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Joseph City won both games played last week keeping their post-season hopes alive in the process. The Wildcats entered Friday’s home game with Mogollon ranked 13th in the 1A rankings and needs to remain inside the top 16 to make the 1A state tournament.
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The Cats opened the week on Tuesday, Jan. 22, with a nail biter over visiting Williams. The Vikings came in ranked 19th and battled the Wildcats tough. Joseph City led by one after the first and again at the half after both teams netted 17 in the second. The close game continued in the second half with the Vikings tying the game at 51-51 heading to the final eight minutes. In the fourth Joseph City was able to edge ahead to win by four 69-65.
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Jay Edwards had a big night for the Cats scoring 22 points on 11 for 17 shooting. Latrell Kinlicheenie added 15 and Seth Hutchens contributed 13, nine of which came from behind the arc. KJ Kinlicheenie added 8; Damon Sandoval, 6; Kaden Moss, 3; and Talon Smith helped with two. The Wildcats made six three-point shots and went seven for 11 at the free throw line.
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Williams was paced by 6’ junior center William McMenamins with 26 points.
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Friday’s upset home win over the seventh ranked Mustangs was similar with the Wildcats again pulling away in the fourth period to secure the win. Joseph City trailed by five after a sluggish offensive first half, which netted them just 16 points. Defensively they stayed in the game by holding the Mustangs to only 17 in the half. Joseph City edged ahead by two in the third, then outscored the Mustangs 17-10 in the final quarter to pick up the 50-41 win.
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Hutchens and KJ Kinlicheenie each led the way with 13 points. Edwards added 8, as did Latrell Kinlicheenie, with both players pulling down 11 rebounds. Carlos Sanchez scored 4 and Sandoval also finished with 4. The Wildcats made five three-point field goals, with three coming from KJ Kinlicheenie. They converted 9 of 14 at the charity line.
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With the two wins Joseph City improved to 12-13 overall and they are now 9-6 in regular season contests. The Wildcats played at Mogollon on Monday, then will close out the regular season at home against Grand Canyon on Friday night. If Joseph City can remain inside the top 16 in the rankings they will qualify for the state tournament. The Wildcats will play in the region tournament held next weekend. The 1A state tournament begins on Feb. 15.
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