Stampede teams make debuts
MARBLE FALLS — The Marble Falls Stampede, three basketball teams made up of elementary- and middle school-aged players, made their debut in various tournaments during the weekend.
Stephanie Gamble, who is the Marble Falls High School girls athletic coordinator, said she was pleased with the effort of all three teams.
The seventh-graders won two of the six games they played.
"Several were really close," she said. "They lost by one point here, two points there."
The fifth- and sixth-graders didn’t win, however, several of the losses were by one or two points, Gamble said.
At the beginning of the tournament, the players saw opponents with more experience compete, the coordinator said, which made them more competitive.
"They got to see some really good competition," she said. "It was exciting to watch them because they raised their level. At first, when they came in, they were in such shock."
As for the third- and fourth-graders, Gamble said the players are learning the fundamentals of the sport.
"It’s just important they get out there and start playing teams," she said.
She was happy to see them set up in presses and plays that allowed them to get layups.
Each team has about 14 athletes guided by different area coaches.
Gamble said the Stampede have various goals for the summer, including emphasizing fundamentals, giving players a glimpse at some of the schemes instituted by the Lady Mustangs and helping athletes develop a love for the sport.