GRANTS, N.M. - It might seem a little late to start as most teams have one or two games already under their belt—but no worries, the young Grants High School Boys’ Basketball team will get their 26+ games in soon enough.
“We are definitely young this year,” said GHS head coach Landon Chavez. “...but we’re athletic, competitive and eager to grow.”
Chavez had a good taste of how his team is forming after scrimmaging Del Norte, Atrisco Heritage, Manzano, and Belen last Saturday.
Chavez’s take, “We are building chemistry and learning from each other,” said Chavez. Chavez was very pleased that the team is “hungry” and “excited to get going.”
Chavez was most impressed with their energy.
“That’s exactly what we want,” added Chavez.
“Our schedule this year is going to test us— no doubt,” said Chavez. For one they are in a tough district with St. Pius, Del Norte, Belen who made the state tournament last year.
Last season the Pirates went 13-15, 4-4 and were third in the district behind the powerhouses of Del Norte and St, Pius.
In non-district competition this season, they will have lined up strong opponents in Taos, Espanola Valley, Hope Christian, St. Michaels.
The Pirates season opener is against Miyamura (0-0) on Tuesday, December 2.
“This will be a strong early match-up,” said Chavez.
“We are confident we will start off on the right foot.”
On December 4th they will travel to Taos to take on the 2-0 Tigers and their big man Malakhai Ely who had 16 points in a recent game against Aztec (0-2). On December 9th the Pirates host a 3A powerhouse the St. Michaels Horsemen (0-0).
“We want games that force us to grow, compete and elevate our standards,” concluded Chavez as he summarized the upcoming season.
Game time is 7 pm on December 9 against St. Michaels at Ron Bohls Court.