The Battle Mountain High School boys basketball team continued its winning ways, dominating White Pine and Coral Academy this past weekend at home.
On Friday, Battle Mountain played host to White Pine, with an opportunity to set up a second-place game the following Friday against West Wendover.
The Bobcats are currently fighting for their playoff lives and needed the win desperately. However, they could not match up with the talented Longhorns.
White Pine started tough, exchanging shots with the Longhorns and held a 6-5 lead in the early going. The Longhorns responded with 10 unanswered points and did not relinquish the lead again.
The Longhorns extended their lead to 41-20 at halftime after a dominating performance from Chris Figueroa, Reese Artz and Bradley Rodgers. Miles Piramide led the Longhorns with 14 points, while Mason Fuller posted another 11 points against the Bobcats.
Figueroa’s 13 rebounds, four assists and three steals helped the Longhorns suppress the Bobcats efforts and allowing some bench players extended court time.
Other notable stats include Artz with a 10-point outing, Eddie Morfin with six rebounds and Rodgers ended the game with three steals and two blocks. The Longhorns defeated the Bobcats by a final score of 68-45.
“We had a good weekend trying to gain confidence and momentum heading into the big game against West Wendover next Friday,” said BMHS head coach Roger Wallock. “We need a big crowd and a rowdy gym for this final regular season game, and need to support the seven seniors who have put in so much time and dedication into the Longhorn basketball program.”
On Saturday, Battle Mountain faced Coral Academy of Reno in a non-conference match-up. The Falcons came into the game with a 7-10 record on the year and is expected to join the Northern 2A e next season.
The Longhorns got their first look at the Falcons Saturday and did not blink, as they captured an early six-point lead at the end of the first quarter at 21-15.
Battle Mountain ran its offense with precision, earning high percentage shots throughout the game. Figueroa, Piramide, Fuller and Gabe Naveran each scored in double digits with Figueroa’s 18-points leading the team. Piramide, Danny Diaz and Diego Saenz each led the Longhorns with three assists against, while Fuller added three steals with his 14-point game.
The high percentage shooting helped the Longhorns build a dominating lead against the Falcons resulting in a running clock. The Longhorns finished the contest with a 76-40 victory.
The two wins brought the Longhorns season record to 22-4 and 11-2 in league play. The win against White Pine set up a critical game against the West Wendover Wolverines on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
The winner will be the number two seed in the Northern 2A Regional Championships in Elko and will earn a first-round bye.
Pershing County leads the Northern 2A at 11-1 with games against White Pine and North Tahoe still left.
West Wendover (-3) is third and Yerington (6-6) and Incline (5-7) are fighting for the fourth and final playoff spot.
Democracy Prep (formerly Agassi prep) leads the Southern 2A at 13-0. Lake Mead is second at 9-4 and Needles and The Meadows are tied for third at 8-6. Mountain View sits one game out of the playoffs at 7-7
Coach Wallock and the Battle Mountain Longhorns are calling for team supporters to come out in full force against a talented Wolverine team with the hope home court advantage will overwhelm their opponents.
For photos, see Page 17.
