Joseph City boys’ team won their final regular season game at home over Williams on Tuesday night. They led by just 5 after the first, then saw the Vikings trim 1 point off that margin by the half. The third quarter was the difference for the Wildcats. They outscored the visitors by 8 in the frame building a double-digit lead. The fourth quarter saw both teams score well as they combined for 41 points, but Joseph City prevailed 76-63.
Eli James had a huge night. The junior exploded for 35 points on 14 of 22 shooting. Landon Miller added 8, as did Jaimen Tsosie. Cort Miller had 7, Heston Miller finished with 6; Jaxon Arnell, 6; Trenton Deets, 3; and Anakin Hutchens helped with 3.
With the win, the Wildcats finished the regular season with a 14-5 regular season record.
Following Tuesday’s game, the Wildcats played three games in one day at the 1A Central Tournament held in Williams on Friday.
As the top seed, the Wildcats downed Mayer 58-28 in a 12:30 game. Tsosie led with 16 points, and James added 11. Later that afternoon they defeated Williams with a strong come-from-behind effort in the fourth quarter.
Joseph City trailed 43-34 after three quarters but outscored the Vikings 27-14 in the final eight minutes to win the game 61-57 and advance to the title game.
James led with 19, and Arnell, and Tsosie each netted 10.
In the championship game played Friday evening, the Wildcats took care of Seligman, 74-65. The Cats led 36-30 at the half and outscored the Antelopes by 3 in the second half to win the region tournament title. James led with 20, Tsosie added 18, and Arnell helped with 15.
No 1A schools in boys qualified for the 1A-3A Open Division Tournament so the 1A state tournament play-in games are now set. Joseph City is the No. 5 seed and will host No. 20 Maryvale Prep on Friday at 7 p.m. With a win, they would advance to the 1A State bracket which begins on Feb. 18, at the sites of the higher seeded teams.
Joseph City is currently 24-6 as they head to postseason play.
