Joseph City had a nice run at the Southwest Food Excellence Winter Classic tournament hosted by Chinle High School at the end of last week. The Wildcats won all four of their games, picking up wins over Red Mesa, and Kingman on Thursday, followed by a win over Many Farms on Friday, and a fourth win over host Chinle on Saturday night.
In their opening game with Red Mesa late Thursday morning, the Cats enjoyed a 7-point lead at the half, then added 7 more to that edge making the final score 49-35 over the Redskins.
Eli James led the way in scoring with 19 points. Jaimen Tsosie added 8, and Cort Miller helped with 7.
Thursday afternoon the Wildcats took care of Kingman, 72-59. Joseph City used a strong opening quarter to build a 40-21 halftime edge. Kingman made a run in the fourth, but the Wildcats still prevailed by 14 points.
James had another big game, scoring 26 points and pulled down 10 boards. Cort Miller also played well, netting 20 which included three triples. Jaxon Arnell added 11.
Friday afternoon the Wildcats took on Many Farms, picking up their easiest win of the tournament. Joseph City led by 14 after the first, and by 28 at the break. They finished the Lobos off by a final of 52-35.
James continued with the hot hand, scoring 16. Jaimen Tsosie and Heston Miller each had 9, and Cort Miller helped with 7.
The final game of the tournament came against host Chinle on Saturday night. The Wildcats are a solid 3A team, but Joseph City built a 15-point halftime lead and held off a third-quarter charge from the host team before prevailing 69-56.
Jaimen Tsosie, and Cort Miller each dropped 17 in the win. Arnell added 14, and Landon Miller also scored in double figures with 10.
With the four wins the Wildcats pushed their overall season record to 9-4, they are 2-3 overall. The Cats will now be off until Jan. 3 when they travel to Ash Fork. They will host Hopi on the 4th.
