-
Hermleigh’s Lillyan Digby dribbles down the court during Monday’s playoff game against Dawson. The Lady Cardinals will play Marfa in a Class 1A area round playoff game at 7 p.m. Thursday in Rankin.
HERMLEIGH — The Hermleigh Lady Cardinals will play District 9-1A champion Marfa in a Class 1A area round playoff basketball game at 7 p.m. Thursday in Rankin.
The Lady Cardinals (25-2) advanced to the second round with a 60-35 win over Dawson on Monday.
Head coach Grant Gooch expects a tougher game with the Lady Shorthorns.
“Marfa is a very athletic team with a lot of speed,” Gooch said. “They will come right at us with a full-court press for the entire game. Marfa and us play similar styles, except they don’t have an inside game like ours.”
Gooch said Kiki Gonzales, who finished with 15 points against Dawson, will need to be a force inside. He also said Brishaya Sneed will have to lead the press-break offense.
Hermleigh’s players showed some nerves early against Dawson, but dominated the second half.
“We talked during last part of the season about the playoffs,” Gooch said. “We had some nerves, but did a good job of getting rid of them in the second half against Dawson.”
Gooch said playing Monday allowed the team to have a similar routine as the regular season — two full days between games.
“We were able to have the same amount of preparation between games like the regular season,” Gooch said. “We had our normal practices.”
Gooch is not changing anything at this point in the season.
“We plan to keep rolling,” Gooch said. “We have the same keys as during the season — rotate on defense, move the ball quick on offense and get to open spots. The playoffs will become more exciting as we go. The playoff atmosphere is fun.”
Thursday’s winner will play the O’Donnell-Buena Vista winner in the regional quarterfinals.