Playing for the first time since Christmas break, the Montezuma-Cortez High School girls basketball team suffered two tough losses.
Opening their week on the road against Centauri on Jan. 9, the Panthers struggled offensively throughout a 41-27 loss.
Senior guard Nicole Demby led M-CHS with eight points and senior post Abby Chupp added seven. M-CHS trailed 11-5 after the first quarter and 17-9 at halftime.
“We couldn’t put a bucket in during the first quarter,” said M-CHS head coach John McHenry. “We were within three points in the third quarter, but we had a little trouble with our fast break. Their fast break was causing us problems.”
Next facing off against Monte Vista on Jan. 10, the Panthers were plagued by offensive and defensive miscues during a 44-38 loss. M-CHS turned the ball over 39 times in the defeat.
“When they would come at us, we would get out of our system and revert to playground ball,” McHenry said. “We just need to have faith in what we do.”
Katrina Lee led the Panthers with 12 total points. McHenry said that Naomi Pinnecoose played a big role on the defensive end.
“(Naomi) was huge for us,” said McHenry. “She had a lot of blocks.”
With their record now at 4-4 on the year, M-CHS will hit the road to face Pagosa Springs on Jan. 13. Pagosa Springs will enter the game with a 6-0 record.
“(Pagosa) is a tough team,” McHenry said. “They could compete in the Southwest League. They have two very good post players inside. They will present a major challenge.”