Scorpions Soar: Farmington’s Comeback Victory
In the heart of Santa Fe, the Farmington Scorpion Boys basketball team stepped onto the court for their opening game in the highly anticipated Al Armendariz Boys Tournament at Capital High School. Coach Chitty, fueled by optimism, watched as his seasoned team, boasting seven seniors and experienced juniors, geared up to face the Grants Pirates.
The initial moments of the game were dominated by the Pirates, who came out with a scorching touch from beyond the arc, shooting 8 for 10 and claiming a halftime lead of 43-40 over the Scorpions. However, Coach Chitty’s halftime adjustments and the defensive prowess of Alex Serrano, a standout football player turned critical basketball asset, turned the tide in the second half.
Serrano’s on-court defensive skills, honed as a standout defensive back in football, proved instrumental. His tenacity disrupted the Pirates’ rhythm, leading to turnovers and giving the Scorpions the edge they needed. The third quarter showcased a remarkable turnaround as the Scorpions outscored Grants 22-8, establishing a 62-51 lead heading into the final quarter.
The Scorpions continued their offensive onslaught in the fourth quarter, securing an impressive 80-66 victory. Point guard Cody Vasser-Steen led all scorers with a stellar performance of 29 points, while Landon Begay contributed 17, Mikey Beck added 14, and sophomore Vander Griego chipped in with 10.
The Scorpions’ free-throw efficiency, was 15 for 21 from the charity stripe which helped adding to their win. Coach Chitty commended his team’s resilience and defensive tenacity, expressing satisfaction with the remarkable second-half turnaround.
With the opening win under their belts, the Scorpions (1-0) set their sights on the next challenge – a clash with the Pojoaque Elks (3-1), who secured a 75-64 victory over the Kirtland Central Broncos. Meanwhile, the Broncos (0-2) face off against Grants (1-1) in the consolation bracket at 9:30, seeking redemption.
In other tournament action, the Aztec Tigers (0-2) faced a tough defeat against the Capital Jaguars (2-1) 80-32, the Tigers will now clash with Cottonwood Classical at 12:30pm on Friday.
Additional scores revealed the Bloomfield Bobcats (1-2) advancing with a 60-47 victory over host team Sandia Prep, setting the stage for a semifinal showdown at 7 pm on Friday. The Navajo Prep Eagles (2-0) soared to a commanding 61-33 win against the Silver Colts in Hot Springs, earning a spot in the noon game on Friday.
