Joseph City picked up their 20th win of the season last week in the process of extending their current win streak out to 10 games. With just three regular-season contests left on their schedule, they are in a great position to advance into the 1A state bracket as one of the top four overall seeds. With 29th-ranked Hayden, and a rematch with Cibecue who they already soundly defeated, the only real challenge left on their schedule is a match-up with No. 7 Mogollon in their final regular season game of the season. Their first meeting with the Mustangs was a 7-point victory in Joseph City. On Jan. 30, they will have to travel to Heber for the rematch.
This past week, the Lady Wildcats secured wins over Williams on Tuesday night by a final of 70-27. Joseph City led by 12 after the first, by 25 at the half, and by 42 in the third quarter, before letting up in the final period. Amber Neill led in scoring with 17 points. April Neill added 10; Audrey Neill, 8; Samantha Jesmer, 7; Gabbie Jesmer, 6; Tori Beatty, 5; Ava Neill, 4; and Sahzira Schoby, Raylee Fish, and Cambria Miller each netted 2 in the win.
Playing at home on Thursday night, the Wildcats soundly defeated Superior 64-10. A 24-point lead after the first eight minutes sealed the deal early. Three players scored in double figures including Amber Neill had 13; Audrey Neill, 12; and Ava Neill netted 10 in the dominating win.
Win number 20 came the following night with a 54-32 home-court victory over Fort Thomas. This matchup between the second and third-ranked teams in 1A, was controlled by the Lady Cats in the second and third quarters where they outscored the Apaches 31-13.
April Neill led with 17 points. Gabby Jesmer added 14; Ava Neill, 9; Amber Neill, 7; Samantha Jesmer, 4; and Audrey Neill helped with 3 points.
Following their two games this week vs Cibecue, and Hayden, they will travel to Mogollon next Tuesday to close out the regular season. They will play in a region tournament before beginning state tournament play on Tuesday, Feb. 6, when they figure to host a first-round game. A second-round game would also be played on their home court on Friday, Feb. 9. If they could advance past the first two rounds they would play in the 1A State semi-finals on Feb. 16, at Findley Toyota Center in Prescott.
Joseph City is 20-7 overall this season.
