Cards Defense Excels, Offense Comes Up Short

FARMINGTON — A chance to take the lead eluded Farmington down the stretch and the Cardinals suffered a disappointing, 43-41, Colors Day loss to Russellville Friday.

“It’s the same ol’ story for us,” said Farmington coach Beau Thompson. “We play extremely hard, battle every possession which we have to, hold a team to 43 points and still lose. We hold Alma to 56 points and still lose on Tuesday.”

Two offensive fouls against Russellville sandwiched around Skyler Montez’ 15-feet pull-up jumper brought Farmington within 35-34 at the end of the third quarter. The Cardinals never could get over the hump, although Skyler Montez tied the game at 41-41 after Peyton Maxwell tipped a pass that resulted in a steal. Skyler Montez hit a short jumper and was fouled, but the free throw that would have put Farmington ahead wouldn’t go down. Russellville went ahead 42-41 with a free throw with 1:07 left, but Farmington missed a 15-footer then waited too long to foul.

The clock was down to 2.2 seconds before Farmington stopped it with a foul. Again Russellville was only able to hit 1 of 2 free throws, but Maxwell’s desperation half-court shot missed as time expired and Russellville escaped with a 2-point win.

“Seems like we’re always playing from behind,” Thompson said. “We can’t ever get a stop we need and take the lead. We’ve got to keep playing, guard the paint and keep grinding. I do think we got better tonight.”

Russellville led 25-16 at the half, but Farmington steadily chipped away and kept the game close. They just couldn’t seal the deal, missing the ‘And One’ three times during the contest. Maxwell began a 6-0 Farmington run with free throws. Skyler Montez turned into his man and scored easily in the paint, then Maxwell stole the dribble and scored but couldn’t convert a 3-point play. He did have a nifty tip-toe dance along the baseline taking the path left open when the Cyclones tried trapping him in the corner. The reverse lay-up and Cade Killion’s 3-pointer drew Farmington with 29-27 and they kept the pressure on Russellville for the remainder of the contest.

RUSSELLVILLE 43, FARMINGTON 41

Farmington 11 5 18 7 — 41 Russellville 16 9 10 8 — 43 Farmington (6-11): Peyton Maxwell 19, Skyler Montez 13, Cade Killion 5, Xavier Staten 2, Jacob Gray 2 Russellville (5-13): Bryson George 9, Javion White 8, Rhett Adkins 8, Kade Shaffer 7, Taelon Peter 6, Ryne Sitowski 4, Talley 1

Alma 56, Farmington 44

Farmington made six 3-pointers, but couldn’t matchup with Alma’s taller post players. Kade Wood, a 6-foot-6 senior, scored 18 points for Alma as the Airdales handed Farmington a 56-44 loss Tuesday, Jan. 16 at Cardinal Arena. Forward Garrison Jensen was also in double figures with 13 points for Alma. Maxwell led Farmington with 13 points.

ALMA 56, FARMINGTON 44

Alma 18 13 11 14 —56 Farmington 12 8 14 10 —44 Alma (10-6): Kade Wood 18, Garrison Jensen 13, Christian Stahler 10, Brayden Johnson 7, Tanner Shelton 5, Cejay Mann 3. Farmington (6-11): Peyton Maxwell 13, Xavier Staten 9, Jaylen Montez 9, Skyler Montez 7, Jacob Gray 4, Cade Killion 2.

MARK HUMPHREY ENTERPRISE-LEADER Farmington senior Xavier Staten draws contact as he tries to shoot in the lane against Russellville. The Cyclones handed Farmington a disappointing, 43-41, loss as Colors Day was celebrated Friday.