Bobcats Beat Panthers in Close Game
By John Earp
The JHS Varsity Boys Basketball (11-10 overall; 3-2 in district) game vs the Hagerman Bobcats (12-5 overall; 3-1 in district) Monday night in the Panther Gym got off to a good competitive start, with both teams bringing a lot of zeal to the court. At the end of the first period, the Panthers led 13-9. The Bobcats were not about to be counted out though, and battled back to within two points of the Panthers with 3 minutes remaining in the second period. The Bobcats then began to pull ahead in the latter minutes of the second period. At halftime, the Bobcats led 21-17.
The Panthers struggled to find their footing in the third period, while the Bobcats consistently sank baskets. With two minutes remaining in the third period, the Bobcats were in the lead 35-24. The Panthers battled back in the final two minutes of the third however, pulling to within five points of the Bobcats. Unfortunately, a Hagerman three-pointer was good right at the end of the third. At the beginning of the fourth period, the Bobcats led the Panthers 38-30. The Panthers fought hard in the final period, making substantial progress against the Bobcats, and with less than half a minute remaining in the game, had narrowed the Bobcats’ lead to just three points. However, in the closing seconds of the game, the Panthers unfortunately were unable to catch the Bobcats. The final score was 55-48, with a hard-fought loss against Hagerman.
Nolbert Cervantes led the Panthers in points Monday night, scoring 26 total, including 4 three-point shots. Adrian Rodriguez scored 10 for the Panthers Monday night, including 2 three-pointers. Daniel Ornelas and Sebastian Arroyo each scored 6.
The Panthers play Tatum (5-15 overall; 0-4 in district) Saturday at 4:00 p.m. in the Panther Gym. The Panthers have whipped the Tatum Coyotes both times they have played this season, winning 68-49 on January 9th and 65-36 on January 21st. Texico is at the top of the district at this point, with a 15-1 overall record, 4-0 in district. They defeated the Panthers 70-51 on January 31st. The Panthers will go up against them once again on February 18th at 7:00 p.m. in the Panther Gym.