"Stallions Corrall Steers in Defensive Showdown: A Recap of the NAIA Red River Athletic Conference Clash"
On December 16, 2023, basketball enthusiasts gathered in the Stafford MSN Gymnasium, known as "The Stable," to witness the clash between the North American University Stallions and the Texas College Steers. The Thundering Hooves met the Mighty Horns in a game marked by defensive prowess and contrasting playing styles.
The initial minutes saw a slow start, with both teams experiencing a lull of butterflies and a few bonehead plays. However, the pace picked up, and the game unfolded as anticipated. The defensive intensity of both squads made for a captivating matchup.
The Steers, under the strategic guidance of Coach Cross, employed straightforward half-court sets executed by Qyrique Dabon and Nagee Jones. Dabon contributed 12 points and 8 rebounds, while Jones added 14 points and 5 boards, but the talented bench struggled to provide significant support. Despite the shooting prowess of Tyler Butler and Tim Denton, the Steers needed more contributions to keep pace with the Stallions.
The North American University Stallions, led by the dynamic trio of Clark, Hammond, and White, showcased a formidable performance. Damione Thomas excelled on the defensive end, tallying 10 boards, 2 steals, 2 blocks, and 3 assists. Kenwyion White emerged as a sharpshooter, sinking 4 threes and grabbing a crucial loose ball defected by Q. Dabon. Jamarric Hammond continued his scoring surge, contributing 13 points and 6 rebounds.
Captain Jalon "JC" Clark played a pivotal role with 14 points, 8 boards, 3 blocks, and 2 assists. His contributions extended beyond the stat sheet, as he made key plays to disrupt the opposing offense and secured loose balls.
The Stallions ultimately corralled the Steers, sending them back up HWY-69 to Tyler, Texas, with a final score of 61-55. As the Stallions savor the holiday season, they look ahead to a showdown on the River Walk in San Antonio against Our Lady of the Lake University. The battle cry echoes: "Hooves Up and Gooooooooo Stallionssssss!"
