GRANTS, N.M. - The Grants High School Pirates went 2-0 last week and are currently ranked sixth in the Maxpreps.com rankings and 8th in the nmotsports. com Coaches polls.
On December 18, the Pirates defeated 2A Rehoboth Christian (4-3) on the road by a score of 55-44.
“It was a slow scoring start for both teams and we went into halftime tied 16-16,” said Grants High School head boys basketball coach Landon Chavez.
“Our defense is what we relied on to take control of the game—in the second half we got going offensively—we pushed the lead to double digits.”
Chavez summed up the game by stating, “Rehoboth is a tough team that typically wins their district every season—so this was a great win against a potential district champion.”
High scorers for the Pirates were Daniel Chavez with 16, Cardenio Chavez with 10 and Coudy Melonas with 9.
On December 19 they played Zuni (5-3) by a score of 75-60.
“Zuni came in hot, shooting with confidence and pushing the tempo unlike anyone we’ve seen this season,” said Chavez. “They jumped out to an early 11-point lead— which forced us to buckle down and take control of the game.”
Chavez added the “We settled in during the second half—defended at a high level and took control of the game.”
High Scorers for the Pirates were Coudy Melonas with 15, Cardenio Chavez with 13 and Meliki Torres with 12.
The Pirates will step it up a few notches this week playing in the Bernalillo Tournament this weekend with West Mesa (3-5) on January 1, Manzano (4-4) on January 2 and Eldorado (5-3) on January 3 as opponents in that tournament.
“All three are 5A programs and that level of competition will definitely test us–but it’s exactly what we need to get ready for district play.”
The Laguna-Acoma boys basketball program is 1-8 after a 90-41 loss to Menaul High School (6-4) on December 19th.
Next up for the Hawks will be Jemez Valley (1-7) on January 3 at home.