The Lady Wildcats won both games played last week, but one of the two was finally a competitive outing for them.
Playing at Heber on Tuesday night, Joseph City met some resistance for the first time in several games. They led by at the end of the first quarter and held that same margin at the half. The Mustangs trimmed the lead to 3 going into the final frame. In the fourth, Joseph City edged away to win 40-31.
Audrey Neill led in scoring with 16 points. Gabby Jesmer added 10; Amber Neill, 3; Samantha Jesmer, 3; Raylee Fish, 3; and April Neill helped with 2.
Thursday night the team traveled to Flagstaff to face the Basis Yetis. This game was not close from the outset. The Wildcats poured in 59 first-half points, then shut out Basis in the second half to win 86-6.
Audrey Neill led with 13, Jaydiana Kinlicheenie had 12, as did April Neill, and Fish. Kaci Palmer added 10; Amber Neill, 8; Tori Beatty, 7; McKenzie Jesmer, 6; Gabby Jesmer, 4; and Jorja Hutchens helped with 2.
The Wildcats dropped from No. 1 to No. 2 in the rankings despite the wins. Their overall strength of schedule is the reason for that drop. Fort Thomas took over the top spot.
This week Joseph City will get a chance to retake the top spot this week. After hosting a struggling Ash Fork team on Tuesday night, the Wildcats will welcome in top-ranked Fort Thomas on Friday night in their only other game this week. Next week they host Williams for their final regular season game.
The Cats are 20-4 on the season. They are unbeaten in region play and 9-1 in regular-season contests.
