GRANTS, N.M. Turkey, red chile with mashed potatoes and basketball are around the corner. November brings us Thanksgiving and also kicks off prep basketball season and both the Grants High School Boys’ and Ladys’ Teams are practicing hard for their first games.
The Lady Pirates led by second year head coach Jesi Mandagaran focused and ready for their season. “We are excited with our program overall—we are young but talented,” said Mandagaran “Our story arc across the season will be exciting to witness.”
The Lady Pirates are returning senior Char Mc-Neill who gives “quality post minutes,” said Mandagaran. Mandagaran added, Promise Garcia who gives us 'promising minutes” no pun intended returns as a guard for the lady Pirates. The Martinez sisters Delilah Martinez, as senior, and Demi Martinez a sophomore brings “speed” and are a “dynamic duo”.
“We planted good seeds last year,” said Mandagarn. “We are excited to see what sprouts this season.”
As far as the schedule goes this year, Mandagaran indicated she likes how her team matches up – “we are definitely busting our tails to compete.”
The Lady Pirates first game is Tuesday, November 25, away against Pojoaque Valley High School. “The girls give plenty of effort – I am having fun coaching them,” concluded Mandagaran.
The GHS boys’ basketball team has their first game listed as Tuesday December 2, hosting Miyamura.