When it comes to basketball you can always count on a packed house and good game when it comes to the Pirates and longtime rival the Gallup Bengals. Last Tuesday did not disappoint as the Pirates and Bengals battled it out in front of a packed and lively crowd for four quarters and the Bengals pulled this game out in the waning moments of the fourth quarter.
The Pirates tied it up all 53 and with .06 seconds left on the clock as senior guard Boudy Melonas dribbled up and lost control of the ball allowing Gallup’s Jason Bruno to take the loose ball and score a lay-up and free throw as he was fouled on that lay-up.
The Pirates lost a close one at home 53-56. Their record drops to 3-2 and their next game will be on Thursday, December 19 against the Rehoboth (3-3).
Lady Pirates also lost a close game at home, 3738. Bloomfield was able to come through with two free throws at the end of the fourth quarter to come out with the win.
The Lady Pirates head coach Jesi Mandagaran stated, “The hardest part is getting the program shifted into a new paradigm when a new coach rolls in,” said Mandagaran “But luckily I’ve been with a lot of these girls from different sports, so it wasn’t a difficult transition.”
Mandagaran’s sports resume includes a successful basketball career as top player for the Lady Pirates all four years of high school and a key player in the Lady Pirate softball 3-peat (2004, 2005, 2006) during her high school career.
“I really just tell them that I want to show them the game that I love and grew up playing,” said Mandagaran. “I’ve had success in getting the girls to buy into my vision.”
Mandagaran had much praise for the staff as they are working with her on building her vision.
“I have a very passionate and enthusiastic staff,” said Mandagaran. “They all love the game just as much—and support it with their own unique personalities.”
Billy Lopez is the varsity assistant coach; Isaiah Jaramillo is the Junior Varsity coach and Kyla Runyan is the C-Team coach.
Next up for the Lady Pirates are the lady Horsemen of St. Michaels High School (2-5). The Lady Pirates are currently 2-4 going into that game.
CIBOLA COUNTY SPORTS ROUND-UP
The Lady Pirates wrestling team is cooking with some grease as they placed second at the Hiroshi Memorial Battle for Honor Girls meet last week.
Notables for the Lady Pirates were Jaylene Morin placed first in the 165-pound weight class. Dakota Billiman (3-0) who placed first in the 100 pound weight class.
Trystan McDdonald placed second in the 132pound weight class. Kimberlyn Palmer placed second in the 145-pound weight class.
The GHS boys placed 5fifth in the Hiroshi Memorial Battle for Honor dual meet.
The Laguna-Acoma Lady Hawks are 3-4 after a recent los.
Jemez Valley 53-35 on December 14. Their next game will be against To’Hajiilee (4-2) on December 19.
The L-A boys basketball team is 1-7 after a loss 81-43 loss to Wingate (1-4) on December 16.
They will have plenty of time to revamp and prepare as their next game is scheduled for January 7 against Zuni (4-2) at home.