Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
DEXTER — The Melrose boys basketball team’s run in the Dexter Tournament got off to a good start Thursday, even if the Buffaloes’ game didn’t.
Melrose prevailed 61-47 in Thursday’s opening-round clash against powerful Mesilla Valley, though there was no indication of that result early when the Buffs trailed 15-6 after one quarter.
Melrose, though, narrowed the gap to 30-24 by halftime before taking over in the second half, outscoring the SonBlazers 37-17.
“That was a very good team we just played. Their only (prior) loss was to Espanola Valley,” Melrose head coach Kevin Lackey said. “We got off to a slow start, made a little run at them in the second quarter, switched up a few things and did well to get back in it.
“We were able to get to the rim a little better in the second half, and we frustrated them with our defense. It was the best half we played all season.”
Jordan Jasso led Melrose with a game-high 16 points.
Carson Fraze added 13 points for the Buffaloes, who improved to 10-2.
Hunter Conn knocked down a team-best 14 points for the SonBlazers, who dropped to 9-2. Josh Castillo chipped in with 11 points for Mesilla Valley.
1A Melrose plays 4A New Mexico Military Institute in the tournament’s second round today at 4:30 p.m.
