The San Saba Armadillos opened this year’s season with the Eastland Mavericks coming to town. Eastland won the contest 73-27. Leading the scoring for the Dillos was Braden McBee and J. Miles with 8 points apiece. Ross Williams had 4 points, Tucker Cromer had 3 points, and Chance Gotcher and George Long added 2 apiece. The big difference in the game was the shooting percentages. San Saba was10 of 40 from the field for 25% and Eastland was 32 of 58 from the field for 55%. “They were a good basketball team. It was a combination of a good team (Eastland) playing very well and us not playing very well.”

On Thursday, November 20, the Armadillos played in the Hico Tournament. The Dillos faced Rio Vista in the first round. Rio Vista won the contest 62-50. Leading the scoring for the Dillos was George Long with 17, Miles had 16, Ross Williams had 13, Hayden Oliver had 3 and Chase Key added 1. “Before the tournament, I told the guys that all I cared about during this tournament is that we improve from our last outing.” And they did. “We shot the ball better and played much better defense.”On Friday, November 21, the Armadillos faced Blanket in the second round of the tournament. The Dillos won the game 62-38. Scoring for the Dillos: Braden McBee and George Long – 13 points, Ross Williams – 12 points, Tucker Cromer – 11 points, Chase Key – 5 points, and Chance Gotcher and Hayden Oliver – 4 points. “Again, all we talked about before the game was to make sure we get better. And once again, they did. Our offensive production has improved over the last two games. Against Blanket we were 4 of 11 from the 3 point line and 15 of 30 from the field.”

With the win over Blanket, we faced Kopperl in the Consolation game on Saturday, November 22. Kopperl was ranked 16th in pre-season in class A. San Saba won Consolation in the Hico Tournament by beating Kopperl 72-47. Scoring for the Dillos was: J. Miles – 23 points, George Long and Hayden Oliver – 11 points, Braden McBee and Ross Williams – 8 points, Chase Key and Tucker Cromer – 5 points, and Chance Gotcher – 1 point. “I was very proud of our kid’s effort.

Everyone is improving and getting better with each game. We shot the ball the best we have all year. We were 10 of 18 from behind the 3 point arc for 56%, we were 14 of 22 from the field for 64%, and were 14 of 24 from the FT line.” The Armadillos will face Menard, Monday, November 24 at home.