Although the Montezuma-Cortez High School girls basketball team has yet to reach its potential this season, two wins in its last three games have bolstered the confidence of players and given rise to positive vibes.
Thus, when the Lady Panthers face off against Bayfield High School and Alamosa High School this weekend, fans should expect the team to play some of its best basketball of the season and should not be shocked if M-CHS steals at least one win.
When M-CHS takes its home court on Feb. 1, it will do so against a young Bayfield team that has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled at times while amassing a 5-8 record overall and a 2-4 record in the Intermountain League.
Among the challenges presented by the Bobcats is their balanced offensive attack led by senior Tymbree Florian, who is averaging 10.5 points per game this season. Sophomore Macee Schultz is averaging 8.8 points per game this season, and sophomore Cayanne Carlson is averaging 7.8 points per game.
When M-CHS and Bayfield met earlier this season, the Lady Panthers appeared to be on their way to a victory. The Bobcats outscored M-CHS 19-10 in the fourth quarter however, and walked away with a 53-47 victory.
If the Lady Panthers hope to be successful this time around, they will need to figure out a way to limit Florian, who scored 19 points in the teams’ initial meeting. M-CHS also will need to find a way to contain Schultz, who scored 17 points.
While a myriad of factors could make the difference for the Lady Panthers this time around, the team’s ability to feed sophomore Paige Yarbrough in the post will likely be paramount in achieving a successful outcome.
Given M-CHS’ recent success during wins over Monte Vista High School and Dolores High School, it would not be altogether surprising if the Lady Panthers put together one of their finest performances of the season and defeat Bayfield in front of Cortez fans.
Given Alamosa High School’s 11-4 record overall and 5-1 record in the IML, it would be somewhat surprising if the Lady Panthers were able to pick up a road victory over the Mean Moose on Feb. 2.
Last time the two teams played, however, M-CHS delivered one of its finest performances of the season and led 15-9 at the end of the first quarter before eventually falling, 52-37.
Key to the Lady Panthers’ first-quarter success against Alamosa was players’ ability to limit their turnovers and run their half-court offense, while utilizing their size advantage in the post.
If M-CHS can once again slow the pace of the game and limit Alamosa’s transition opportunities, one of the IML’s biggest upsets in recent memory is possible. Even if the Lady Panthers are unable to walk away with a victory, however, don’t be shocked if the contest remains close throughout.
