NMMI Sports Press
The Colt Basketball team picked up a crucial victory over district rival Dexter, pulling away from the Demons late in the game to win 37-23.
It was Senior Night at Cahoon Armory, and both upperclassmen made the most of it. Point guard Emi Herrera, a rare four-year player for the Colts, led his team with 10 points, most of them coming from the free-throw line where he went 6-of-8.
Forward Alan Fontes scored nine points on an efficient 4-for-6 from the field and pulled down six rebounds.
“They’re doing their jobs as captains and seniors,” said NMMI head coach Connor Williamson. “I think that’s the first time Emi led us in points, and he did it very efficiently. And Alan right behind him with nine… that’s beautiful. That’s what you want to see from your leaders.”
The Colts came galloping out of the gate, as four different cadets scored the first 10 points of the game. Midway through the second quarter, the Demons cut the lead to five, but a Fontes 3-pointer made it 22-14 at halftime.
In the third period, NMMI held Dexter to just four points, but only managed three points of their own as the Colts turned it over six times.
But in the fourth quarter, with the Demons scrambling to catch up, the Colts took advantage of Dexter’s mistakes and effectively iced the game when junior forward Matt McCargish put back his own miss to give NMMI a 10-point lead with about 2:30 to play.
McCargish had a rough night shooting, but still finished with eight points and six rebounds. Sophomore center Torty Kalu-Ulu continues to improve his game under the basket, pulling down 13 rebounds.
“It’s nice to see these younger guys continue to grow,” Williamson said. “Our sophomores have really made big strides this year.”
The Colts finished the regular season with an overall mark of 8-11 and a 3-3 district record. The only remaining district game is between Tucumcari and Dexter tomorrow afternoon. If Dexter wins, the Colts will move into second place, but a Rattler victory would drop NMMI to third.
A third-place finish means hosting the No. 4 team at 6 p.m. Tuesday. A second-place finish would earn the Colts a bye and a home game on Thursday at 6 p.m. against the winner of the 3-vs-4 matchup.