Published: January 06, 2009 11:29 pm      

Runnin’ Bulldogs ready to get into conference routine

NAVARRO HOOPS: AT TRINITY VALLEY, 7:30 P.M. TONIGHT

The Navarro Runnin’ Bulldogs know they can get into a routine now, with two conference games a week for the next eight weeks, starting tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Valley.

“We know it’s going to be two tough tests every week,” Navarro coach Johnny Estelle said.

The players aren’t putting too much pressure on themselves. At 10-3 and 3-0 in conference play, they’re just enjoying the ride to March and the Region XIV Conference Tournament.

“It’s going to be really interesting,” post Paul Crosby said. “We have a coach in his first year. We’ve got some really interesting players. We’re ready to go.”

The Runnin’ Bulldogs had an interesting weekend, losing to McLennan, 77-65, in a revenge game for the Highlanders, but bouncing back to beat Weatherford for the second time this season, 65-50, on Saturday.

Navarro closed out the win over Weatherford on a 16-2 run over the final 8:45 of the game. It was the kind of finish to a game that should carry over into tonight.

“We wanted to put it together and defend,” Estelle said. “We got out there and defended them. They were getting some good matchups with four guards, but we went out and defended and hit the boards.”

Notes: Estelle said that sophomore guard Charleston Flemming and freshman forward Keithtrick Denson should return from injuries to play against Trinity Valley...Flemming should help the Runnin’ Bulldogs boost up their offense. He has scored in double figures in five of the seven games he’s played in. The 65 points Navarro scored against Weatherford were ithe lowest point total of the season...Navarro is 5-2 on the road this season.