GRANTS, N.M. - The Grants High School boys basketball team received a 15th seed to the NUSENDA boys 4A state basketball tournament and will travel this Saturday to play district rival and the number one seeded team the Highland Hornets (234, 8-0).
The Pirates who played Highland two times earlier in the year in distinct play lost both games 88-73 and 76-6, will have to put all their efforts on this 3rd meeting.
“It’s always hard to beat a team three times– we embrace the underdog mindset,” said GHS head coach Landon Chavez of the upcoming game.
“They thrive in the open court, scoring off turnovers and in transition”.
As far as preparation for Highland Chavez said, “Our focus has to be patience on offense, taking care of the ball and limiting their big plays.” The Pirates have been within 15 points in both matchups and the hope to make a good run at Highland.
In the district tournament the Pirates were defeated by Belen for a third time on February 24. The score was 70-63.
“District play was extremely tough and competitive,' said Chavez of the early exit from the district tournament. “Our 1-7 record wasn’t up to our standard–but we competed night in and night out,” said Chavez “Getting all 5 district teams into the tournament shows just how difficult district 5 4A truly is.”