The Lady Wildcats basketball team opened the defense of their 1A state title with a resounding 58-29 season-opening win over visiting Cibecue on Monday last week.
A dominating first quarter saw Joseph City jump out to a 26-7 lead through the first eight minutes. Scoring slowed a little in the second period, but they still held a commanding 46-15 halftime lead.
With the outcome of the game already in hand, the second half was for reserves and role players. Cibecue outscored the Cats 14-12 in that span, but the overall result was never in doubt.
The Lady Wildcats have six returning seniors, all with state championship rings. They look to carry this team once again deep into the 1A playoffs and possibly to another state title for Head Coach Dan Bushman.
Sisters Amber Neill and Audrey Neill combined for 42 points in the lopsided win. Audrey netted 22, with Amber putting in 20. McKenzie Jesmer added 6, Raylee Fish had 4 and Kaci Palmer helped with 3.
Joseph City will play twice next week with a home match up with Music Mountain on Monday followed by a road trip to Flagstaff on Tuesday to face Northland Prep. On Dec. 9, they will travel to Heber to face rival Mogollon.
