FARMINGTON -- The first and fourth quarters showcased Cardinal basketball, the third wasn't bad, but a second quarter 23-8 disparity in points proved too much to overcome.
Rogers Heritage beat Farmington, 75-68, at Cardinal Arena on Dec. 15. The Cardinals were in the game despite a 20-point first quarter barrage by Heritage's Seth Stanley, who finished with 34. Stanley came out on fire, hitting 8-of-8 shots including a pair of 3-pointers in the quarter. Skyler Montez had 10 points in the period and Jaylen Montez twice sank 3-pointers. Farmington's teamwork was good. Point-guard Payton Maxwell recorded multiple assists, finding Skyler Montez free on the baseline, Cade Killion running the court and Skyler Montez again for a 3-pointer in the left corner.
Skyler Montez repaid the favor, getting the ball to Maxwell slicing to the hoop for an old-fashioned 3-point play. There were good efforts by Xavier Staten, who got a step and converted a reverse lay-in polishing off a baseline drive, and Skyler Montez pounding the offensive glass until a shot went in and he was fouled. The free throw was good, keeping Farmington within 28-23 at the end of the first quarter despite the prolific start by Stanley and War Eagle point-guard Ty Olsen, son of coach Tom Olsen who finished with 19 points.
The War Eagles' dynamic duo combined for 35 of Heritage's first 40 points, including a 3-for-3 trip to the foul line by Ty Olsen. They propelled Heritage to a 51-31 halftime lead. The difference was 65-46 after three quarters, but Farmington closed the gap by outscoring Heritage 22-10 in the fourth period.
Tony Mayo's kick-out set up Danny Valenzuala's trifecta sparking an 18-2 Cardinal run. Trey Waggle's move to the basket resulted in a 3-point play. Jaylen Montez got open for a deep three, then after a Farmington turnover Mason Downs stole the ball back and dished to Valenzuala for another 3-pointer. Downs induced a War Eagle turnover by standing his ground and denying the baseline while avoiding a lunge that led to a traveling violation against Heritage. Farmington cashed in on the possession with Valenzuala burying yet one more long three, after which Stanley was reinserted in the game.
Jaylen Montez drove the lane, drew a foul and nailed both ends of a 1-and-1 to pull Farmington within 71-66 with 55 seconds to go, but Stanley made 4-of-4 free throws to close out the win for Heritage. Nine different Cardinals scored in their heroic effort topped by Jaylen Montez and Skyler Montez with 17 points apiece. Valenzuala added 11.
Rogers Heritage 75, Farmington 68
Heritage^28^23^14^10^--^76
Farmington^23^8^15^22^--^68
Rogers Heritage (7-2): Seth Stanley 34, Ty Olsen 19, Dawson Peek 8, Ethan Carpenter 7, Bryce Breedlove 3, Jason Kimball 2, Matt Manuel 2.
Farmington (6-6): Jaylen Montez 17, Skyler Montez 17, Danny Valenzuala 11, Cade Killion 8, Xavier Staten 5, Payton Maxwell 3, Trey Waggle 3, Mason Downs 3, Tony Mayo 1.
Sports on 12/27/2017