Three games played last week for the Wildcats resulted in three more marks in the win column as the Joseph City’s boys’ basketball team is in the midst of a seven-game winning streak dating back to their tournament wins at the Route 66 Tournament in Williams.
This past week they were in action on Monday, facing Basis in Flagstaff and the result was another easy win over the Yeti. Basis started well, holding a four-point lead after the first eight minutes of action, but the Wildcats quickly flipped the script in the second period then outscored Basis by 10 in the second half to win the game 54-38.
Bryce Bushman led a balanced Wildcat offense with 16 points. Jareon Miller added 12; Karter Lampsa, 11; Bannon Johnston, 6; Zane Johnson, 5; and Tyler Penrod helped with 4.
Friday night the team hosted Grand Canyon and sent the Phantoms back north with an 82-46 decision. Joseph City posted 74 points through the first three quarters and defensively shut out the Phantoms in the third in what resulted in a dominating win.
Johnstun led with 24 points and 10 boards. Miller netted 20 points. Bushman had 12; John Weightman, 7; Lampsa, 7; Brent Bush, 6; Ethan Thomas, Bole Moss, and Johnson each finished with two points.
As easy as Friday’s home court win was their road trip to Williams on Saturday was a different story. The Wildcats played well early doubling up the Vikings in the first to lead 12-6. Williams made that ground up and more in the second and led 21-19 at the break. Joseph City moved back in front by five in the third, then held on down the stretch to win the game 53-47.
Lampsa led the way with 19 points. Johnstun added 10; Tyler Penrod had 9; Miller, 8; Weightman, 3; Bushman, 2; and Johnson helped with two.
With the three wins the Wildcats advanced their overall record to 9-5 and they are now 3-1 in regular season contests. After hosting Mogollon on Tuesday night, they will welcome in Ash Fork on Thursday. Saturday, they travel to face Cicero Prep in what will be their final game before the holiday break.
