GRANTS, N.M. Though the Grants High School Pirates have gone 12 in district play. With a record of 11-10, 1-3 they are currently ranked 12th in 4A and moved up in the coaches poll to 10th.
On January 27, the Pirates played number 1 ranked 4A team, the Highland Hornets (16-4, 3-0) and lost that game by a score of 88-73. The Pirates led by 1 point after the first quarter, 14-13. It was the 2nd quarter when Highland pulled away. The Pirates were outscored 29-16 for a halftime score of 42-30.
The Pirates kept it close in the 3rd quarter only being outscored by 2 points and only outscored by 1 point in the 4th quarter, however, they were unable to knock down the point differential enough to come up with a win.
“Highland is one of the toughest, most disciplined teams in the district,” said GHS head boys basketball coach, Landon Chavez. “They play hard for 32 minutes and they expose every mistake.”
Chavez added, “For us, keeping within 15 points against a team of that caliber was a positive step.”
On January 30th the Pirates hosted the Belen Eagles (12-9, 2-1) and lost a close game by a score of 54-49.
“Belen is physical and well-coached—anytime we play them it’s a hard-fought game,” said Chavez.
“We ended up losing by 5 and while the effort was there—we have to clean up the turnovers the next time we see them.
The Pirates were outscored by Belen 17 to 15 in the first quarter and outscored 11-7 in the 2nd quarter for a half time score of 28-22. The Pirates came alive in the 3rd and outscored Belen by 5 points, however, in the 4th the Pirates were outscored by 4 points for a final score of 54-49.
The Pirates had many scorers in the Belen game. Daniel Garcia with 10 points, Thomas Valenzuela with 9, Coudy Melonas and Joziah Ortega with 8 apiece and Meliki Torres and Elijah Marquez with 7 apiece.
Next up for the Pirates will be another tough team, the Valencia Jaguars (13-8, 1-2) on February 6th.
“As for Valencia, they are athletic, they shoot well and they have been playing with a lot of confidence,” said Chavez.
“For us, it’s about executing our game plan, controlling the tempo and continuing to grow as a team.”
The Pirates are currently ranked 12th in 4A and have moved up to 10th in the nmovertimesporsts. com coaches poll.
Chavez said of the rankings, “We don’t get too caught up in the rankings, but we appreciate the recognition —being 12th tells us people see the progress we’re making.”
Chavez concluded, “At the same tim we know we can climb higher–our focus is daily improvement, competing every night and letting the rankings take care of themselves.”