The Escalante High School boys basketball team continues a hot start to the season, as they dominate district opponents. The last three games for Escalante have been won by an average of 38 points, including a nearly 50-point win April 22 over Mesa Vista.
“We went in to this season, just thinking we weren’t going to have one,” said junior Santiago Rivas. “We’re very thankful and blessed to come out here and show everybody who the Escalante Lobos really are.”
Last season, the Lobos finished 17-11, and as the No. 13 seed in the state tournament finished their first-round game on a 15-0 run but came up just short to lose by three.
The Lobos ran Mesa Vista off the floor in an April 22 win, with a 70-21 final score in which they led by 38 points at halftime. At 8-0 in the district, Escalante is in the driver’s seat for a spot in the state tournament.
Rivas has been dominant throughout the season, averaging 18.6 points per game. The depth is another strong point, with seven different Lobos averaging at least four rebounds per game.
Escalante coach Isaac Royston said in addition to being a great shooter, Rivas is a leader for the team.
“We definitely play with a lot of heart, every game, we never give up,” Rivas said. “I think our biggest strength is definitely our heart.”
Rivas said it was tough with so many off days, especially with gyms closed, and having to adjust to wearing masks.
Against Mesa Vista, Escalante scored 11 points in the first four minutes including three 3-pointers, and had the first 13 points of the game. They were up 21-2 after the first quarter, and only continued from there. The Lobos opened the second quarter with a double digit scoring run, and in that quarter outscored the Trojans 23-4.
The Trojans hung tougher in the third quarter and showed their first signs of life, keeping the deficit within 40, but a late run from Escalante continued to up the game away further, and the kept upping the lead through the end of the game.
“Defensively, I think we’re starting to get a hang of what we want to run,” said Royston. “Offensively, we’re actually finally running our offense, and looking for the open spots. And it helps when you have shooters, too.”
Santiago Rivas and Chris Luna both scored 17 points to lead the Lobos, with Rivas knocking down five 3-pointers on just eight attempts. Senior center Andres Salazar scored 14 and had five rebounds. Royston said Salazar’s improving play has been critical to the team’s success.
Jordan Cervantez led the Trojans with eight points in the game.
The Lobos continued winning with an 84-48 victory at Peñasco on April 24. They travel to Mora on April 27, before finishing the regular season with a rematch against McCurdy on Thursday (4/29), though they will have to adjust to playing without fans.
“We practice in an empty gym every day,” Royston said. “So really nothing’s changing, other than it’s a game.”
For the Trojans, at 2-7 overall on the year after a close loss April 24 at Questa, they look to gain footing at McCurdy April 26 and against Peñasco on April 27.
“To be able to play, and to be able to be with their friends,” Royston said. “Slowly right now we’re starting to come together, because we hadn’t had that time together. I think we’re getting better at a good time.”