The Stampede (Sponsored by C&R Medical) concluded a successful weekend at the 6th annual RISE Invitational finishing 1 and 2. Both sides Orange and Black went unbeaten in games against common opponents and defeated their opponents on Sunday. 

Game one featured a first with Reece "Goose" Whittaker getting his first career start.  The team was taking on hometown North Texas and was ready to finish a good weekend with a win. Led behind 2.0 Bryan Kirkland the Stampede jumped out to a early 6 point lead that saw Goose put up two quick scores. "It was awesome" said Whittaker "I got hit hard by their D a few times but pushed through it and was glad I could help the team". 

And help he did as the game saw the return of Meredith and Ben "the Lineman" Waker to the court. Both would carry the side through the half holding North Texas to just 10 points.  "the guys really played well today" said coach Gumbert. "Everyone contributed today and through the whole week, and to finish with a win like this was sweet". Team Black wins 62-28. 

The match up everyone had been waiting for was Texas Orange and Sharp Edge. The teams agreed to play with guest players to give the game more excitement. The Edge added all tournament 3.0 Kory K from Boise and the Stampede combined to be at full strength. 

The Stampede went with Hi/low  to  start against Sharp.  Led behind low pointers Groff and Butler Texas pushed to a quick 3 point lead and traded goals with the Edge for the first quarter ending with a 4 point lead. "We appreciated the fact Sharp wanted to play at full strength as it helped us work on lines for post season" said Gumbert. And work was what they did as Bond Kirkland Schacherbauer and all tournament .5 Jeff Butler took the floor to increase the margin to 11 at halftime.  "It took a while for the D to work" commented Schacherbauer "but once it did, it was rocking".

The third period saw the return of Gabe "Surehands" Garcia to the floor as Team Black stepped up to engage the Edge.  In a return to the first match on Friday, Texas was able to add to the lead and give a solid 4 point line win heading into the forth.

The forth saw solid work from Bond Meredith and Waker as the Stampede increased their lead to a 63-43 victory and secured the championship.

"It was a great weekend for the two teams, and to win your own tournament is always special" said Gumbert. The Stampede return to play later this month as they travel to the Cougar Cup in Houston, Texas. For more information go to www.fearthesteer.com.