NMMI's Keon Baker with a contested two in the paint during the Broncos' tune-up game against ABC Prep. The Institute begins conference play on Saturday, Jan. 7, on the road against Frank Phillips, and will be back at home to take on South Plains College on Monday, Jan. 9 with a slated 7:30 p.m. tip-off. (NMMI Sports Press Photo)
Posted: Jan 03, 2023
NMMI Sports Press
The Bronco Basketball squad improved their record to 7-7 with a 95-74 victory over the visiting Albuquerque Basketball Club college prep team Tuesday afternoon at Cahoon Armory.
Freshman forward Quentin Bolton scored a game-high 20 points, sophomore forward Jonathan Joseph had a double-double with 11 points and 15 rebounds and freshman forward/center Donovan Long scored six and pulled down 15 boards.
Several non-starters played extended minutes in preparation for the Western Junior College Athletic Conference schedule, with freshman point guard Lucas Henderson scoring nine points and hitting his only 3-point attempt and freshman center Batosse Gado going 3-for-3 with a couple big dunks late in the contest.
"We're going to need everybody down the stretch," said Bronco head coach Sean Schooley. "We will need (Henderson's) quickness and athletic ability playing against the point guards in this league."
The Broncos shot 54 percent from the field and 39 percent from behind the arc. Those decent numbers were accomplished with a second half that went much better than the first. The Broncos increased their field goal percentage from 41 to 66 percent and shot twice as good from deep.
The ABC squad spread the scoring around with four players in double digits. Schooley said ABC did a good job limiting turnovers and frustrated his team for much of the game with their zone defense. San Antonio's Strength N Motion prep academy was also in attendance, losing to the Broncos last night and beating ABC today.
"I want to thank ABC and Strength N Motion for coming to play. They are both really good programs with great coaches," Schooley said. "Brandon Mason and Jay Hill with ABC are great guys and friend of mine. They do a lot of good for New Mexico players and anytime we can contribute and help those players develop, it's a win-win for everybody."
The Broncos begin conference play on Saturday with a trip to Borger, Texas to take on Frank Phillips College at 2 p.m. CST. FPC skipper Jason Sautter is in his first season coaching the Plainsmen, but is no stranger to the WJCAC, having coached at Western Texas and Howard.
"Jason is a juco lifer and man, he's intense," said Schooley. "We've been friends for 20-plus years. He'll have his guys ready and they will play hard. I don't expect the road or an opponent's gym to bother us too much. I think if we can cut down the turnovers and play at a high level effort-wise, we'll give ourselves a good chance."