Tigers hang on to beat Buena Vista

Joe Zemba
·2 min read
Ethan Leyba drives past a a Buena Vista defender Friday evening in La Junta. Leyba scored nine points in the Tiger's 53-49 victory.
Ethan Leyba drives past a a Buena Vista defender Friday evening in La Junta. Leyba scored nine points in the Tiger's 53-49 victory.

Momentum is on the side of the La Junta Tigers boys’ basketball team following their third consecutive win Friday evening, a victory over a feisty Buena Vista team, 53-49.

“Buena Vista was a big win for us and hopefully our boys can use that momentum the rest of the season,” said La Junta head coach Greg Lovato. “It was a really good week of practice and showed come game time.”

Against Buena Vista, the Tigers erased an early 10-4 deficit to open the game by closing the first period 10-4 run to enter the second period tied with the Demons, 14-14.

The Tigers showed balance in the quarter, led by Donovan Romero’s two three-point baskets, complimented by post Trent Johnston, who scored four of his game high 16 points. Trevor Johnston and Anthony Torrez each contributed two points to help the Tigers.

In the second quarter, the Tigers jumped out to a five-point lead, 22-17, highlighted by consecutive three-point buckets by Trevor Johnston. La Junta outscored Buena Vista 12-7 in the quarter, giving the Tigers a 26-21 lead at the break.

Trent Johnston shoots from the three-point line during Friday night's game against Buena Vista. Johsnton led the Tigers with 16 points.
Trent Johnston shoots from the three-point line during Friday night's game against Buena Vista. Johsnton led the Tigers with 16 points.

The game remained narrow throughout, LJ holding the lead after the third quarter 36-33. Fourth quarter, each team managed a game high 17-point outpouring, with the Tigers able to hang on to the three-point margin and claim victory, 53-49.

Trent Johnston led La Junta with 16 points, followed by Romero 11, Trevor Johnston 9, Ethan Leyba 9, and Torrez 8.

“The boys have definitely grown since the beginning of the season and we hope we continue to grow and compete every game the rest of the season and earn an opportunity to participate in the playoffs,” said Lovato of the Tigers recent stretch.

La Junta improves their overall record to 7-7 on the season and earned their second consecutive Tri-Peaks League win to move to 2-5 on league play. Buena Vista fell to 6-4 overall and 3-2 in league play.

Donovan Romero moves past a Buena Vista defender during Friday night's game at Tiger Gym. LJ defeated Buena Vista, 53-49.
Donovan Romero moves past a Buena Vista defender during Friday night's game at Tiger Gym. LJ defeated Buena Vista, 53-49.

Up next:

La Junta will travel to Colorado Springs to face league leading St. Mary’s High School. The Pirates enter the game 11-1 on the season and 5-0 against Tri-Peaks League opponents.

St. Mary’s is one of the top teams in 3A so we need another big week of practice and preparation and hopefully we will be able to compete,” said Lovato.

This article originally appeared on LA Junta Tribune: Tigers hang on to beat Buena Vista