Girls basketball: Lady Bronchos build confidence with wins

Just seven days ago, Odessa High girls basketball coach Harry Masch wasn't sure about his team's rotation or how the players were going to handle facing a tough Midland Lee basketball team, along with a three-day tournament in Greenwood.

When the Lady Bronchos play host to Amarillo High at 7:30 tonight in a District 2-5A game at the OHS Fieldhouse, it has become much clearer for Masch and his coaching staff.

That's because after a victory over the Lady Rebels, OHS went on to capture the Greenwood Tournament with a victory Saturday over the host Rangerettes.

"We had a pretty good weekend," Masch said of the Lady Bronchos (8-2 overall, 1-1 district).

"The players stepped up in a couple of close games against Permian and Greenwood. We did what we needed to at the end of both games on offense and defense to win."

Masch also used last week to settle the team's starting lineup and rotation off the bench, giving his players a better understanding of what's needed when they are on the court.

Jeserica Murray and Raquel Acosta currently are starting at guard, with Alisha Willis and Dannielle Cooper at forward. In the center is Deja McKnight.

Masch then used Makhala Oldham and Chasity Mims to spell his guards and Sara Mancha on the wings when needed. If McKnight needed time off the court, Cooper moved into the middle and Mancha took over her forward spot.

"The team really has come around," Masch said. "I think that is in part because we've kept everything the same all year and they are getting comfortable in what they are doing. We've decided on positions and that gives players more confidence when they are having to search for things when they are on the court."

The Lady Bronchos will need that comfort level tonight when they host the Lady Sandies (7-5, 2-0) in a key district matchup.

Masch admits that he's only seen Amarillo on video, but likes the Lady Bronchos chances at home.

"I think we have a very good chance, if we play the way we are capable, of winning this game," Masch said. "The players know that the offense works and they've been playing well on defense and that's what it's going to take."

District 2-5A Girls Basketball Standings

                                              Overall           District

                                               W        L         W         L

Lubbock Coronado.............. 12        2          2         0

Amarillo Tascosa.................. 9        3          2         0

Amarillo High........................ 7        5          2         0

San Angelo Central............... 7        6          2         0

Midland High......................... 9        2          1         1

Odessa High.......................... 8        2          1         1

Lubbock Monterey................ 9        5          0         2

Midland Lee........................... 4        7          0         2

Permian................................. 3        8          0         2

Lubbock High......................... 1      10          0         2

Tuesday's Games

San Angelo Central vs. Midland Lee at Midland College's Chaparral Center, 6 p.m.

Lubbock High at Lubbock Monterey, 6 p.m.

Amarillo High at Odessa High, 7:30 p.m.

Permian vs. Midland High at Midland College's Chaparral Center, 7:30 p.m.

Lubbock Coronado at Amarillo Tascosa, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday's Games

Amarillo Tascosa vs. Midland High at Midland College's Chaparral Center, 1 p.m.

Permian at Lubbock High, 2:30 p.m.

Odessa High at Lubbock Monterey, 2:30 p.m.

Midland Lee at Amarillo High, 2:30 p.m.

San Angelo Central at Lubbock Coronado, 2:30 p.m.