Don’t we love March? Mardi Gras, Wind, yes, our wind with a capital “W” and now officially the start of March Madness!
The Grants High School Boys’ Basketball team is in the big dance after receiving a 13th seed and will travel to take on the 4th seeded Albuquerque Academy Chargers in the first round of the Nusenda 4A boys basketball state tournament.
“Academy is a tough opponent,” said GHS boys basketball head coach Landon Chavez.
“Their resume speaks for itself–they’re district champions in one of the toughest 4A districts—finishing with a 7-1record.”
When asked how the Pirates match up with the Chargers Chavez said, “They have size and length—which is a challenge to teams–We need to bring our “A” game—and we are ready for the challenge.”
The Pirates who lost last year in the quarter final game at “The Pit” to the eventual champion, the Highland Hornets, 61-50, are no strangers to the state playoffs and know what is needed to make a run at state.
The Pirates, who finished the regular season at 13-14, 4-4 are in an equally tough district as Academy and competed with top teams. They played twice against the number one seeded team, St. Pius, and nearly defeated them both times. At home on January 3, Pirates lost by only three points. On their next meeting, at St. Pius, the game was much closer, and the Pirates only lost by only one point, 60-59. St. Pius was also consistently ranked number 1in the rankings and coaches’ poll.
District rival Highland( 15-14, 4-4) received an eighth seed and the Pirates split those two district matchups defeating them 61-57 on January 28 and losing to them on February 14 by a score of 73-60.
Other notable games that will help the Pirates prepare for the Academy game are a 57-55 win in overtime against the Taos Tigers on December 16. The 16-11, 44 Tigers are 12-seed. The Pirates lost a close 68-63 game to Hope Christian (14-14, 35) who is the 11th seed. The Pirates also lost a tight game to Del Norte 59-54. Del Norte at 16-12 and 5-3 is the ninth seed.
“Compared to last year, our mantra this season is: ‘Nothing Easy’”, said Coach Chavez. “Every game has been a grind with close and tough losses.”
Chavez added, “We have faced adversity all year—but we are excited for the opportunity to shock the state.”
In discussing the nuts and bolts in the preparation for the Academy game Chavez said, “We're practicing against their 1-3-1 defense and developing a plan to defend their size inside with their 6’10” and 6’ 6” players.”
Game time is 5pm at Albuquerque Academy on Saturday, March 8.