Hondo’s gym provided a unique angle for basketball photos.
Russell Huffman | El Defensor Chieftain

HONDO—A third of the way through District 3-1A basketball action, the Alamo Navajo Cougars are 3-0 and have emerged as the favorite to win the boys championship after a 73-48 win against Hondo on Jan. 28.

The Cougars still have six games before they can lift what would be their first-ever district championship trophy, and while their coach Lemuel Guerro isn’t looking forward, he does know if his team takes care of business, they have a legitimate shot.

Alamo hasn’t played Mountainair in district yet, but the Cougars handed out a 79-49 whipping at the Reserve tournament and are in total control of their own destiny. Guerro has added new faces to his bench.

“We have five seniors on this team, and I want to look toward next year and give these younger guys some experience in meaningful games,” Guerro said. “This gives me some options to use, and they will be getting more time in practice.”

Alamo started the season with only 10 players on the varsity squad, and Guerro is likely to need his younger players to provide some relief down the stretch when and if the Cougars run into foul trouble as they did in the championship game of the Striking Eagle Invitation tournament earlier in the season.

Against Hondo, the Cougars didn’t have many problems, and the on-the-court chemistry Guerro has been brewing showed itself early. Alamo clicked on all cylinders and established a 24-10 lead that swelled into a 49-19 edge at the half.

Alamo showed the ability to strike from all over the court. Jay Apachito pumped in nine points that all came from behind the arc to pace the fast start. Jacob Apache, Mathis Apachito, Mike Monte, Scotty Guerro, Mclane Guerro and Isaiah Secatero all got on the scoreboard in the opening frame.

In the second half, Guerro kept moving his players on and off the court and found scoring from all of the combinations that he mixed in.

The Cougars have a three-game road stretch. Rather than take a bye, Guerro has Mescalero Apache on his team’s schedule on Feb. 3. Given the two competitive games between the two teams this season, the contest comes at the right time to keep the Cougars focused.

Before returning home on Feb. 11 with a rematch against Hondo, Alamo faces Mountainair on Feb. 6 and Corona on Feb. 10.

Scoring

Emmett Duffy 1, Jacob Apache 6, Mathis Apachito 8, Mike Monte 9, Scotty Guerro 8, Wyatt Hunter 6, Jay Apachito 18, Zephaniah Guerro 4, Mclane Guerro 4, Isaiah Secatero 4, Anderson Pino 2.