The basketball game between Montezuma-Cortez and Ignacio on Thursday evening proved to be a captivating and thrilling match, captivating the attention of fans throughout. The game got off to an impressive start for Montezuma-Cortez as Milah Begay showcased her prowess with a remarkable 3-pointer in the first quarter, leading to a 13-4 advantage. Marissa Olguin of Ignacio also made a considerable contribution with a 3-pointer, resulting in a score of 13-9 by the conclusion of the first quarter.
As the game progressed, both teams exhibited strong determination, with Ignacio managing to keep the score close. The intensity of the game persisted well into the third quarter, but Montezuma-Cortez ultimately surged ahead, securing a 58-44 triumph at the IHS Gymnasium.
At halftime, Montezuma-Cortez held a lead of 29-24, and junior player Taylor Whited played a significant role at the onset of the third quarter, extending the lead to 31-24 with a steal before setting up Begay for a layup.
Coach Brad Wright lauded Begay for her exceptional performance, emphasizing her three-pointers in the first half as a crucial momentum boost for the team. With this victory, Montezuma-Cortez improved to 10-9 overall and 6-4 in 3A/4A Intermountain League play, while Ignacio’s overall record declined to 7-12, with a 3-7 standing in league play.
Despite facing a deficit, Ignacio’s Solymar Cosio and Marissa Olguin displayed resilience, with Olguin achieving a game-high of 15 points. Nevertheless, Montezuma-Cortez ultimately took command of the game, preventing Ignacio from closing the gap.
Wright expressed pride in his team’s performance, particularly in effectively executing their game plan. He acknowledged the absence of the injured senior, Savannah Haselroth, a pivotal player in the team, and commended the players for uniting and displaying composure on the court.
As the game drew to a close, Montezuma-Cortez emerged victorious, with Whited concluding with 15 points, and Olguin leading the scoring for Ignacio with 15 points as well. The match was a compelling showcase of skill and determination from both teams, providing an exhilarating game for all the attending fans.