Basketball Recap: Valley Takes a Tough Playoff Loss

Valley and Artesia squared off in some playoff action on Wednesday, but Valley had to settle for second. They took a 41-37 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Artesia Bulldogs. The Vikings were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Bulldogs earlier this season, when they won 50-46.

Valley's defeat shouldn't obscure the performances of Angelito Villa, who posted 14 points, and Luciano Mondragon, who scored 14 points and three steals. Mondragon is becoming a predictor of Valley's success: when he posts at least three steals the team is 3-1 (and 12-14 when he doesn't). Another player making a difference was Carter Monroe, who earned six points.

Vikings

Previous 5 Games

03/12/25 vs Artesia	37-41
03/08/25 vs Lovington	52-48
03/01/25 @ Albuquerque Academy	40-38
02/28/25 vs Del Norte	41-33
02/21/25 @ Bernalillo	63-58

The loss snapped Valley's winning streak at five games and leaves them with a 15-15 record. As for Artesia, the victory made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 19-9.

Valley does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Artesia, they won't have much time to rest: their next matchup is against Espanola Valley at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Artesia will be up against Espanola Valley's rather soft defense (which has allowed 55.55 points per contest), so fans could be in store for a big offensive performance.