Peñasco puts pedal to the metal
Coach Pacheco honors three players on Senior Night
Before what turned out to be a blowout victory over Questa on Saturday (Feb. 18), the Peñasco Panthers honored three of their seniors — Donnivan Aguilar, Elias Archibeque and Jeremiah Martinez — for Senior Night.
Coach Tim Pacheco started the ceremony by honoring Aguilar, who averages four rebounds per game for the Panthers. “Donny was actually our second-leading rebounder, third in scoring and had a heck of a senior season. We’re all proud of you, Donny,”
Pacheco said.
Pacheco moved on to Archibeque, who averages 20.9 points per game and 7.2 rebounds per game. “Great kid. Great attitude. If you guys have ever met Elias...he definitely made an impression on me with his sense of humor and just all the way around the way that Elias leaves his heart out on the floor every single night, and couldn’t be more proud of you,” the coach commented. “I’ve been a fan of yours from the sixth grade to this year, and got the pleasure of coaching you this year. Just your work ethic, your attitude, your leadership — the way you always consider others, Elias — and thank you for a great season.”
Pacheco ended the ceremony with his son and starting guard, Jeremiah Martinez, who averages 10.3 points per game and 3.4 assists per game.
“Had this guy in the gym since he was three years old and got to coach him for about half of his life and be a spectator and support you in that way,” Pacheco said. “For the other half of your life and got to coach you your senior year and very proud of you. Love you ...”
“And for your three seniors. I hope that basketball has that impact as a time in my life, where you take those characteristics of dealing with adversity — with success, with ups and downs and all that kind of stuff. And it prepares you and propels you to be successful in life,” Pacheco said.
Martinez is easy to spot on the hardwood with his patented Lamelo Ball Puma MB 01 Rick and Morty red and green basketball shoes. The right shoe is bright red while the left shoe is lime-green like an homage to red and green chile. In the post-game interview with the Taos News, coach Pacheco revealed that the distinctive neon colored sneakers Martinez wears were given to him as a birth present.
Questa almost went the whole first quarter without scoring. The Panthers did use a light full court press against the Wildcats, but it was once Questa crossed half court that the offense sputtered. Peñasco jumped out ahead of Questa 22-0. With 17 seconds to go in the first quarter, the Wildcats got their first field goal, a Juan Gonzalez putback off of a Noah Rael airball.
Questa scored once more in the
second quarter to make it 37-4 at halftime, just one point under the 35-point lead mercy rule, which effectively keeps the clock ticking unless a two or three-shot free throw takes place.
The Wildcats fared better in the second half, getting outscored 24-13 in the last two quarters. Marcus
Gonzalez started to showcase his skills in getting to the basket and finishing contested layups late in the fourth quarter.
Peñasco had four players to score in the double digits, winning the game 61-17. Gonzalez led Questa with eight points.