Mike Powers| News-Bulletin photos Valencia’s Jaiden Montgomery, No. 4, had 24 points Tuesday as the Jaguars handled Belen 54-42.
Belen and Valencia renewed their rivalry Tuesday in girls’ and boys’ basketball, with each team looking to climb in district 5-4A. In Los Lunas, the Tiger boys had a chance to move into sole possession of first place in district 5-5A.
Valencia High School
Even though leading scorer Jadyn Montoya was out with an illness, the Valencia (13-9, 2-2) girls basketball team was able to hold off Belen (8-13, 1-3) 54-42.
VHS led at every quarter stop but needed a spurt by Jaiden Montgomery in the fourth quarter to put the game away.
Montgomery had 24 points, while Jaelynn Bob led BHS with 10.
“It was really fun,” said VHS’s Raymond Montoya, coaching against his alma mater. “Belen is a tough team. They play super hard. They’re scrappy. It was great to see the girls respond to the adversity that we’re going through.”
Mike Powers| News-Bulletin photos
Belen’s Samuel Sanchez, No. 24, stretches high to distract a Valencia shooter Tuesday during the Eagles’ 71-60 victory.
Belen High School
In the boys’ match-up, Belen (8-13, 1-3) protected its home court against short-handed Valencia (11-11, 0-4) with a 71-60 victory in front of a large Military Appreciation Night crowd.
The Jaguars didn’t have standout guard Damian Estrada, who was out with a knee injury. While VHS battled hard with an inexperienced lineup, the Eagles had too much firepower.
Jordi Rojo had 20 points, while Jasode Harris scored 19 in the BHS victory. Harris was eight-for-eight at the free throw line.
Valencia’s Jared Porter led all scorers with 27 points.
Los Lunas High School
Los Lunas (14-7, 5-0) took control of the boys’ race in district 5-5A, pulling out a 46-43 win over Albuquerque High (14-7, 4-1) in the Tigers’ gym.
Down by one, AHS had a chance to win in the final seconds, but LLHS forced a turnover and scored as time expired. Jalin Holland led the Tigers with 23 points.
In another battle for first place, the Los Lunas girls (13-8, 4-1) Wednesday were at Albuquerque High (17-4, 5-0). The Tigers lost to AHS 30-29.
Mike Powers spent more than 40 years as a television news and sports anchor, mostly in the Albuquerque market. He has won numerous awards including New Mexico Sportscaster of the Year. He covers a wide range of sports, including the Valencia County prep scene.
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April 25, 2024
