Merkel clinched the district championship for the second time in as many years Friday, easily topping Lamesa, 70-45, in the only game played in District 3-3A Friday.<p></b></i></u>
Riley Lambert had a game-high 20 points for Merkel, which remained perfect in district and ran its overall record to 26-4.<p></b></i></u>
Lamesa stayed a half game ahead of Sweetwater and Seminole, who were slated to play Saturday night at 7:30 in Sweetwater.<p></b></i></u>
Lamesa’s loss also means that Denver City clinched the second seed in 3-3A. The Mustangs were scheduled to play in Snyder at 2 p.m. Saturday in a weather delayed game from Friday night..</b></u></i><P ALIGN LEFT><hr>