In the past two weeks, the Wildcats have sandwiched two tournaments around one regular season game, in the process compiling an overall season record of 6-5 heading into this week.
After playing in the Boyd Copper Tournament over the Thanksgiving break, the Wildcats hosted Blue Ridge on Tuesday, then competed in the Williams Route 66 Classic over the three-day stretch of December 2-4.
In the Blue Ridge contest, Joseph City found themselves trailing the 3A East team 23-8 at the end of the first quarter. The second period was much like the first, leaving the Wildcats looking up at a 45 to 18 halftime deficit.
They played better in the second half but dropped their first regular season game 69-38. Bannon Johnstun led the team in scoring with 12 points. Jareon Miller added 10; Karter Lampsa, 8; Brent Bush, 4; and Tyler Penrod added four.
Their opening Route 66 Tournament game was a four-point loss to Basis of Flagstaff. The game was a two-point Wildcat lead at the half, but the Yeti outscored Joseph City, 11-8 in each the third and fourth periods to secure the 39-35 win. Lampsa led the team in scoring with 15. Johnstun and Bryce Bushman each netted 7.
Next up on Thursday was a defensive struggle with Needles, Calif. The Cats managed just 17 total points in a 28-17 loss to the Mustangs. Johnstun scored 6 of the 17 for the Wildcats. Penrod added 5.
Friday’s games turned better for Joseph City. They picked up three wins on Friday beginning with a 49-20 win over Seligman. The Cats built a 31-12 lead at the half then allowed only 8 points to Seligman in the second half. Penrod led in scoring with 14. Miller added 8 and Johnson finished with 6.
Their second Friday game was a 48-29 victory over Grand Canyon. Joseph City again started well doubling up the Phantoms in the first half. They outscored the Phantoms in all four periods to secure the win. Bushman led in scoring with 10 points and pulled down 12 boards. Johnstun added 9, Penrod had 8.
Playing their third game of the day they were again victors with a 52-17 win over Fredonia. Another strong first half allowed them to build a 37-9 cushion and they cruised in the second half. Lampsa had a big game with 24 points, which included four treys. Johnstun added 9 points.
Joseph City played one final game at the tournament on Saturday afternoon. They took care of Seligman for the second time in two days with a 65-42 win. Joseph City had a balanced attack with four players in double figures. Lampsa had 17; Johnstun, 13; Penrod, 12; and Miller finished with 10.
After hosting Basis Flagstaff on Monday, Joseph City will host Grand Canyon on Friday, then travel to face Williams on Saturday. All three games are regular region games.
