BATTLE MOUNTAIN - The Battle Mountain High School varsity boys basketball team opened league play against arguably two of the best teams in the 3A and suffered two defeats to Elko and Lowry.
The Longhorns (0-2 Ruby Mountain League, 9-10 overall) trailed 26-8 after a quarter of play at Elko on Tuesday, Jan. 17, and were held to single digits in every quarter in the 69-23 loss. The Indians' lead expanded to 30 points at halftime and by midway through the third quarter the game was played with a running clock as Elko led 58-15.
"Elko was a very good team," said BMHS head coach Roger Wallock. "I just wanted my kids to play the entire game when we go up against schools like Elko and Lowry. It will help us for getting into the regional tournament against 2A teams. Besides Elko and Lowry, we're not going to see a team better than them with probably the exception of West Wendover."
Marco Rangel had eight points, eight rebounds and six blocks for Battle Mountain. Jeremy Price added seven points, including two 3-point field goals, and Kyle Bryant had two assists.
Before heading to Elko on Saturday afternoon, Lowry began its five-game road trip in Battle Mountain on Friday night with an easy 55-35 victory over the Longhorns.
On the strength of a 3-point field goal by Ryan Salazar, Battle Mountain cut the Lowry lead to a point at 8-7. The Buckaroos then rattled off 10 consecutive points that stretched into the second period for an 18-7 advantage.
Marco Rangel snapped the scoreless streak for Battle Mountain, but Lowry's pressure defense proved to be too much. Brandon Eastman and Tyler Brumm scored on steals and layups to give the Buckaroos a 24-9 lead with 3:27 left in the half.
"My guys work hard every time out," said Wallock. "If we could just find a way to score we would be in games. We took care of the ball and did not turn it over as much as we have been. Lowry picked us up at the half court and we were able to run some of the half-court stuff."
Despite two more 3-point field goals from Salazar in the third quarter, Lowry was able to increase its lead to 36-19. The Buckaroos led by as many as 26 points at 51-25 as the reserves were able to get a number of minutes in the game.
Salazar hit four 3-point field goals to lead Battle Mountain with 12 points. Rangel scored nine, James Willingham seven and Price two.
"I thought we battled and there were shots here and there that we missed," added the coach. "If we want to compete against Elko and Lowry we need to make those shots. I thought Marco played well tonight and I probably played him too many minutes. I should have subbed him out earlier. We are a different defensive team when he is not out there."
Battle Mountain was scheduled to play at Spring Creek on Tuesday. Results were not available at press time. The Longhorns travel to West Wendover on Friday for a 7:30 p.m. start and White Pine on Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. tip.
"Overall I am pleased," Wallock said. "After getting killed by Elko, to come out and compete against Lowry was all I could ask for."
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