GRANTS, N.M. March Madness is working its madness like the devil down in Georgia this year. The Lady Pirates, (14-13, 35), originally received a 15 seed and were scheduled to play the Gallup Bengals in Gallup in the first round of the Nusenda girls state basketball tournament—but wait–in a last minute change the Pirates will now face off with Hope High School.
The New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA) discovered an error in the seeding and selection process that changed the seeding for the 11-15 seeds. The statement the NMAA posted reads, “The comparison process between St. Pius X, Espanola Valley High School and Shiprock High School resulted in a misplacement of teams seeded 11--15…the NMAAhas corrected the bracket and the new seeds are as follows: Shiprock (11), St. Pius X (12), Grants (13), Espanola (14) and Pojoaque Valley (15).”
Grants Lady Pirates head coach Jesi Mandagaran who had been planning and practicing since Sunday to play Gallup on Friday in one of the states largest gymnasiums now has to turn around and practice a totally different team and prepare to play in one of the smallest 4A high school gymnasiums in the state.
“I guess if you are preparing to play the defending state champs (Gallup)you can prepare for anyone.”
Mandagaran added, “Respectively, Hope is a top 10 team, and we will take our shots–use our best assets to see what happens.”
Prior to the seeding change Mandagaran was very “excited” to make the state tournament. “Our goal was to be competitive in basketball this year and then some…it’s not easy to do with such a young squad –but they love to battle,” said Mandagaran upon receiving the news they made the tournament.
“Their warrior spirit and team unity is what kept us in close games–and definitely gave other teams fits.”
The Lady Pirates will have to put all their experience in to make a run at Hope Christian this Friday. “My staff and I will come up with a plan—we will put the whole plan in front of the girls and focus on the small jobs to get the big job done.”
The Lady Pirates will play on the road as a 13 seed and will travel to Hope Christian on Friday, March 6th, the game is slated for 6pm. Hope Christian for their part has a record of 236, 7-1.