Quick Read
- Tohatchi beat Kirtland Central 47-35, advancing to the championship bracket.
- Bloomfield won dramatically over Durango 45-43 with a last-second three-pointer.
- Ignacio, Bayfield, Piedra Vista, Aztec, and Grants also secured opening round victories.
The opening round of the Rumble in the Jungle basketball tournament at Aztec High School set the stage for an action-packed holiday break. The atmosphere inside Lillywhite Gym was charged with anticipation as local and area teams vied for early momentum and a shot at the championship bracket.
Tohatchi’s Defensive Prowess Secures Fourth Straight Win
Senior DeAndre Rios led Tohatchi to its fourth consecutive victory, scoring 17 points (10 in the second half) and helping the Cougars outpace Kirtland Central 47-35. The win propelled Tohatchi (7-1), ranked eighth in Class 3A, into a second-round showdown against Bayfield. Rios wasn’t alone—sophomore Myles Candeleria and senior Myka Candeleria combined for 18 points, proving the Cougars’ depth on offense.
Despite strong shooting in the first half (12-for-18), Tohatchi only led by three at the break, with Kirtland Central’s Kollin Brady scoring 10 second-quarter points to keep things close. But a pivotal 10-0 run in the third quarter gave Tohatchi breathing room, and senior Darium Peshlakai’s three-point play in the final period helped seal the victory. Head coach Kendall Livingston credited the team’s ability to let defense dictate offensive opportunities, saying, “We’ve learned to find ways to win, and we have some really good options on offense.” (Durango Herald)
Bloomfield Edges Durango in a Dramatic Finish
In one of the tournament’s most thrilling moments, Bloomfield senior Paxton Morris drained a three-pointer with four seconds left to lift the Bobcats over Durango, 45-43. The game featured seven lead changes, including two in the final 21 seconds. Bloomfield, led by senior Luis Caro’s 12 points, executed a timeout play that coach Dominique Richardson said they’d practiced “for months,” finally paying off in a high-pressure situation.
Durango, seeking to snap a losing streak, had taken the lead moments earlier through junior Kingston Kerlin’s tough drive, but couldn’t hold off Bloomfield’s last-second heroics. For Durango, junior Boaz Zastrocky scored 10 points, and sophomore Taj Batiste added eight. Despite a size advantage, the Demons struggled with field goal conversion and turnovers, which proved costly. Bloomfield now advances to face Ignacio in the championship bracket.
Ignacio and Bayfield Cruise to Convincing Wins
Ignacio’s boys team overwhelmed Aztec 63-42, powered by junior Thunder WindyBoy and seniors Ambrose Valdez (20 points) and Trace Crance (15 points). The Bobcats’ aggressive start, shooting 80% in the first quarter, set the tone. Aztec’s Christian Jacquez and Eathen Hengst fought hard, but foul trouble and Ignacio’s relentless offense widened the gap. Jacquez’s fouling out in the fourth quarter removed a key weapon for the Tigers.
Bayfield rolled past Robertson 52-33, with senior Kingston Martinez scoring all 13 of his points in the second half. The Wolverines led from the start, jumping to a 16-3 first-quarter advantage. Robertson’s Marcus Montoya tried to rally his team, but Bayfield’s balanced attack and strong defense sealed the deal.
Friday’s second-round matchups promise more excitement: Tohatchi vs. Bayfield and Ignacio vs. Bloomfield headline the boys’ championship bracket, while Kirtland Central, Aztec, Robertson, and Durango move to the consolation rounds.
Girls’ Tournament Highlights: Piedra Vista and Aztec Dominate
Piedra Vista High girls, led by senior Jaime Pierce’s 19 points, cruised to a 51-12 victory over Ignacio. The Panthers’ aggressive defense and early scoring runs left little doubt, as they built a 29-6 halftime lead and never looked back. Senior Shahiyena John contributed eight points to the win.
Aztec High’s girls team delivered an equally dominant performance, trouncing Greyhills Academy 51-4. Aztec’s defense forced over 10 turnovers per quarter, and seniors Jazzlyn Gomez (16 points), Grace Villarrial-Owens, and Camden Mariano (11 each) led the scoring. Greyhills struggled to find opportunities, managing only six shot attempts in the middle quarters. Aztec’s early lead proved insurmountable, despite some shooting struggles in the second half.
The Tigers now advance to face Belen, while Greyhills heads to the consolation bracket against Montezuma-Cortez.
Grants’ Last-Minute Victory Over Durango
The Grants High girls extended their win streak to five, edging Durango 51-49 in a nail-biter. Sophomore Demi Martinez hit a clutch jumper with less than a minute to go, sealing the win. Martinez finished with 18 points, while Durango’s Jaelyn Alston (16 points) and Claire Goodwin (15 points) led their squad through a tense back-and-forth battle.
Grants now faces Piedra Vista in the next round, while Durango hopes to regroup against Ignacio in the consolation bracket.
- Thursday Boys Results: Bloomfield 45, Durango 43; Bayfield 52, Robertson 33; Tohatchi 47, Kirtland Central 35; Ignacio 63, Aztec 42
- Thursday Girls Results: Piedra Vista 51, Ignacio 12; Grants 51, Durango 49; Belen 53, Cortez 45; Aztec 51, Greyhills Academy 4
The Rumble in the Jungle opening round demonstrated the power of preparation, teamwork, and resilience. From last-second shots to defensive masterclasses, these games remind us why high school basketball captivates communities each winter.
These results and highlights are based on reporting from the Durango Herald. No confirmed tournament details about the “Rumble on the River” or other games mentioned in the KHQA source were available for this event.
The tournament’s opening round revealed that momentum and composure under pressure can redefine the course of a season. Teams that thrive in tense moments—whether through a defensive stand or a clutch jumper—set the tone not just for the tournament, but for the months ahead. With every game, players and coaches prove that success is built on adaptability and grit, not just talent.