The Window Rock Fighting Scouts came tearing into Friday's match with four straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 14.5 points) and they left with even more momentum. They strolled past Aztec with points to spare, taking the game 42-24. Given Window Rock's advantage in MaxPreps's basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked seventh in Arizona, while Aztec is ranked 51st in New Mexico), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Aztec's loss came despite strong showings from Nika Mckenzie and Bailey Clarence. Mckenzie scored six points along with six rebounds and four steals, while Clarence scored three points along with six rebounds and two blocks. Mckenzie also posted two+ blocks for the first time this season.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given the score, Aztec struggled to work together and finished the game with only two assists. That's the fewest assists they've managed all season.
Window Rock's win was their fifth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 16-3. Those victories were due in large part to their offensive dominance across that stretch, as they averaged 54.2 points per game. As for Aztec, their defeat ended a three-game streak of away wins and brought them to 8-6.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Window Rock won't have much time to rest: their next match is against Monument Valley at 7:30 p.m. on January 20th. Monument Valley knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with flashy point totals in its past four matches -- so hopefully Window Rock likes a good challenge. Aztec won't have much time to rest: their next contest is against Piedra Vista at 2:00 p.m. on January 20th.
