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Stampede Teams Remain Unbeaten Heading into Sunday at RISE Invitational

By The Herd, 02/14/15, 11:15PM CST

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Valentines wishes from the team as they compete in Irving

Day two of the 6th annual RISE Invitational co hosted by the Stampede got underway under a splendid metroplex day. With the temps touching 80 degrees on the outside the heat was also rising in the gym on Senter Ave.

Team Black took the court for the Stampede with an instate game against the TIRR Texans. Both sides came out with early mistakes that neither side could capitalize on.  "We were creating turnovers  - we just couldn't convert on them" said Coach Gumbert. The Texans did a great job of playing within themselves and kept the game close till the 3 mininute mark in the 2nd when Mason Symons stole 2 inbounds that the team saw some breathing room.  "Mason had a great game and provided a much needed spark for the Black team", said Gumbert. That spark proved to be the trick and the Stampede pushed to a 51-31 victory. 

Game 2 for the Stampede had team Orange going against TIRR as well.  Having watched the game with the Blacks vs the Texans the men in Burnt Orange applied strategy, and quickly jumped out to a 6 goal lead. "It was evident our D was working" said Gumbert.  "We tried a few new presses and the team executed them well". Team Orange yesterday leaned on the youth of Curtis and Waker and game 2 saw much of the same as they logged big minutes. Each of the youngsters showed growth during the game that will certainly help in the future.  The Stampede Orange defeats TIRR 49 -32.

Game 3 was a great match for Stampede Black as they matched up against the Boise Bombers. The Bombers are led behind newcomer and emerging athlete Kory K.  The Blacks came up with a plan to shut down the young player and unlike the earlier match came out on fire.  Quick transitions and tempo proved to be a big difference in this match as Stampede member Kirkland had a big game showing to everyone he still matched up against young talent.  "We played much better" said Kirkland of the second game.  And that observation was made even more apparent with the much improved play of Gabriel Garcia. "We were much more focused in the second game, than the first", said Garcia. The focus showed as the Stampede Black defeats Boise 60 - 36. 

The final game of the days saw the Orange side square off with a developing North Texas side. Clearly this was a game that the Stampede circled for development as well.  The boys went to the bench early and played emerging Stampede athlete Ben Waker for 3 quarters logging invaluable minutes. Surrounding Ben with proven athletes allowed him to play with "a net" said Coach Gumbert.  "He was able to make mistakes and learn from them in real time".  After 4 quarters a weary Waker saw the Stampede Orange side win 60 - 35. 

With both Stampede teams undefeated against all other opponents Sunday sets itself up for a 1/2 punch for both teams. To see the final results go to www.fearthesteer.com.