Joseph City backed up their 1A central region title with a 1A Central Tournament region title with relative ease last week. They defeated Seligman in the first round on Wednesday, then took care of both Mogollon in the semi-final round and Ash Fork in the title game on Friday.
The opening round win over Seligman was decided early on. The Cats poured in 50 first half points holding a 40-point lead at the break. The second half they gave up just 2 total points in the 69-12 win.
Audrey Neill led the way with 15 points. Kaci Palmer added 13; Tori Beatty, 7; McKenzie Jesmer, 8; Amber Neill, 6; Raylee Fish, 6; Jaydiana Kinlicheenie, 4; Shea Click, 4; and Jackie Richards added 2.
Early Friday afternoon they took care of Mogollon by a final of 65-34, which set up their final game vs Ash Fork on Friday evening for the championship.
In the title game, Ash Fork held tough through the first half actually leading 27-23 at the half. Any thoughts they had of an upset were erased by the Wildcats in the second half. Joseph City outscored the Spartans 20-7 in the third and 17-7 in the fourth to win the title 60-41.
With the region title and the top seed in the 1A state bracket wrapped up, Joseph City has also positioned themselves for the Copper Tournament. They are ranked 11th in the Copper and will put their lengthy win streak on the line when they play at sixth seeded Window Rock on Tuesday night. Not only are the Scouts 3A, but they’re also a very good team at home. Joseph City hasn’t been tested since last December, but Tuesday’s game will certainly be a challenge for them.
With an upset win they would move on to face either No. 14 Alchesay or No. 3 Pima in the second round of the Copper. With a loss in either of the first two rounds of the controversial Copper tournament they would return to the 1A state tournament where they would still be the No. 1 seed regardless of losing a game in the Copper tournament.
The Wildcats finished the regular season including the region tournament with an impressive overall record of 29-2. They will certainly get their 30th win at some point in this postseason.
