Props’ 22 helps Wildcats edge Moriarty

MORIARTY — Senior guard John Props scored a season-high 22 points as Clovis held off Moriarty 79-75 Saturday in a non-district game.

Props provided a needed scoring surge, as Clovis (19-3) spent much of the game without leading scorers Tigg Bunton and Dominique Easterlin. Bunton reinjured his ankle in the second quarter and did not return and Easterlin battled foul trouble.

“He really carried us,” Clovis coach J.D. Isler said of Props, who hit four 3-pointers and all four free throw attempts, including two 3s in the final period.

The Class 4A Pintos (4-15) had a chance to cut the lead to a point in the final minute, but made only one of three free throws after being fouled on a 3-point shot.

The Wildcats weren’t much better, hitting 19 for 30 free throws in the game, including three of six in the last minute.

Forward Devin Sweet hit two 3-pointers and added 15 points for Clovis.

Isler said Moriarty was hot from the field, connecting on six 3-pointers, including two that banked off the backboard.

“It wasn’t like we weren’t guarding them. They hit all kinds of shots,” Isler said. “It just seems like we bring out the best in everybody. Anytime you’re a ranked team, people are going to get up to play you.”

Daniel Pierce led Moriarty with 31 points, including a pair of 3-pointers.

“I don’t think he’s used to doing that, but it was that kind of night,” Isler said.

Isler was not pleased with how Pierce scored the other 25 points. Isler said Pierce scored a lot on offensive rebounds.

“He was just active and got a lot of second shots,” Isler said. “We just didn’t do a good job boxing out.”

Not even when Clovis had big men Bunton and Easterlin in the game.

Easterlin fouled out in the third quarter. He picked up two offensive charge fouls.

Isler did not know if Bunton, who leads the team with close to 20 points and eight rebounds a game, would be able to play in Tuesday’s district game against Cibola.

“It’s not a good time to be hurt,” Isler said.