The Wildcats opened their season last week at the Boyd Baker Tournament held at Amphitheater High School in the Valley. Joseph City played four games over the three-day event picking up three wins with only one loss.
That loss was a two point setback vs Duncan in their opening night game on Nov. 25. The Duncan Wildcats held off a second half rally by Joseph City to win the game 50-48. Coach Eric Miller’s team outscored Duncan 27-14 in the second half. But couldn’t quite get over their 32-21 halftime deficit. Latrell Kinlicheenie netted 24 points and Seth Hutchens added 12 in the loss.
The next morning on Tuesday, Nov. 26, Joseph City evened their record with a 78-74 win over Bisbee. The Pumas led 37-36 at the half, but the Wildcats lit up the scoreboard for 42 second half points to secure the win.
Hutchens led three players in double figures with 27 points. Twelve of those points came from behind the arc. Kinlicheenie netted 18, and Jay Edwards finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds.
That afternoon the Cats had a much easier win with a 58-39 outcome over Santa Rita. Joseph City led 28-23 at the half, but their defense stepped up in the second half limiting the Eagles to just 16 points in the win.
Hutchens again led the team in scoring with 22 points. Edwards added 18 along with 10 rebounds.
Joseph City’s final tournament game was a 69-55 win over Ray. This time it was a solid first half that gave the Cats a 41-27 halftime lead. The teams matched each other with 28 apiece in the second half.
Edwards led the team in scoring with 22 points. Hutchens was close behind netting another 21, and Kinlicheenie finished with 13.
Joseph City will see if they can keep their hot start going on Tuesday night when they played at Mayer. This weekend they will compete in the Williams Route 66 Holiday Classic. They are slated to face Hopi and Williams in Thursday’s action. The tournament will continue Friday and Saturday.
The Wildcats will resume regular season action next Tuesday when they host Ash Fork/Seligman.
