The Brownfield Runnin’ Cubs punched their ticket to the basketball playoffs for the 6th straight year. It could’ve been 11 straight years, however, if you can remember after the Runnin’ Cubs state title in 2016, Brownfield moved up to 4A and was placed in a six-team district with Denver City, Lamesa, Levelland, LBK Estacado, and Seminole, which all six teams made the playoffs the year before, and Levelland making the trip to the State Semifinals. Throughout the 2016-2017 season, Brownfield and its district rivals Lamesa, Levelland, LBK Estacado, and Seminole were all five in the Top-25 most of the season. Needless to say, the 2016-2017 District 2-4A was most likely and arguably the toughest 4A district in the state, and Brownfield missed the playoffs barely.
The Runnin’ Cubs come into tonight’s game 14-13 and ended up tying for 3rd place with Dimmitt. Both flipped a coin to choose what seeding each would get, and Brownfield ended up with the fourth-place seed which gives the opportunity to take on the #15 Tornillo Coyotes (30-1). Tornillo’s lone loss on the season was on Dec. 15, 2022, against LBK Estacado 57-54 in the Fort Stockton Tourney. However two days later, the Coyotes would avenge that loss and beat the Matadors 61-55.
Don’t let Brownfield’s record fool you, because district 3-3A is a tough district. Also, the Runnin’ Cubs are no strangers to playing a team with one loss and beating them. Back on January 6, 2023, Brownfield hosted the 20-1 Lamesa Golden Tors and won 62-46. So beating a one-team loss is not impossible for the Runnin’ Cubs. Of the 13 losses this season, 10 of those teams are in the playoffs, plus a few of them are ranked in the state.
When comparing points, Brownfield averages 56 points a game, however, allows 52 points a game. Tornillo is averaging 67 points a game and allowing 40 points. When looking at the points, the Runnin’ Cubs will need the defensive side to step up, plus the offense can’t turn the ball over.
Brownfield Runnin’ Cubs vs #15 Tornillo Coyotes, Bi-District Championship Game in Wink TX, tipoff slated for 7:30 pm
