The Green River boys’ basketball squad welcomed the Millard Eagles and Valley last Friday and Saturday. On Friday against the Eagles, the Pirates were outgunned, falling 76-48. On Saturday, they would avenge the loss with a 63-54 win over Valley.
Green River is sitting at 5-5 overall as they head to the Christmas break. In their last four games, they have gone 2-2 with wins over Tabiona and Valley.
Friday against Millard, the Eagles jumped out to a 22-14 lead at the end of the first quarter. Moving into the second quarter, the Pirates had some fight in them as Millard added 16 more to their score with Green River putting up 12 to go into the locker room down 38-26.
In the second half, Millard looked to build upon their lead, putting up another 17 in the third to push their advantage to 55-37. The Eagles put their foot down on the fourth, scoring 21, and closed out Green River, taking the 76-48 win.
Jason Hernandez scored 18 for Green River, adding three rebounds and one assist. David Mendez scored 12, grabbing five boards and two assists, and Cristian Mendoza scored seven with four rebounds and one assist in the loss.
It was a quick turnaround for the Pirates as the Valley Buffalos came to town on Saturday. Green River exercised the demons of Friday’s loss, taking a 63-54 win.
Green River would have to come from behind after being down 20-14 after the first quarter. In the second, the Pirates took control, outscoring the Buffalo in the quarter 16-11, and were just on the outside heading to the half 31-30.
Coming out in the second half, Green River looked to take charge and was able to draw even at the end of the third, 44-44, heading into the final eight minutes. The fourth was all Green River as they finally pushed their way through to take the lead and build on it, earning the 63-54 victory.
Rolando Anguiano led the way for the Pirates with 21 points, adding five rebounds and two assists, two steals, and a pair of blocks. Mendez scored 20 with five rebounds and two assists, and Hernandez had ten with seven assists, four rebounds, and a pair of steals in the win.
The 1A basketball rankings were released, and the Pirates currently sit at No. 7 overall. Panguitch holds the No. 1 spot, followed by Wayne, Bryce Valley, Manila, and Piute. These rankings will be adjusted throughout the season and will be used for ranking in the State Championships.
Green River will be back on the floor on January 2 when they travel to face Piute. They will be back home the next day, January 3, to take on Wendover.