Pirates go 2-1 at Tourney

  • Pirates go 2-1 at Tourney
    Pirates go 2-1 at Tourney
  • The GHS Pirates boys’ basketball team is currently 3-1 and went 2-1 at a recent tournament. They will play Shiprock High School (4-0) on Tuesday, December 12th. In this file photo the Pirates regroup at a time out. Franklin Romero - CC
    The GHS Pirates boys’ basketball team is currently 3-1 and went 2-1 at a recent tournament. They will play Shiprock High School (4-0) on Tuesday, December 12th. In this file photo the Pirates regroup at a time out. Franklin Romero - CC
  • Lady Hawks are currently 3-2 after a couple of recent wins. The defeated East Mountain 5718 and won a close game against Moriarty 45-42. They will play the Lady Panthers of Menaul (2-3)on Tuesday, December 12 at home. In this photo Kaylee Lorenzo (1) drives it in to the hole for a bucket against East Mountain.
    Lady Hawks are currently 3-2 after a couple of recent wins. The defeated East Mountain 5718 and won a close game against Moriarty 45-42. They will play the Lady Panthers of Menaul (2-3)on Tuesday, December 12 at home. In this photo Kaylee Lorenzo (1) drives it in to the hole for a bucket against East Mountain.
  • Senior Manuel Gonzales in one of his matches this past weekend at the Grants Pirates Invitational. The Pirates were placed second at their home meet with 125.5 points. Gonzales placed first in the 127 pound weight class. Franklin Romero - CC
    Senior Manuel Gonzales in one of his matches this past weekend at the Grants Pirates Invitational. The Pirates were placed second at their home meet with 125.5 points. Gonzales placed first in the 127 pound weight class. Franklin Romero - CC

The Grants High Schools Pirates were on a pretty good tear this weekend as they went 2-1 at the Tournament of Champions at Capital High School. “The Capital Tournament was a great test to see where our team is at,” said GHS head basketball coach Landon Chavez.

The Pirates first game was a challenge as they faced the 3-0 5A Farmington High School who brought on their full court press to bear on the Pirates, the score of that contest was 80-66 with Farmington on top.

The Pirates trailed 24-14 at the end of the first quarter, however, they made it a closer contest in the second quarter as they scored 29 points to Farmington’s 16 points for a 43-40 lead at the half.

Senior Noah Victorino’s hot hand was a big part of that Pirate comeback as he poured in 26 points in that game. In the 3rd quarter the Scorpions bit back outscoring the Pirates 22 to 8 with their leading scorer, Cody Vasser-Steen leading the charge–Vasser-Steen finished the game with 31 points.

The Scorpions outscored the Pirates only by three points in the 4th quarter,18-15, for a final score of 80-66.

“This would be the closest match for Farmington all tournament as they rolled through Pojoaque and beat Capital in the championship by 39 points,” said Chavez. Junior Boudy Melonas has 14 points in that game.

In their second match up of the tournament the Pirates played the Kirtland Broncos whom they easily defeated by a score of 72-57. “After facing our first loss of the season, we responded in a big way against 4-A Kirtland central,” said Chavez of that win. Noah Victorino led the scoring once again with 24 points followed by Tristin Fernandez with 14 and John “JJ” Horacek with 12.

In the consolation championship the Pirates defeated Aztec 72-45 with leading scores for the Pirates, Coudy Melonas and Tristin Fernandez, the sophomore duo, who had 13 points apiece followed by Senior Isaiah Griego with 10 points and John “JJ” Horacek with nine points.

“We had redemption on our mind in losing to Aztec las year at this tournament,” said Chavez “Fatigue didn't’ hinder us coming into the 3rd day–we had tons of playing time for our roster.

Next up for the Pirates will be the number five ranked team in the state the 4-0 Shiprock Chieftains. “We are confident and excited for the opportunity tonight—this game will lead us to the Farmington tournament,” said Chavez.

The Lady Pirates played in a tournament and lost to Hobbs High School by a score of 8714 and also lost to Crownpoint High School 48-16 on December 7. On December 8 and 9 they lost to Pecos High School 52-47 and then lost 38-26 and are currently 0-5 as they face off with the 4-0Llady Broncos of Kirtland High school on December 12.

Franklin Romero - CC