NMMI Sports Press

The Colt Basketball team fell to the Portales Rams 71-48 in the first home game of the season for the young Institute squad.

The Class 4A Rams provided a tougher test than some of the smaller schools the Colts have faced so far.

NMMI head coach Connor Williamson said it’s good to play a few larger schools before the district schedule hits.

“Hopefully these kinds of challenges get us ready for district,” he said. “You don’t want to play too many of these, but we’re going to play the teams that are close to us. Tonight was really fun, even though we lost. And it was good to see the support in the stands from the Corps.”

Sophomore point guard Ernesto Martinez finished with a game-high 23 points, sinking eight of his 16 shot attempts, including three 3-pointers. He also made 4-of-5 from the charity stripe.

“Only 23? I thought he had about 40. He was definitely the main guy tonight,” said Williamson.

The Colts struggled to rebound against the Rams’ senior centers, with sophomore Torty Kalu-Ulu and junior Matthew McCargish managing four boards apiece.

Senior power forward Humberto Romero, who is usually good for double-digit points, struggled to score inside, but made his presence felt in other ways, racking up four assists, two blocks and two steals.

“Humberto has been a really positive leader for us and I’m happy with the way he’s stepped up and become a captain,” Williamson said. “He plays with maximum effort and that’s the main thing I ask from my guys.”

The Colts have three-consecutive home games before the 3A-District 4 schedule begins. The Loving Falcons come to Cahoon on Saturday for a 2:30 p.m. tip-off. NMMI defeated Loving 49-44 on Jan. 6 at the Jal Tournament.

On Tuesday, the Colts will likely face their toughest challenge of the season, the 4A Goddard Rockets of Roswell.

“I’ve been watching them all season and they’ve gotten a lot better, so we’re definitely going to see them at their best,” Williamson said. “We’re looking forward to it.”