loss to Mineral Wells

Since the beginning of the season, Steers head coach Kris Hise warned it could be a difficult season. Mostly comprised of freshmen and sophomores, combined with learning a new offense, Hise knew there would be struggles. In Friday’s 63-43 home loss to Mineral Wells, the Steers showed improvement in some areas while showing the need for more work in others.

Shooting has continued to be a struggle for the Steers as the season wears on. However, the ball movement continues to improve. Although the team shot 34.1% from the field Friday, the Steers inside shots improved with a 48.1% success rate from inside the 3-point line, including 10-18 from under the basket.

The game opened with a foreshadow of things to come. Tristan Gray earned a trip to the free-throw line. Although he failed to convert on his two attempts, the Rams had 34 free throw opportunities in the game on 25 personal fouls called against the Steers.

Lawson Wenninger gave the Steers their only lead of the night moments later. After a steal, Wenninger drove downcourt for a layup with 6:50 remaining in the first quarter. The basket also started a scoring drought that lasted five minutes, five seconds. Ashton Day ended the drought with a 3-pointer to make the score 8-5 in favor of the Rams. Travis Anderle made his only basket with 1:12 left on the clock before Aidan Crawford scored the quarter’s last field goal with 48.8 seconds left to give the Rams a 13-7 lead.

For the rest of the story, see the Jan. 26 edition of The Graham Leader.