The Indian basketball team took out 3A’s No. 9 Slaton, 52-50, on Tuesday, taking its record to 9-0.
Senior guard Jordan Garcia led scoring with 13 points while senior forward Kaleb Price had 10 points and 11 rebounds on the night.
As a team, the Indians had 22 rebounds, 10 steals and 10 assists versus the Tigers.
The Indians started off this year with an incomplete varsity as the Indian football team made its way in the playoffs.
“It was difficult, but it has helped us build our team chemistry with younger players,” Price said. “It shows our talent and gives them experience for what they will face next year.”
The Indians will capitalize on their strengths this season.
“Our team has great guard play, team speed and defense,” Coach Tanner Moore said. “We are an experienced group with a lot of basketball under our belts and a good understanding of team concepts.”
The team has the motto Don’t Be Different, Be Better.”
“We may run the same defenses as other teams, but we just have to do better,” junior guard Tristan Flemons said. “That mindset is what separates good teams from great teams.”
Six Indians played most of last year on JV.
“Our goal is to get as good as we can possible get,” Moore said. “We have young players in new roles who have really stepped up to begin the season. Several key backups are young players in their first year on varsity, and they have already made huge contributions to our team.”
Junior guard C.J. Mendoza, who scored six points on Tuesday, has prepared for the season start in two ways.
“I’ve been praying a lot because prayer works,” Mendoza said. “Coach Moore has been talking to us and getting us ready, and I have been putting the work in.”
The Indians hope to defend their undefeated title at the Graham Tournament this weekend.
