Basketball Game Preview: Payson Longhorns vs. Alchesay Falcons

Payson hasn't had much luck against Alchesay recently, but that could start to change on Saturday. The Payson Longhorns will look to defend their home court against the Alchesay Falcons at 7:30 p.m. Keep an eye on the score for this one: both posted some lofty point totals in their previous games.

Having struggled with four defeats in a row, Payson turned things around against Bourgade Catholic on Thursday. They managed a 58-53 victory over the Golden Eagles.

Payson's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Omar Fierro-Nava led the charge by dropping a double-double on 12 points and 11 boards. That's the most rebounds Fierro-Nava has posted since back in January of 2024. Another player making a difference was Payton Stuart, who went 6 of 10 en route to 15 points.

Payson was working as a unit and finished the game with 18 assists. That's the most assists they've managed all season.

Meanwhile, Alchesay made easy work of Blue Ridge on Friday and carried off a 69-45 win. With the Falcons ahead 34-10 at the half, the matchup was all but over already.

Payson better focus on containing Max Antonio and Micah Yazzie as the pair were huge in Alchesay's win. Antonio dropped a double-double on 11 points and ten boards, while Yazzie went 6 of 11 on his way to 13 points and seven rebounds. The team also got some help courtesy of Adrian Dosela, who posted nine points and three steals.

Payson's victory was their first in the region, bumping their region record up to 1-2 and their overall record up to 6-9. As for Alchesay, they are on a roll lately: they've won three of their last four games, which provided a nice bump to their 15-6 record this season.

Payson took a serious blow against Alchesay when the teams last played back in December of 2019, falling 85-56. Thankfully for Payson, Malachai Harris (who put up 16 points along with six rebounds and six steals) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.