Piedra Vista Proves a Contender

I covered basketball games Friday and Saturday.

I wrote about Kirtland Central's loss in my column today.

I watched Piedra Vista demoralize Aztec on Saturday during the Rumble in the Jungle championship.

They changed my mind.

I didn't expect the Panthers (9-6) to be a factor in the District 1-4A race. Now I'm convinced they will compete.

We'll see if they can catch Kirtland Central and Shiprock, but for now, they're on track.

Coach Brian Shock's intensity and passion helps keep an inexperienced team from slacking. His presence on the bench and during time outs won't allow PV to accept inconsistency.

I don't know what to make of Aztec yet. They play their best ball during district play and the school's football-first attitude affects the development of their team in the early season.

But Piedra Vista proved it will compete and play aggressive basketball.

The Panthers did not sink one 3 in their blowout win, but stifled the Tigers, crashed the boards and found a way to slink into the paint and take high-percentage shots.

If PV can play like they did on Saturday with regularity, they'll be able to challenge anyone in District 1-4A.