Every so often, a team comes along and plays with such heart and such vigor that it becomes an impossible group not to love. Players form unbreakable bonds as fans flock to see them play and soon, the entire community begins to embrace its school colors.
While it still may be a bit early to crown this year’s Montezuma-Cortez High School boys’ basketball team as such a group, the Panthers took a huge step in that direction when they came from behind to defeat Alamosa, 50-48, in the Intermountain League District Championship on Monday.
Numerous clutch plays by a host of M-CHS players, including Teagan Whiteskunk, Cordell Baer, Jens Jorgensen, Michael Diaz, and Titus Jackson, carried the Panthers to the hard-fought victory and after the game, head coach Michael Hall spoke glowingly about his squad.
“It’s a special group,” Hall said. “I told them four years ago when they came in, ‘You guys have something special, I can see it,’” Hall said. “They’ve worked hard and played hundreds and hundreds of games. They deserve this.”
On a night in which nearly every player contributed, pinning down a single star was nearly impossible. Instead, the key to M-CHS’s victory boiled down to a never-quit attitude that showed itself again and again as Alamosa took the Panthers’ best punch.
Down 13-2 after a tough opening nine minutes, M-CHS found its rhythm for the first time thanks to Whiteskunk, who drilled an open 3-pointer after Alamosa switched its defense to a 2-3 zone. Moments later, Diaz drained 3-pointers on consecutive possessions and just like that, the Panthers trailed 16-11.
Although Alamosa managed to weather the storm and maintained a 22-18 lead heading into halftime, it seemed as if the momentum of the game had swung in favor of M-CHS as players trotted off the floor with their heads held high.
“Usually, we have that first group in there, and then I go in as a sixth man to spark everybody,” said Diaz, when asked about his team’s big second quarter. “We usually go on a run to get ahead or tie the game up, and we keep rolling from there.”
As the second half began, M-CHS and Alamosa locked and traded the lead several times before the period concluded with the Mean Moose ahead 36-33.
A layup by Baer to start the fourth quarter, and a jump shot in the lane by junior Adrian Mark moments later gave M-CHS a 37-36 lead and after Jackson drained a 3-pointer from the left corner, M-CHS found itself leading 40-36.
The Panthers’ lead eventually increased to 46-38 after senior Jens Jorgensen dropped in an impressive runner after dribbling across the lane. Alamosa refused to yield however, and after five straight points by Brendan Crowther, M-CHS’s lead was cut to 46-43.
As the game progressed to its exciting conclusion, the Panthers built a 48-43 lead and appeared to be in control. A long 3-pointer by Crowther eventually made the score 49-48, however, and after Jackson hit one of two free throws after being fouled, Alamosa took possession of the ball trailing 50-48.
After Mean Moose head coach Brandon Brubacher called a timeout with 10 seconds left and drew up a play, both teams took the floor knowing that the slightest mistake could change the complexion of their season.
With time ticking away, Crowther cut hard towards the hoop, received a pass, and tossed up what appeared to be the game tying layup from the left side of the paint. Jackson came flying across the lane and rejected the shot moments before the buzzer sounded.
As cheers from the M-CHS faithful enveloped the arena, Jackson flexed his muscles and walked down the court before being mobbed by teammates near the Panthers’ bench. Nearly every local fan in the arena appeared to be on his or her feet and the energy in the building was electric.
“Mike wanted me to face guard (Crowther) and not let him score,” Jackson said. “Everyone had to do their job on the defensive end, and I did mine. I really thought he was going to put it in. (The ball) was just floating in the air, so why not swat it down.”
M-CHS was led in scoring by Baer, who netted 12 points. Whiteskunk scored 10 points in the contest, Diaz scored 8 points, and Jorgensen scored 6. Crowther and Ian Jackson each scored 14 points to lead Alamosa.
With the victory, M-CHS improved its overall record to 17-5 on the season. Thanks to their status as District Tournament champions, the Panthers will now host a regional game on March 1 against an opponent that has yet to be determined.
Prior to shifting their focus to their next opponent however, Panthers’ players plan to process and enjoy their accomplishment, which Bear eluded to as being one of the most gratifying of his high school career.
“This team is one of those teams where everyone is like brothers,” the senior said. “When you start to see kids puke and be sore after practice, and they stick it out, it’s pretty big. Sports aren’t easy and being a District Champion isn’t easy. This was hard-earned.”
Powerful words, to say the least, from the leader of a team that has solidified its status as one of the grittiest and most enjoyable local teams in recent memory.