The Manzano Monarchs's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Wednesday after their seventh straight loss. They took a 67-55 hit to the loss column at the hands of Valley. While losing is never fun, Manzano can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' New Mexico basketball rankings (they are ranked 68th, while Valley is ranked tenth).
Manzano's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Donavan Rhodes, who scored 16 points along with two steals. Joaquin Ramos was another key contributor, scoring 12 points along with six rebounds.
Valley's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Julian Chavez, who scored 15 points along with six rebounds and two steals. Chavez has been hot recently, having posted two or more steals the last six times he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Tyler Kozlowski, who scored 17 points along with two steals.
Manzano's defeat was their 12th straight at home, which dropped their record down to 4-10. As for Valley, the victory (which was their eighth in a row) raised their record to 12-3.
Manzano will head out on the road to face off against Highland at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Highland is strutting with some offensive muscle, as they've averaged 63.8 points per game. As for Valley, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Atrisco Heritage Academy at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. One thing working in Atrisco Heritage Academy's favor is that they have posted big point totals every time they've taken the court this season.
