Basketball Recap: Rocky Ford Falls Despite Big Games from Shayne Gonzales and Isaiah Vazquez-Gallegos

Rocky Ford was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They were five points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 54-49 heartbreaker at the hands of the Swallows Charter Academy Spartans. The Meloneers were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Spartans apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in February of 2024.

Isaiah Vazquez-Gallegos

Rebounds

02/06/25 vs Swallows Charter Academy	10
01/31/25 vs Calhan	12
01/29/25 vs Holly	14
01/27/25 vs Mitchell	10
01/21/25 vs La Junta	15
+ 5 more games

Rocky Ford's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Isaiah Vazquez-Gallegos, who dropped a double-double on 18 points and ten boards, and Shayne Gonzales, who posted 18 points and five rebounds. Vazquez-Gallegos has been hot for a while, having posted eight or more boards the last ten times he's played. Another player making a difference was Fabian Ortega, who scored seven points and seven rebounds.

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Swallows Charter Academy to victory, but perhaps none more so than Christian Garcia, who dropped a double-double on 11 points and 14 boards. What's more, Garcia also posted a 50% three-point shooting accuracy, which is the highest he's posted since back in February of 2024. Mike Vazquez was another key player, going 5 of 10 en route to 13 points and seven rebounds.

Rocky Ford's defeat dropped their record down to 3-15. As for Swallows Charter Academy, their win was their fifth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 12-5.

Coming up, Rocky Ford will head out to challenge Fowler at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Swallows Charter Academy, they will be playing at home against Trinidad on Tuesday.