On Tuesday, Jan. 6th, the Armadillos traveled to Early for their second game of District play. The Longhorns took the lead at the end of the first quarter 17-8. In the second quarter the Dillos cut Early’s lead to eight, but went in trailing at the half 31-17. In the third quarter the Longhorns outscored the Dillos 14-10, and in the fourth, 19-10. The final score was Early 64, San Saba 37.

Hayden Oliver had his best scoring game of the year leading the Dillos with 12 points (3-3 pointers), Tucker Cromer and Chance Gotcher had 6 points, George long had 4 points, Braden McBee had 3 points, Chase Key had 3 points, and Hector Jimenez had 2 points.

On Friday, Jan. 9th , the Dillos had an open date in District play, so they traveled to Mason to play the Punchers. Mason jumped out in the first quarter and took the lead 19-6 after one quarter of play. They extended their lead by 4, outscoring the Dillos 15-11 in the second quarter. At the half the Dillos trailed 34-17. Early in the third, the Punchers extended their lead to 20. By the end of the third quarter, the Dillos stormed back and cut Mason’s lead to 10. Mason led 43-33 at the end of three.

In the fourth quarter, the Dillos pulled within 2 points of Mason with two minutes remaining. With some untimely fouls committed by Mason, the Dillos had some opportunities to shoot some free-throws late in the game. But the Armadillos couldn’t capitalize on their free-throws, and Mason went on ahead to win 52-48.

“I was very pleased with the way our kids responded after half time. We went from being down 20 in the third quarter to pulling within 2 with two minutes remaining. They gave us a chance to go ahead by putting us at the line, but we couldn’t convert our free-throws.”

George Long had his best scoring game of the year leading the Armadillos with 24 points, Ross Williams had 8, Tucker Cromer had 6, Hector Jiminez had 4,and Braden McBee, Chance Gotcher, and Hayden Oliver had 2.

On Tuesday Jan. 13, the Armadillos play Comanche at home and on Jan. 16, the Dillos travel to Coleman.