January has thus far been very kind to the Wildcats as they have now won all five games played in the new year. None of the five have really been all that close including the three wins they put together last week.
They opened the week at home on Tuesday with an 80-38 route of Sedona. A big first half left them on top 44-16 at the break. Twenty-seven points in the third quarter really put the game out of reach.
Jaxon Arnell and Eli James each led the team in scoring with 17 apiece. Landon Miller added 12, Jaimen Tsosie 9, Heston Miller 8, Anakin Hutchens 7, Cort Miller 4, Coltran James 4, and Kase Fish and Tatum Dixon both had two.
Playing in Sanders two days later they had their closest game of the week. The Cats actually trailed by four after the first quarter but bounced back to lead 24-23 at the half. The third quarter was the difference maker. Joseph City outscored the Pirates 21-9 to build a workable cushion. They used that quarter to secure a 61-45 road win.
Eli James had a big game with 23 points. Landon Miller added 15, Heston Miller 11, Jaimen Tsosie 7, Cort Miller 3, and Kase Fish helped with 2.
A journey to Peach Springs to face Music Mountain on Saturday resulted in a 78-58 win over the Warriors. The Cats led by one after the first frame but used a strong second period to secure a 38-19 halftime edge. They extended that lead by ten more points in the third, then withstood a 31-point fourth quarter from the home team to win by twenty.
Eli James was unstoppable. He finished with 35 points, 12 of which came from the three-point line. Jaimen Tsosie added 16, Cort Miller 11, Landon Miller 8, Heston Miller 5, and Jaxon Arnell helped with 3.
With the three wins the Wildcats improved their overall season mark to 14-4. They are now 7-3 in regular-season contests. This week another three games are on tap. Tuesday they host Mayer. Thursday is a trip to Williams, and Friday will be a home-court matchup with Seligman. Next Tuesday they play at Mogollon.
