HERMLEIGH — Guard play may decide the outcome of Monday’s Class 1A bi-district round playoff game between Hermleigh and Ackerly-Sands
The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Sterling City High School. Monday’s winner will play Sierra Blanca in an area round playoff game.
Hermleigh head coach Sam Winters said the three seniors helped the younger players throughout the season. Dylan Sorrells and Eli Garza were returning starters while Chase Carr came off the bench a year ago.
Hermleigh (13-13) started the District 12-1A season with losses to Borden County and Westbrook. The Cardinals won seven of the next eight games to finish as the district runner-up.
“Our senior leadership has been very good,” Winters said. “They have been playing well and the other players are picking up their game at the right time.”
Winters said guard play may determine Monday’s winner.
“Eric Sanchez is Sands’ go-to player,” Winters said. “He is a good shooter and likes to drive to the basket. Sands has good guard play overall and good 3-point shooters with a big post player. It’s going to be a good game and a good matchup. I believe the game will be decided on guard play.”
Winters, who played at Harper High School, said it’s going to be different coaching against his high school coach, Billy Grumbles.
“That will make it even more of an interesting game,” Winters said.
While the seniors have carried a big load, Winters said the younger players have matured.
“They have been playing well and the other players are picking up their game at the right time,” Winters said. “I researched it and asked people around the community and believe Hermleigh has never won a playoff game. It would be huge if we can come away with a win not just for this team, but the program. It will move Hermleigh basketball one step forward.”
Winters believes his team’s recent success will help going into Monday’s game.
“We must play our best basketball to win,” Winters said. “We can take a few more shots with two seniors at post going for the rebounds.”