In boxing there was the “Thrilla in Manila” and if you were not at the Grants High School boys’ basketball game last Tuesday, you missed the “‘Thrilla’ at the Port” as the top ranked GHS Pirates defeated a top ranked Taos in overtime 57-55.
“The win over Taos is huge—it showed us that we have a composed group of players,” said GHS head coach Landon Chavez. “Our experience from last year really paid off—we proved we can find ways to win tight games.”
The Pirates left 17-14 after the first quarter and increased their lead 13 points 35-22 at the half.
Taos, who is a top 10 team powerhouse in 4A, with two big men underneath, came ready to play and revamped in the second half. They pressed the Pirates and made a offensive comeback chipping away at the Pirates lead and outscored the Pirates 21-8 in that quarter for a 43-43 tie at the end of third quarter. The determined teams traded baskets and had maximum effort on the floor in one of the best basketball games of this season.
“We knew they would go to their big man going into the second half—and he helped them close the gap,” said Chavez. “However, we stayed composed and had some key possession down the stretch,” said Chavez.
The teams remained tied at the end of regulation 52-52. In the waning moments of the game free throws provided the win with Coudy Melonas pouring in two free throws and his older brother Boudy Melonas put the game away by sinking two free throws in .06 seconds left in the game to secure the “W”, 57-55.
“The Taos game was one to remember,” said Boudy Melonas on his two free throws to seal the deal. “I feel we let down coming outta the half time up by 13—we should have come out with a win by more than two points.”
Chavez summed up the Taos game by saying, “This Victory is important because Taos will be a serious contender in their district.”
Next up for the Pirates is a match-up against a strong 3A team, the St. Michaels Knights (2-2) on December 10. “The Knights we know have some big wins over St. Pius and West Mesa—they are tough inside and create matchup problems,” said Chavez.
The Pirate improved to 3-0 for the season.
Franklin Romero - CC