Boatwright returns, helps Cavemen win at Hobbs

HOBBS -- Everything was bigger with Brenden Boatwright’s return.

The Carlsbad junior center not only provided that extra size inside, but also extra firepower and renewed energy at Hobbs.

The Cavemen responded well to Boatwright’s presence on the floor, taking down the Eagles 63-46 Friday at Tasker Arena to force another District 4-6A regular season tiebreaker.

"I love everybody in that locker room. I love them to death. Those are my brothers. I was ready to take it to (Hobbs)," said an emotional Boatwright. "You can't write it any better. This is a storybook tale right here that you can't repeat."

Boatwright missed the previous eight games recovering from a sprained left ankle. He suffered the injury going up for a rebound Jan. 15 at Volcano Vista.

"It was hard to watch. But any time we were winning, I'm in good spirit," Boatwright said.

Easing his way back into the regular rotation by coming off the bench, his impact was instant.

Hobbs wasn’t able to enter inside to the basket like it did the previous meeting in Carlsbad. The Eagles had to resort to additional outside shooting, which isn’t one of their main strengths like it was in last season’s 6A state title run.

As for Carlsbad, getting Boatwright back fired up the team. He attacked the rim with his 6-foot-9 frame, and teammates followed suit.

Senior point guard Ralph Cueto threw an alley-oop to Boatwright in the second quarter – resulting in a thunderous layup.

"I think (Boatwright) being back just makes us more confident and successful. He's a big man. No one can stop him," Cueto said. "We had a height advantage against Hobbs, and we used it to get our rebounds and run the ball."

When Boatwright was called for his third foul with about a minute left in the third quarter, things became a bit shaky.

Having to go smaller inside with senior small forward Daniel Miller subbing in for Boatwright, things weren’t quite the same.

Hobbs started charging at the basket more often and slowly chipped away at Carlsbad’s lead with a few big layups.

But Carlsbad got Boatwright back into the game a minute into the fourth quarter.

From there, things returned to the way they were prior to Boatwright’s third foul.

"His size is just not matched by anyone. He gets down there with his hands up. Whenever Boat isn't on the floor, it's obviously going to be a disadvantage for us because he's 6-9. He's a giant in there," said Miller, who had nine points and three rebounds.

With Boatwright creating mismatches inside against Hobbs bigs Nathan Smith and Clay Strasner, the Cavemen resumed its onslaught attacking the basket. They knocked down shots and took multiple trips to the foul line, getting coach Jamaal Brown his first-ever win at Tasker Arena where crowds are often hostile.

Carlsbad was all smiles after the game, with cheers stretching across the locker room - not only because they beat Hobbs at Tasker Arena, but also because they got Boatwright back in time to make it happen.

Boatwright had 10 points, seven rebounds and a steal in his return.

"It was great to get him back. He's a big part of this team, physically and mentally. It's just a big, proud moment. All of us are so happy that he's back. We just want him to be healthy, for sure," senior shooting guard Micah Calderon said. "On offense, he just helps us. He opens up the court, spaces it out. If we need a quick bucket, he's good at getting offensive rebounds."

Cueto had a game-high 19 points, along with one rebound and one steal. Micah Calderon had 18 points, five rebounds and three steals.

Hobbs' Pierre Swain had 12 points, five rebounds and one steal. And Hobbs' Smith and Strasner combined for 18 points, 11 rebounds and three steals.

Carlsbad (19-7, 5-1) and Hobbs (15-8, 5-1) will play its second-straight district regular season tiebreaker at 7 p.m. Monday at Artesia.

The loser of that game will host the Alamogordo-Clovis winner in the district tournament semifinals on Thursday, and the winner will host the District 4-6A tournament championship game on that Saturday.

CARLSBAD 63, HOBBS 46

DISTRICT 4-6A REGULAR SEASON STANDINGS

1. Carlsbad (19-7, 5-1)

1. Hobbs (15-8, 5-1)

3. Alamogordo (8-18, 2-4)

4. Clovis (3-21, 0-6)

Current-Argus Sports Editor Matt Hollinshead may be reached at 575-628-5518.