Live Action: 11/29/2023 – Cibola @ Sandia

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Final Score: Sandia 75 Cibola 65</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player of the Game: [player_tooltip player_id='2292960' first='Zaire' last='Ndyabagye'], Sandia - 23 Pts, 8 Reb, 1 Assist</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Leader in Points</strong>: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2292960' first='Zaire' last='Ndyabagye'], Sandia - 23</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Leader in Rebounds: [player_tooltip player_id='2292960' first='Zaire' last='Ndyabagye'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='1687823' first='Thomas' last='Adams'], Sandia - 8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Leader in Assists: [player_tooltip player_id='2026077' first='Elijah' last='Martinez'], Cibola - 5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Leader in Steals: 6 Players tied with 2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Junior Hogues/[player_tooltip player_id='1687823' first='Thomas' last='Adams']/[player_tooltip player_id='2714580' first='Gad' last='Harris'], Sandia </strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679997' first='Julian' last='Ortiz']/[player_tooltip player_id='1903316' first='Cole' last='Baca']/Antonio Salcido, Cibola </strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Leader in Blocks: [player_tooltip player_id='1276352' first='Mason' last='Howell'], Sandia &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='2287302' first='Josiah' last='Davis'], Cibola - 2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sandia came out swinging in this one, hitting three after three as the game went on. Cibola put forth a strong effort in the second half, but it wasn't enough to get over the hump against the Matadors' three-point barrage</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2292960' first='Zaire' last='Ndyabagye']</strong> was automatic in this contest, showcasing his improved patience and catch-and-shoot ability. He not only was a knockdown shooter, but Ndyabagye also utilized his length and athleticism to affect the game on both ends of the floor, getting tips on the defensive end. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1687823' first='Thomas' last='Adams'] </strong>was a versatile offensive threat, putting up 14 points along with 4 assists and 8 rebounds, both of which were tied for first on the team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2714580' first='Gad' last='Harris'] </strong>and <strong>Zay Brown</strong> were extremely valuable off the bench distributing the ball, putting up 4 and 3 assists respectively. <strong>Junior Hogues </strong>kickstarted the game with his hot shooting, hitting 3 threes in the first half, and kept constant defensive pressure on the Cougars throughout the game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1276352' first='Mason' last='Howell']</strong> provided a much-needed paint presence on the defensive end, leading the game with 2 blocks and affecting many more shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cougars had several bright spots, however. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2026077' first='Elijah' last='Martinez'] </strong>led the team with 17 points and 5 assists, shooting 5/12 from beyond the arc. Unfortunately, he also led the game with 7 turnovers, 5 in the first half. Nevertheless, he showed his impressive offensive talents and his composure under pressure as the head of the Cougar offense. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679997' first='Julian' last='Ortiz']</strong> also showed his versatility, putting up 16 points and 3 assists, and contributing 2 steals on the defensive end. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1548677' first='Josh' last='Foster'] </strong>was a force on both sides of the ball, putting up 14 points, 1 steal, and 1 block, though his play was far more important to Cibola than what is on the stat sheet. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1903316' first='Cole' last='Baca']</strong> contributed in many different ways as well, putting up 8 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->