The Montezuma-Cortez Panthers had to endure a four-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. They came out on top against Bayfield by a score of 74-65 on Friday. The victory was just what Montezuma-Cortez needed coming off of a 75-51 loss in their prior game.
Leading Montezuma-Cortez to victory were Trey Hall and Tay Wheat. Hall scored 19 points along with two steals, while Wheat dropped a double-double on 14 points and ten rebounds. That's the first time this season that Wheat pulled down eight or more rebounds. The team also got some help courtesy of Caidin Leonard, who scored 14 points along with six assists and six rebounds.
Bayfield's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Vincent Mccullough, who dropped a double-double on 18 points and 17 rebounds. That's the first time this season that Mccullough scored 15 or more points. Lincoln Williams was another key contributor, scoring 13 points along with eight assists and seven steals.
Montezuma-Cortez's win bumped their record up to 4-5. As for Bayfield, their loss was their fifth straight on the road dating back to last season, which bumped their record down to 1-8.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Montezuma-Cortez won't have much time to rest: their next match is against Alamosa at 3:00 p.m. on January 13th. Alamosa will be looking to extend their current five-game winning streak. Bayfield won't have much time to rest: their next contest is against Centauri at 4:00 p.m. on January 13th. Hopefully Centauri focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up five on Friday.
