The Wildcats of Joseph City picked up a two-point win in their final game of 2016, a 55-53 nail biter on the road at Cibecue Dec. 20.
The Cats started well early, netting 21 first period points to lead by 14. Cibecue’s Wildcats played better in the second stanza, but still trailed Joseph City 33-21 at the break.
The hosting Wildcats came roaring back in the third period, slicing off all but one point of Joseph City’s lead with just a quarter to play. Joseph City outscored Cibecue 15-14 over the final eight minutes to win the game.
Matt Fields put together another impressive performance, netting 26 points with nine boards. Aaron Johnstun dropped in 11 points and matched that total in rebounds with 11. Troy Poudrier added 6 points; KJ Kinlicheenie, 5; Latrelle Kinlicheenie, 4; and Bryndon Buckley, 3. The visitors could have made things easier on themselves at the line, where they hit just 8 of 19 shots.
With the win the Wildcats moved their season mark to 8-7. They head into the holiday break ranked 16th with a 4-2 record in power point games. The Cats will return to the court on Thursday, Jan. 5, when they play at Basis in Flagstaff. Two days later they play at St. Johns.
