LA Can’t Stop Elks’ Best Player In 14-Point Home Loss

Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on February 4, 2023
- 11:26 am

Rick Valdez and Serafin Mendez face off at the start the game between the Toppers and Elks Tuesday night in Griffith Gymnasium. The Elks were victors 65-51. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com

Eddie Gartz takes a shot over the block attempt by Tobias Velasquez in the second half, he had 6 points. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com

By MIKE COTE
Sports
Los Alamos Daily Post

The Los Alamos boys basketball team simply had no answer for one of the most prolific scorers to ever come out of Pojoaque Valley.

Derek Sanchez dropped in 37 points for the Pojoaque Valley Elks as they cruised to a 65-51 victory Tuesday night at Griffith Gymnasium. That game was broadcast on the Los Alamos Daily Post’s YouTube channel.

Sanchez hit from all angles Tuesday, everything from attacking the basket to connecting on long-range 3-pointers. Despite rotating defenders over to slow him down, nothing worked in getting Sanchez out of rhythm.

Los Alamos (8-13 overall, 2-2 in District 2-4A) went into Tuesday’s contest needing a win to keep within striking distance of the district’s top spot, but Pojoaque Valley, also in the middle of the tight 2-4A race, wouldn’t be denied.

The two teams were neck-and-neck after the first quarter, with Los Alamos’ leading scorer Niko Garcia connecting on some nice buckets early, but the Elks (14-8, 2-2) started to pull away in the second quarter behind Sanchez, outscoring Los Alamos 18-9 in that frame.

Along with Sanchez’s big night, the Elks dominated the glass on both ends of the floor, particularly in the first half.

The Hilltoppers struggled to get their footing in the third quarter, as well, and the Elks pulled away. The Hilltoppers attempted a rally late in the third quarter and into the fourth quarter – Josiah Fresquez had some good-looking takes to the rim – but it wouldn’t be enough.

With Tuesday’s loss, Los Alamos now sits tied with Pojoaque Valley for third place in the 2-4A standings. While both teams are still just one game out of first place, Los Alamos struggled in its first meeting against Española Valley at home, although it won a key 2-4A contest at Taos following that game.

Los Alamos faced Moriarty Friday night ahead of its big rematch with Española Valley’s Sundevils Feb. 11, which Los Alamos will likely have to win to have any shot at the district regular season title.

Moriarty is winless in 2-4A play and has lost three of its four district contests by 14 points or more, including a 65-51 loss to the Hilltoppers Jan. 20.

Niko Garcia powers past Tobias Velasquez in the first half, scoring 17 points for the game. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com

Rick Valdez pushes his way past Derek Sanchez and DJ Jaramillo on his way to the Topper basket. He scores 4 points for the night. Photo by John McHale/ladailypost.com