The Wildcats returned from the holiday break in fine form, picking up two wins to start the new year. The first of those two came on their home court on Tuesday, with a 62-51 win over visiting Cibecue. Joseph City opened quickly, outscoring the visiting Wildcats 16-5 through the opening eight minutes. Cibecue closed the gap in the second, doubling up the Cats leaving the home team with a 23-19 half-time edge. In the third, that lead expanded to seven. Both teams scored well in the fourth, but Joseph City was able to extend their lead out to the final 11-point win.
Cort Miller led the three Cats in double figures, with 17 points. Eli James added 14 and Landon Miller finished with 13. Jan Armengol added 5; Brent Bush, 4; Jared Layden, 4; Cole Moss, 3; and Cody Nockideneh helped with 2.
Saturday afternoon the Wildcats played host to Scottsdale Prep. The Spartans came off the bus shooting well and took a 14-7 lead over Joseph City at the end of the first period. In the second the Wildcats battled back to take a one-point lead at the break.
Joseph City found their stride in the third period, pouring in 27 points while allowing just 10. They cruised to the 71-49 win.
Cort Miller had a strong game, finishing with 29 points which included six treys. James also played with a 22-point effort. Layden added 6; Armengol, 5; Heston Miller, 3; Bush, Cole Moss and Cody Nockideneh each netted 2 points.
With the two wins, Joseph City enters this week with a 16-6 overall record. They were ranked ninth in the 1A rankings before Saturday’s win. This week the team plays three times. They travel to Williams on Tuesday, then host Superior on Thursday, and welcome in Fort Thomas on Friday. Joseph City is 9-3 in regular-season contests.
