Joseph City began their basketball season in an exciting way with a one-point road victory at St. Johns on Nov. 20.
The Wildcats played a solid first period ending the first eight minutes on top 14-8. They added two points to that lead by the half taking a 26-18 cushion into the intermission.
They would need all eight points of that lead in the second half. The Redskins trimmed four points off the lead in the third, then took an additional three points off the lead in the fourth, outscoring the Wildcats 31-24 in the second half. Regardless, Joseph City was able to hang on for the one point win at 50-49.
According to Coach Eric Miller, “KJ Kinlicheenie had a big game for us. He led the team on defense and played excellent as the point guard down the stretch in a close game. He scored his eight points on only six shots and hauled in five rebounds.”
Seth Hutchens led the Wildcats in scoring with 17 points, which included three treys. Jay Edwards added 12 with 13 rebounds. KJ Kinlicheenie added 8; Carlos Sanchez, 7; Latrell Kinlicheenie, 5; and Talon Smith helped with one. Joseph City made 13 of 22 free throws and connected on five three-point field goals.
St. Johns was led by JJ Womack and Kyren Ulibarri each with 14 points. Graham Nielsen also scored in double figures with 11. The Redskins also made five three-point field goals and went six for 18 at the line.
After hosting Cibecue on Tuesday, Joseph City will be in action at the Williams Route 66 Holiday Classic beginning on Thursday with games against Bagdad and Ashfork/Seligman. On Friday they are slated to face Grand Canyon and Hopi. Saturday’s schedule will be dependent on the outcome of the first two days. Next week Joseph City returns to regular season action with a trip to Mayer.
