12/11/08
The Mesa Vista Trojans boys basketball team repeated as champions of the Grizzly Invitational tournament beating Sargent High School of Monte Vista, CO 89-73 Dec.6 in the championship game at Alamosa, CO.
Mesa Vista had defeated Centennial High School 84-47 in the quarterfinals Dec. 4 and Monte Vista 87-74 in the semifinals to advance to the championship game. The Trojans won the tournament last season and have won the Grizzly championship three of the last four years.
The Trojans improved to 5-1 on the season.
The Mesa Vista Lady Trojans aren’t used to taking home trophies. The Trojans have won just 13 games over the last three seasons. Mesa Vista coach Richard Montoya, who guided the Trojans to a 7-20 mark last season, had to remind the Trojans of just how far they have come after Mesa Vista lost in the championship game of the Grizzly Invitational tournament Dec. 6 in Alamosa, CO. Monte Vista beat the Trojans 55-42, so the Trojans settled for the second place trophy.
“Some of the girls were crying after the game, Montoya said. “I told them “We haven’t put a trophy in the case in a decade and you finally did.’”
The Trojans entered the tournament with a 4-0 record, but were matched up against defending tournament champion Centauri High School Dec. 4 in the opening round.
“I think they thought we were going to be cup cakes, Montoya said.
The Trojans shocked the Falcons and took a 34-22 lead at the half. Mesa Vista led 48-32 going into the fourth quarter and held off a late Falcon rally to win 60-55.
In the semifinals, the Trojans took on Sargent High School of Monte Vista, CO. The Trojans led 25-21 at the half and beat Sargent 41-38 to advance to the championship game.
Against Monte Vista, the Trojans led at the half 32-27 and were ahead 40-37 after three quarters, but couldn’t hold on for the victory.