Joseph City played three competitive games last week, picking up two wins with one setback. They opened the week on Tuesday, with a 55-52 home-court win over St. Johns. The Cats built a 6-point lead early but trailed by 4 at the half. In the third period, they made up exactly that deficit, leaving the two clubs knotted at 41-41 heading into the final eight minutes. In the fourth, Joseph City was 3 points better than were the Redskins.
Eli James led the way for the Wildcats with 17 points. Cort Miller added 13, and Landon Miller netted 10. Jared Layden added 6; Cole Moss, 5; Jan Armengol, 3; and Jaimen Tsosie helped with 1.
Playing at home again the following night, the Wildcats had it a little easier in their 54-43 win over rival Mogollon. The Cats doubled up the Mustangs in the first and were never really threatened the rest of the way. James again led in scoring with 18. Layden added 12; Landon Miller, 11; Cort Miller, 7; Bush, 2; Moss, 2; and Cody Nockideneh also finished with 2 in the win.
Friday marked their only road trip of the week, which resulted in a 61-57 loss at Fort Thomas. Joseph City trailed by 5 after the first quarter but trimmed that down to just 2 at the half. The Apaches caught fire in the third, scoring 24 points putting the Wildcats down by 8 heading to the final frame. The Cats managed to cut that lead in half but that was as close as they could get.
Cort Miller led with 15, James added 14; Layden, 11; Jan Armengol, 5; Landon Miller, 5; Moss, 4; and Brent Bush had 3.
Another three-game week is on tap before the Wildcats get a two-week holiday break. This week all three games will be on the road, with some long trips ahead. Tuesday, they travel to face Veritas Prep. On Thursday, they will be in Superior and on Friday, they head to St. Michaels. Joseph City’s first game after the break will be on Jan. 9, when they host Cibecue.
The Wildcats are 5-2 in regular season games and 12-5 overall heading into this week’s action.
