BASKETBALL

Cavemen control perimeter vs. Artesia

Matt Hollinshead
Carlsbad Current-Argus

CARLSBAD -- The Carlsbad boys basketball team seized control of the perimeter on both ends in Friday's 59-43 home win over Artesia.

Carlsbad senior point guard Ralph Cueto is fouled by Artesia senior forward Justin Houghtaling on his way to the basket in the fourth quarter Friday.

The Cavemen limited the Bulldogs' outside shot attempts, as well as their 3-pointers - just three total. Carlsbad recognized where the ball traveled in the passing lane up top, taking swipes at and intercepting the ball multiple times. The team had multiple steals and deflections and headed the other way.

"I think our defense came out with big intensity. Communication is key. We were on the same page, talking," senior point guard Ralph Cueto said. "You've got to be aggressive to the ball."

Artesia coach Michael Mondragon said his players rushed themselves at times when they didn't need to while setting up and taking shots.

"We got ourselves into some bad positions, a lot of lazy passes, things that are correctable," Mondragon said. "I really liked the way we played. We played hard all night. We just weren't consistent enough (Friday) to play with a good team like Carlsbad. We missed a lot of easy shots."

Although they started the game by softening up Artesia's post with layups, Carlsbad soon got its deeper shots going from different spots on the arc. As the game went on, Carlsbad continued attacking the basket from different angles, making shots and getting to the foul line repeatedly.

"That just gave us more and more energy to feed off it and keep scoring," junior forward Chris Johnson said.

Senior point guard Ralph Cueto and Johnson scored 12 points apiece, while senior guards Micah Calderon and Malachi Calderon each scored nine points. Senior guard Jordan Wright added eight points.

Junior center Brenden Boatwright missed his second straight game after badly spraining his left ankle last Friday at Volcano Vista, which he said before the game will likely miss the next couple weeks.

Johnson said Boatwright's absence has made Carlsbad "more determined" and reinforced that every player getting time on the floor must help out more.

"It's a little tough, but we can still get the job done. We are a team, and we all step up whenever we need to," Johnson said.

Artesia seniors Justin Houghtaling and Carlos Caldera scored 14 and 13 points, respectively. The Bulldogs dropped to 8-8 on the season.

Carlsbad (13-6) will host Roswell at 7 p.m. Saturday before starting District 4-6A play at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Clovis.

CARLSBAD 59, ARTESIA 43

Up next for Carlsbad: 7 p.m. Saturday vs. Roswell

Up next for Artesia: 7 p.m. Saturday vs. Hobbs

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