Indians win 49-43

SANFORD — Things are all knotted up at the top in the Southern Peaks League boys’ basketball title chase.

Sanford defended its home court Saturday, turning back a game Sargent squad to claim a 49-43 victory that ties both teams for the lead in the SPL. The third period proved to be pivotal, as the Indians outscored the Farmers 21-6 to build a formidable advantage.

“I think we came out and hit some shots in the third quarter and our defense picked up a little bit in the third quarter, Sanford head coach Rhett Larsen said. “They had their share of runs too throughout the game, especially in the first and fourth quarters.

“Our kids just came and shot pretty well and made free throws in the third quarter. We didn’t handle the press real well in the fourth quarter and that’s something we have to work on.”

The Indians led by as many as 12 points in the second half before the Farmers made their final run. Sanford eventually handled the pressure enough to secure the win, but the Farmers made a game of it down the stretch, setting up what should be an entertaining second round of league play.

“There are a lot of games left and this is the first game of the second round,” Larsen said. “We are both going to have to win out, but there are some tough teams we have to play. In order for us to win out we’re going to have to come ready to play every weekend.”

The Indians got a team-high 12 points from Ty Mortensen and Brett Forster. Tommy Caldon added 10 points. Sargent’s Dion Oaks scored a game-high 14 points, while teammate Morgan Biel added 12.

Sanford is now 9-3 overall and 6-1 in SPL play, while Sargent is 11-1 and 6-1, respectively.



Trojans run by Tigers

DEL NORTE — The Antonito High boys’ basketball team utilized its run-and-gun style to near perfection, running by Del Norte, 64-48, in Southern Peaks League action Saturday.

“We lost by 35 points in La Veta Friday and we woke up on defense,” Antonito head coach Jeremy Romero said. “I challenged them to step up on defense and they responded. Our offense was on early and we shot well the whole game.

“The one I’d have to say really stepped up for us was our sixth man Darren Martinez. He set the tone for us and he’s not a starter. I was proud of him.”

Del Norte’s defense was able to slow Antonito at times, but its offense wasn’t able to cash in on opportunities at the right time. Still, the Tigers refused to give in or go away.

Kyle Garcia, who tallied a game-high 19 points, canned a pair of three-point goals early in the fourth quarter in an attempt to ignite a comeback. It was too little, too late for Del Norte on this night. The Tigers were unable to climb out of the hole they dug for themselves by that point.

Antonito wouldn’t be stopped on this night. The Trojans’ defense and balanced offensive attack were too much for the Tigers to overcome.

“They played well; they didn’t miss many shots,” Del Norte head coach Clint Mondragon said. “Everything they put up went in. We’d make a run and they’d answer it.”

Antonito’s Gabe and Darren Martinez finished with 18 points for Antonito, while Jose Taylor and Jose Uriarte each tallied 11. Kaleb Stephens added 13 points for Del Norte.

Antonito is now 10-5 overall and 3-4 in SPL play, while Del Norte is 6-8 overall and 3-4, respectively.