By J.T.Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elritomedia.com

Artesia Bulldogs boys’ basketball coach Michael Mondragon called for a White Out against the visiting Gallup Bengals. The Bulldogs turned the White Out into a 91-57 Black Out victory over the Bengals, who wore all black into the Bulldog Pit on Saturday.

“We knew that everyone was going to come in here and give us their best shot,” Mondragon said. “Gallup did a great job of frustrating us at times and getting to the rim. I thought we came out after half and challenged them defensively.”

With the win, the No. 2 seed Bulldogs (18-9) advanced to the state quarterfinals, where they will play No.7 seed Valley (15-14) in Albuquerque at the University of New Mexico’s University Arena at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 12. The winner will advance to the semifinals at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13.

The game against Gallup was never in doubt as the Bulldogs used their superior height to score inside the paint at will.

The Bulldogs received balanced scoring as five players scored in double figures. Among the highlights was Clay Kincaid scoring on a dunk and leading all scorers with 21 points. Teammate Trent Egeland chipped in with 13 points.

Artesia never took its foot off the gas. The Bulldogs attacked the basket on fast breaks, and once the game turned into a slow-paced affair, they continued to throw the ball into the post where the Bulldogs’ big men scored or were fouled.

The Bulldogs showed no ill effects after losing their previous two games. The team was focused and Mondragon said nothing was mentioned about the losses. The whole week of preparations was about beating the Bengals.

“There is nothing we can do about the past,” Mondragon said. “We never mentioned the losses. We were focused on the game with Gallup.”

J.T. Keith can be reached at jtkeith@elritomedia.com.