Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Staff photo: Tony Bullocks Clovis High senior David Griego goes up strong at the basket over a Carlsbad defender during the first half of Tuesday’s District 4-6A opener at The Rock. Carlsbad improved to 15-6 for the season with a 66-30 victory over the Wildcats.
Staff photo: Tony Bullocks Clovis High sophomore guard Jakeem Wynn drives toward the basket during the first half of Tuesday’s District 4-6A boys matchup against Carlsbad at Rock Staubus Gym. game against Carlsbad at The Rock. Wynn finished with four points in the Wildcats’ 66-30 loss to the Cavemen.
Deputy editor
When 6-foot-9 Brenden Boatwright returns to the Carlsbad lineup sometime in February, he might make the Cavemen state title contenders in Class 6A.
link Staff photo: Tony Bullocks
Clovis High senior David Griego goes up strong at the basket over a Carlsbad defender during the first half of Tuesday’s District 4-6A opener at The Rock. Carlsbad improved to 15-6 for the season with a 66-30 victory over the Wildcats.
Even without him, or 6-foot-6 junior Bryce McCalister who is out for the year, the Cavemen showed they’re already formidable in District 4-6A with a 66-30 win Tuesday at Clovis at Rock Staubus Gymnasium in the district opener for both teams.
Point guard Ralph Cueto scored 17 points to lead three players in double figures for the Cavemen (17-6, 1-0), who never trailed and led by 40 points with 1:22 left in the game.
For Carlsbad, which will look to move to 2-0 in district Friday at Alamogordo, the key was simply taking care of business, no matter who punched the clock.
“We put our focus on the kids who are suiting up,” Carlsbad coach Jamaal Brown said, “and the kids who played out there did a heck of a job. That’s what you need to do to get some district wins.”
Jordan Wright added 15 points, including seven during a 20-10 second quarter that put things on ice, while Micah Calderon scored 11 as the Cavemen earned their sixth-consecutive win.
link Staff photo: Tony Bullocks
Clovis High sophomore guard Jakeem Wynn drives toward the basket during the first half of Tuesday’s District 4-6A boys matchup against Carlsbad at Rock Staubus Gym. game against Carlsbad at The Rock. Wynn finished with four points in the Wildcats’ 66-30 loss to the Cavemen.
“They’re a top-five team in the state, for sure,” Clovis coach Scott Robinson said. “They’ll get Boatwright back in two or three weeks and really be able to make a run.”
The Wildcats (3-15, 0-1), led by Eli Rodriguez’ nine points, never made much of a run throughout the night in losing their ninth game in 10 tries.
“We talked a lot about doing little things that win you games, rebounding and not giving up second shots,” Brown said. “I thought we did a good job holding Clovis to one shot. We got 18 turnovers, and with that and the rebounding, we were able to limit a lot of Clovis chances.”
The Wildcats jump out of the frying pan and into another frying pan when visit face Hobbs on Friday night at Ralph Tasker Arena. The Eagles defeated Alamogordo 68-50 in Tuesday’s other 4-6A matchup.
“We’re going to work against pressure,” Robinson said, “because no doubt we’re going to get pressure all (Friday) night. We have to take care of the ball.”
