NMMI Sports Press
The Colt Basketball team fell to the cross-town Goddard Rockets 58-28 Tuesday night at Cahoon Armory in a game NMMI had little chance of winning, but was used as an opportunity for the team to learn what they can and can’t do against stiff competition.
“There were some good moments for sure, from everybody,” said NMMI head coach Connor Williamson. “Our bigs fought for some boards, there were moments of great physicality and good defense, and some aggressive offense.”
Goddard scored the first nine points of the game before freshman center Torty Kalu-Ulu put in the first points for the Colts off the assist by senior forward Alan Fontes. The Rockets rattled off another nine before NMMI managed more points and by halftime the deficit was 32-7.
The Colts came out of the break sharper and while they couldn’t cut into the Rocket lead, they shot better and more efficient, hitting 7-of-19 from the field compared to just 3-of-23 in the first half. After not getting to the line in the first, the Colts took 13 freebies in the second half and drained six.
“Hopefully, going against a team that’s much more athletic than you helps guys move a little faster next time,” Williamson said. “That’s what we want from a game like this, to get better, get tougher. A better team exposes all your weaknesses.”
Senior power forward Humberto Romero led the Colts with seven points and six rebounds. Senior guard Ernesto Martinez, junior center Matthew McCargish and sophomore center Torty Kalu-Ulu had four points apiece.
Williamson was encouraged by the play from his bigs and praised Martinez for his gritty, never-quit style of play.
“He loves the game. He plays hard, he’s very athletic,” said Williamson. “He just goes 100 miles an hour all the time. I actually need him to back off sometimes so that he can play more minutes.”
The Colts have one game left in a four-game home stand before district play begins, a 7 p.m. tip-off with Hagerman on Thursday. The Colts and Bobcats have already met twice this season, with NMMI taking the first meeting in Hagerman, 60-34, and Hagerman taking the second matchup three days later at a tournament in Dexter, 55-53.
“Playing at home is the best, I’ve loved every game here, despite the results,” said Williamson. “I can’t wait to get some more wins in here.”