The Wildcats had a strong start to the season picking up six of their 10 wins in tournament play, then putting together a three-game regular season win streak heading into this week.
This past week didn’t go quite as well. The Cats sandwiched one victory between a pair of losses heading into their holiday break.
Hosting rival Mogollon on Tuesday night, Joseph City struggled out of the gate, falling behind 26-4 through the first eight minutes of play. They played better through the final three periods but that 22-point deficit was too much to overcome as they fell 65-39 to the Mustangs.
Bannon Johnstun led the Cats in scoring with 13 points. Tyler Penrod added 8; Jareon Miller, 7; Karter Lampsa, 6; Bryce Bushman, 2; Zane Johnson, 2; and Cole Moss added 1.
Joseph City was cold from distance connecting on only three of 28 shots from behind the arc.
Thursday’s home game with Ash Fork went much better for the Wildcats. This time it was the home team that dominated the first eight minutes, as the Wildcats led 28-3 after one quarter. They continued their domination throughout the game eventually winning 81-23.
Lampsa led with 25 points. Miller had 15; Penrod, 12; Bushman, 11; Bannon Johnstun, 6; Brent Bush, 4; John Weightman, 4; and Ethan Thomas and Cole Moss each added two.
Saturday the Wildcats traveled to Scottsdale to face the Centurions from Cicero Prep Academy. The long bus ride didn’t prevent the Wildcat offense from playing well, with Joseph City pouring in 19 first period points. However, on the other end of the court, they struggled allowing the home team to net 32 points. Joseph City stiffened on defense in the second period but still trailed 42-31 at the half. Both teams again scored well in the third, but in the fourth, the Wildcats managed just eight points in the 81-63 loss.
Lampsa again led the team in scoring with 24 points, making 10 of his 15 shots. Johnstun added 13; Miller, 10; Bushman, 6; Blake Palmer, 6; and Penrod added 4.
Joseph City enters the break with an overall record of 10-7 and they are 4-1 in regular season play. After taking time off for the Christmas break, they will return to the court on Jan. 4 when they are slated to host Basis Flagstaff. On Jan. 8, they will play at Grand Canyon, then on Jan. 11, a rematch with Mogollon is on their schedule.
